The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander James Richard Lee, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron TEN (VS-10), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area during the period 13 to 15 November 1942. Lieutenant Commander Lee lead his scouting squadron against heavy Japanese cruiser and transport forces, launching numerous daring attacks against the enemy, inflicting great losses in ships and men. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderBatallion:
Scouting Squadron 10 (VS-10)Division:
U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)Action Date:
October 26, 1942
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 316 (July 1943))The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander James Richard Lee, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commanding Officer of Scouting Squadron TEN (VS-10), embarked in U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6). Lieutenant Commander Lee led an offensive search immediately preceding an enemy attack on Japanese naval units near the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. Making contact with Japanese naval units, including aircraft carriers, Lieutenant Commander Lee succeeded in penetrating the enemy’s air and surface screens to develop the contact, and then transmitted an accurate radio report while fighting his way through repeated attacks by enemy fighters, dooming one. Although his plane was heavily hit by enemy gunfire, he landed safely back aboard the carrier.