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John
Marshall
Lee
October 14, 1914

–

September 22, 2003

John Lee graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1935. He retired as a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Boise (CL-47)

    Action Date:

    October 11 – 12, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant John Marshall Lee (NSN: 0-75114), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as a Navigation Officer and Officer-of-the-Deck aboard the Light Cruiser U.S.S. BOISE (CL-47), during action against enemy Japanese forces off Cape Esperance, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. Although dangerously exposed to enemy fire and hampered by the difficulty of maintaining contact with the flagship on a dark night, Lieutenant Lee, from his station on the open battle conning platform, kept his ship in position astern the U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO for the duration of the action. Driven out of formation at times by threatening torpedoes and once forced from his own station by flames and fragments from an 8-inch shell burst, he carried on with courageous determination and complete disregard for his own personal safety. His conscientious devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    August 26, 1963 – January 20, 1965
    All Hands (August 1965)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral John Marshall Lee (NSN: 0-75114), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. SEVENTH Fleet, from 26 August 1963 to 20 January 1965. Rear Admiral Lee organized and trained his forces to the degree of readiness that they were able to respond to contingency deployment orders on extremely short notice many times. His maintenance of these forces in a ready condition afloat in the South China Sea for two months in response to the Tonkin Gulf events of August 1964 demonstrated the unique capability of the U.S. Navy to keep amphibious power on the high seas for prolonged periods. Rear Admiral Lee also directed Exercise BIG DIPPER, Exercise BACK PACK, and Exercise LIGTAS, the largest SEATO amphibious/airborne exercise ever held.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    May 17 – June 9, 1965

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral John Marshall Lee (NSN: 0-75114), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Officer of the United States/Organization of American States Emergency Relief Mission to the Dominican Republic, from 17 May to 9 June 1965. As the first officer selected for this Mission, Rear Admiral Lee skillfully organized the selection of additional military personnel, and the integration of military and State Department personnel into nine joint teams; secured the assistance of military and naval forces, without which the overall task of the Mission could not have been accomplished; and, for a considerable period, took charge of the entire Relief Team operation. The Mission trebled the flow of free food into Santo Domingo and throughout the country; expedited deliver of essential medical supplies, restored the distribution system for POL; and dealt with a wide variety of health and other relief problems. Working under conditions of substantial hardship, and at times exposed to hostile fire, Rear Admiral Lee, by his dynamic leadership, forceful initiative, skilled diplomacy, and exceptionally sound judgment in an emergency, contributed in large measure to the success of an extremely hazardous mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    April 1969 – February 1970
    Board Serial 217 (February 21, 1970)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral John Marshall Lee (NSN: 0-75114), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander Eastern Sea Frontier and Vice Chairman, United States Delegation, United Nations Military Staff Committee, during the period April 1969 to February 1970. Exercising outstanding professional competence, foresight, resourcefulness, and diplomacy, Vice Admiral Lee applied his exceptional talents and energy to the task of advising and supporting the United States Representative on the Security Council and other U.S. Representatives at the United Nations, while providing information and advice, as appropriate, to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. By his leadership and personal example, he succeeded in fostering a spirit of mutual trust and cooperation between the Office of the United States Delegation to the Military Staff Committee and the offices with which it dealt. During his tenure, Vice Admiral Lee rendered advice and assistance on numerous matters of great importance, including the peace keeping and arms control in Europe and the Middle East, the several Middle East border incidents, and the continuing conflict in Southeast Asia. As Commander Eastern Sea Frontier, he exercised wisdom, sound judgment, organizational ability, and untiring zeal in ensuring maximum operational and administrative efficiency. By his inspiring and distinguished performance of duty throughout this period, Vice Admiral Lee upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.