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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Chris Lee (ASN: 54614), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company K, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Cantigny, France, 27 May 1918. During an enemy raid Private Lee exposed himself to heavy artillery, machine-gun, and rifle fire to go to the company dump for ammunition. Although wounded twice when en route to the dump and three times more while returning, he persisted and delivered to his squad the needed ammunition and then acted as loader for an automatic rifle team until the attack was repulsed.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    26th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    May 27 – 31, 1918
    Headquarters, 1st Division, A.E.F., General Orders No. 29 (June 22, 1918)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private First Class Chris Lee, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Private First Class Lee distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 26th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the operations connected with the capture and defense of Cantigny, France, 27 to 31 May 1918. Private First Class Lee upon seeing the first leader of an auto-rifle team fall wounded while going into action, ran forward, took up the ammunition and the equipment of the wounded man and served the gun himself until he, himself, was severely wounded.