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 Rabun A. Lee, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 16 February 1944. When a German counterattack temporarily forced back a flank of his Infantry Company, Sergeant Lee, commanding an attached heavy machine gun section, exposed himself to enemy machine pistol, machine gun, rifle and shell fire, bullets and shell fragments striking within inches of him as he moved, to crawl 75 yards from gun to gun to direct their fire and aid in halting the German penetration. At one time during the 10-hour battle, Sergeant Lee observed an enemy machine gun crew working into position. He laid one of his guns on the enemy, held his men’s fire until the German squad was completely in position and then ordered his squad to open fire. His decision resulted in destruction of the enemy gun and its three-man crew before they could fire a round. In addition to directing his sections fire throughout the day, Sergeant Lee killed three enemy riflemen with his accurate rifle fire. 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.