The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
LEE, HOWARD V.
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: 1 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.
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