Unit/Command: Company I, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division
Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Action Date: February 1, 1951
Medal of Honor Action Place: near Ip-o-ri, Korea
Citation
M/Sgt. Lee, a member of Company I, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. When his platoon was forced from its position by a numerically superior enemy force, and his platoon leader wounded, M/Sgt. Lee assumed command, regrouped the remnants of his unit, and led them in repeated assaults to regain the position. Within 25 yards of his objective he received a leg wound from grenade fragments, but refused assistance and continued the attack. Although forced to withdraw five times, each time he regrouped his remaining men and renewed the assault. Moving forward at the head of his small group in the fifth attempt, he was struck by an exploding grenade, knocked to the ground, and seriously wounded in both legs. Still refusing assistance, he advanced by crawling, rising to his knees to fire, and urging his men to follow. While thus directing the final assault, he was wounded a third time, by small-arms fire. Persistently continuing to crawl forward, he directed his men in a final and successful attack which regained the vital objective. His intrepid leadership and determination led to the destruction of 83 of the enemy and withdrawal of the remainder, and was a vital factor in stopping the enemy attack. M/Sgt. Lee's indomitable courage, consummate valor, and outstanding leadership reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the infantry and the U.S. Army.
Additional Details
Accredited to: Leland, Washington County, Mississippi
Awarded Posthumously: No
Presentation Date & Details: January 29, 1952 The White House, presented by Pres. Harry S. Truman
Born: February 2, 1915, Arburg, MO, United States
Died: November 5, 1982, Jackson, MS, United States
Buried: Leland-Stoneville Cemetery (MH), Stoneville, MS, United States