Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Tactical Air Control Squadron 2

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    August 3 – September 5; September 15– October 12; & November 20– December 10, 1950

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Christian C. Lee (MCSN: 0-7378), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Officer in Charge of the Close Air Support Section and Commanding Officer of Marine Tactical Air Control Squadron TWO within the Pusan perimeter from 3 August to 5 September 1950, in the Inchon-Seoul invasion from 15 September to 12 October 1950 and in the Hagaru-Ri area of Korea from 20 November 1950 to 10 December 1950. Operating under extremely adverse conditions and often under enemy fire, through his personal courage and leadership he maintained continuous and unfailing control of Close Air Support aircraft. In North East Korea, Major Lee, realizing that his section could not carry out its mission of coordinating the Close Air Support for the FIRST Marine Division and other elements of the Tenth Corps, U.S. Army in the Chosin Reservoir area from its position in a rear area, moved his section forthwith to Hagaru-Ri. This decision and his conduct of his unit’s operations from this position contributed essentially to the successful withdrawal of the United Nations Forces from that area. Major Lee was directly instrumental in developing and sustaining the efficient, continuous, and devastating Close Air Support rendered the United Nations Forces during this critical period. His personal courage, determination, outstanding leadership and heroic actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.