Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class

    Regiment:

    3d Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    November 21, 1943

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 328 (July 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class James Luther Lee, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman with the Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy forces at Piva Forks, Bougainville, Solomon Islands on 21 November 1943. Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Lee disregarded warnings that he faced certain death and braved heavy fire in an attempt to reach an injured Marine. Struck by bullets almost immediately, he dragged himself to the side of the wounded man and was administering first aid when both he and his patient were killed by machine-gun fire. By his courage and efforts in behalf of others at great risk to his own life, Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Lee undoubtedly saved many lives, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.