2 Battalion, 1 Maritime Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, was posthumously awarded the George Cross for the "gallant and utterly selfless action" he showed after the merchant ship SS Cormount was attacked by German E-boats and planes on 20 June 1941.

Despite his injuries, he rescued the injured Chief Officer from the badly damaged bridge and carried him down two sets of ladders to safety.

He also managed to move an injured steward to cover before dying minutes later of his wounds.

Reeds' George Cross citation appeared in The London Gazette on 23 September 1941:[2] The King has been graciously pleased to award the George Cross to: Henry Herbert Reed (deceased), Gunner.

She replied at once with her defensive armament and the men at the guns went on firing despite the hail of bullets and cannon shell.