Reid, Beverly William, ENS

ENS Reid was assigned to VF-6 aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6). He took off from the ship on August 24, 1942. He flew one of the 27 VF-6 planes scrambled for the CAP over TF 17, and, as one of two pilots listed as missing, was probably shot down by a Zero in the ensuing action. ENS Reid was presumed missing in action. His remains were unrecoverable. On August 25, 1943 he was presumed killed in action.

Service numbers: Enlisted - 2742159   Officer - 137130

Navy Cross
Awarded for Action During World War II
Service: Navy
Battalion: Fighting Squadron 6 (VF-6)
Division: U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 310 (January 1943)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign [then Machinist] Beverly W. Reid (NSN: 0-137130), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron SIX (VF-6), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 - 6 June 1942. As a member of a combat patrol on 4 June, Machinist Reid sighted two enemy torpedo planes approaching the U.S.S. YORKTOWN. With bold aggressiveness and extreme disregard for his own personal safety, he intercepted and shot down the first craft, then pressed home his attack against the second until his persistent fire had rendered sufficient damage to cause the plane to burst into flames. Again, on 6 June, as a member of an attack group, he defied a tremendous barrage of concentrated anti-aircraft fire to strafe an enemy destroyer at close range and inflict considerable damage upon that vessel. His superb initiative and expert airmanship contributed materially to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.