Rear Adm. Reid P. Fiala, 78, Winner of Silver Star, Dies

Retired Rear Adm. Reid P. Fiala, who was awarded the Silver Star for his role in the fight for control of the Surigao Strait in the Philippines in World War II, has died.

Fiala, whose last command was of the Terminal Island Navy Station in 1958, was 78 when he died July 29 at his home in Rolling Hills Estates.

He was the commander of the destroyer Remey in October, 1944, when the Japanese navy challenged their American counterparts for control of Leyte Gulf. The Remy was credited with firing the first salvos in the battle that eventually destroyed what was left of the Japanese fleet.

Fiala also was awarded the Bronze Star for battles off Saipan and Tinian and after the war headed a force of ships participating in Operation Sealift, a joint exercise with Southeast Asia Treaty Organization allies.

Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth, two daughters, a son, 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.