The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Sergeant Cleo Edwin Lee (MCSN: 1023518), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as First Sergeant with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 2 June 1967. During Operation UNION II, First Sergeant Lee’s company was advancing through a large rice paddy in Quang Tin Province when it was taken under intense rifle, automatic weapons and mortar fire from a numerically superior enemy force. As forward elements of the company became heavily engaged in close combat with the enemy, the company’s commanding officer and two platoon commanders were killed in the action. Displaying outstanding initiative and courage, First Sergeant Lee unhesitatingly assumed command of the company and immediately organized the squads and established effective control over the various units. Supervising the evacuation of casualties from the open rice paddy, he personally carried many of the wounded to a more secure area. With complete disregard for his own safety, First Sergeant Lee moved from one platoon to another throughout the afternoon in order to direct and encourage his men. Demonstrating thorough knowledge of military tactics, he directed effective air support and artillery fire upon the well entrenched enemy while simultaneously directing the fire of 60-mm. mortars, subsequently enabling forward elements to overrun the enemy positions. After establishing a night defensive perimeter, he remained alert to the tactical situation and assisted in rendering aid and comfort to the wounded. His inspiring and courageous leadership reassured his men during the critical stages of the battle and contributed significantly to the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his exceptional professionalism, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, First Sergeant Lee upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.