The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Corps of Engineers) John Clifford Hodges Lee, Jr. (ASN: 0-23688), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 23 December 1944, near ****, Belgium. Major Lee, Battalion S-3, volunteered for, planned, led and successfully executed a bridge demolition mission two and one-half miles behind the enemy’s front lines. En route to the objective, Major Lee skillfully by-passed enemy sentries and strongpoints and with utter disregard for his own safety made repeated reconnaissance into possible danger areas. During work upon the bridge, enemy vehicles and foot troops moved constantly back and forth. Major Lee accomplished the task efficiently, silently and speedily. His technical skill and foresightedness in preparatory planning, his courageous and inspiring leadership and cool-headedness during tense moments, assured accomplishment of a mission that greatly hindered enemy movement and materially delayed his advance. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.