The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

                          CORPORAL GEORGE N. LEE, JR.

   

           UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following

                   CITATION:

                              For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gun Squad Leader with Company H, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 May 1968, Corporal Lee's platoon was assigned to evacuate friendly casualties after elements of Company H had engaged a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying fortified positions southwest of Khe Sanh. As the Marines maneuvered toward the objective, Corporal Lee alertly observed a wounded comrade. While he was moving to assist the injured Marine, his unit suddenly came under an intense hostile hand grenade and small arms attack and was pinned down. Reacting instantly, he immediately commenced delivering suppressive machine gun fire upon an enemy emplacement. Disregarding his own safety, he unhesitatingly exposed himself to the hostile fire and fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain toward the North Vietnamese fortification. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting near him, he boldly threw hand grenades at the North Vietnamese soldiers occupying the position and, resolutely continuing to move forward, silenced the hostile fire. His heroic and timely actions were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Lee upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

For the President,

THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20550-1000

George N. Lee, Jr.

(MCSN: 2270446)