The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Terry Lee, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 and 31 December 1965, and 1 January 1966. Sergeant Lee was a Special Forces Advisor to a Civilian Irregular Defense Group company during Operation LE LOI 15, consisting of a 3-day operation involving one Civilian Irregular Defense Group and one Army of the Republic of Vietnam company with a dual mission of providing security for local rice harvesters and conducting clear-and-sweep operations in the vicinity of Khac Can and Huy Kheim villages located in the Binh Tuy Province, Republic of Vietnam. On the first night (30 December 1965), while establishing a forward operational base in the Khac Can village, the Viet Cong launched a heavy mortar attack followed by intensive small arms and automatic weapons fire. During this attack, Sergeant Lee, without regard for his own personal safety, moved to the defensive perimeter which was being hit the hardest, reorganized the Civilian Irregular Defense Group forces in that location, and repelled a platoon-size Viet Cong force which had nearly penetrated their defenses. Sergeant Lee was most instrumental in saving numerous lives and in the prevention of the enemy breakthrough. Sergeant Lee’s display of courage under fire during the 14 hours they were surrounded by a battalion-size enemy force and his valorous actions against a numerically superior armed enemy have won him the respect of his comrades and the Vietnamese alike. Sergeant Lee’s conspicuous gallantry under fire was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Special Forces, and the United States Army.