He took part in the assault and capture of Coyotepe and Barranca on November 19, 1912, for which he received a letter of commendation for gallantry and conspicuous service in action.

In 1921 to 1922 he attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and then served as commander of the Marine barracks at the Brooklyn Navy Yard from 1922 to 1924.

[1] He was a hereditary member of the District of Columbia Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS).

It is interesting that both the elder and younger George Croghan Reids were in the Marine Corps and both attained the rank of Brigadier General.

Citation: For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914; was eminent and conspicuous in command of his battalion; was in the fighting on both days and exhibited courage and skill in leading his men through action.

His cool judgment and courage and his skill in handling his men in encountering and overcoming the machinegun and rifle fire down Cinco de Mayo and parallel streets account for the small percentage of the losses of marines under his command.