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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Elmo D. Lee (ASN: RA-35008368), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 13 February 1945. Sergeant Lee led a section of machine guns which were supporting a rifle company in an attack against cleverly concealed enemy bunkers located in open, grassy fields. One American soldier courageously worked his way to within twenty five yards of a Japanese position, but was seriously wounded by a burst of machine gun fire. Sergeant Lee immediately crawled forward to rescue him. He advanced fifty yards under enemy fire which threshed the grass around him. When he reached the casualty he found him immobile and unconscious. Although within range of hand grenades which were hurled at him from the enemy emplacement, Sergeant Lee administered first aid, and then dragged and carried the injured man to safety through the same hail of fire which had harassed 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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 29 & 30, 1950
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 50 (February 25, 1951), Amended by No. 71 (April 1, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Elmo D. Lee (ASN: RA-35008368), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 29 November 1950 and 30 November 1950, in the vicinity of Kunu-ri, Korea. On the night of 29 November 1950 he was a member of the Defense Platoon in position on the perimeter around the Division Command Post. When the command post was subjected to heavy enemy mortar and automatic weapons fire, Sergeant Lee, a gunner in a 75-mm. recoilless rifle crew, immediately commenced firing at the enemy positions. During this action the assistant gunner failed to remove the safety pin from a round, causing it to jam in the breach of the gun. Observing that the assistant gunner was unable to extricate the round, he obtained a rammer staff, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, remained exposed to the intense enemy fire as he moved to the muzzle of the weapon and dislodged the jammed round. After putting his weapon back in action, he aided materially in repelling the enemy attack. On 30 November 1950 he was riding in a convoy that was attempting to break through an enemy road block that was approximately five miles in depth. When the convoy was halted by intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, he remained on the weapons carrier, loading and firing his recoilless rifle by himself. His courageous actions in manning a crew-served weapon without aid, and in the face of enemy fire, were an inspiration to his comrades and aided greatly in the eventual passage of the convoy through the roadblock. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Lee on this occasion reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.