Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
James
Madison
Lee
1926-10-15

–

2017-09-11

Born:

Scotts Hill

, 

North Carolina

Home:

Scotts Hill

, 

North Carolina

Buried: 

Scotts Hill

, 

North Carolina

Cemetery:

Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Cemetery

James Lee graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1950. He retired in 1985 as a U.S. Army Lieutenant General.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    1964 – 1965
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Madison Lee (ASN: 0-62578), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 1964 to 1965. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Lee and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    196th Infantry Brigade

    Division:

    23d Infantry Division (Americal)

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel (Infantry) James Madison Lee (ASN: 0-62578), United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Commanding Officer of the 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. Colonel Lee’s outstanding courage and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    1969
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) James Madison Lee (ASN: 0-62578), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Department of the Army, in 1969. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Lee and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 3, 1951
    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 43 (January 19, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James Madison Lee (ASN: 0-62578), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division (then a member of Company L, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division), near Tari-dong, Korea, on 3 August 1951. His platoon, acting as the assault element in an attack on enemy positions, was pinned down by intense bursts from an enemy machine gun nest. Realizing that his men were unable to move out of danger, Lieutenant Lee, Platoon Leader, unhesitatingly moved toward the critical emplacement. Exposing himself fearlessly to the murderous fire, he took an unprotected position and fired his pistol with devastating accuracy into the enemy emplacement, effectively pinning down its occupants and enabling his men to advance unopposed and destroy the strongpoint. With this key obstacle removed, the platoon was then able to capture the objective. Lieutenant Lee’s courageous action, exemplary leadership and selfless performance of duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    196th Infantry Brigade

    Division:

    23d Infantry Division (Americal)

    Action Date:

    1969 – 1970
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) James Madison Lee (ASN: 0-62578), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Lee and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.