

Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Marine
Corps, Company E, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein). Place
and date: Near Cam Lo,
Republic of
Vietnam, 8 and 9 August 1966. Entered service at: Dumfries,
Va. Born: l August 1933,
New York,
N.Y. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. A platoon of Maj. (then Capt.) Lee's company,
while on an operation deep in enemy territory, was attacked and surrounded by a
large Vietnamese force. Realizing that
the unit had suffered numerous casualties, depriving it of effective
leadership, and fully aware that the platoon was even then under heavy attack
by the enemy, Maj. Lee took 7 men and proceeded by helicopter to reinforce the
beleaguered platoon. Maj. Lee
disembarked from the helicopter with 2 of his men and, braving withering enemy
fire, led them into the perimeter, where he fearlessly moved from position to
position, directing and encouraging the overtaxed troops. The enemy then
launched a massive attack with the full might of their forces. Although painfully wounded by fragments from
an enemy grenade in several areas of his body, including his eye, Maj. Lee
continued undauntedly throughout the night to direct the valiant defense,
coordinate supporting fire, and apprise higher
headquarters of the plight of the platoon.
The next morning he collapsed from his wounds and was forced to
relinquish command. However the small
band of marines had held their position and repeatedly fought off many vicious
enemy attacks for a grueling 6 hours until their evacuation was effected the
following morning. Maj. Lee's actions
saved his men from capture, minimized the loss of lives, and dealt the enemy a
severe defeat. His indomitable fighting
spirit, superb leadership, and great personal valor in the face of tremendous
odds, reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.