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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Captain Fitzhugh Lee (NSN: 0-60424), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Escort Carrier U.S.S. MANILA BAY (CVE-62), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the supporting landings in the Philippine Islands on 5 January 1945. When his ship was seriously damaged by an enemy aerial attack which disrupted virtually all internal and external communications and caused severe casualties, Captain Lee, by his personal courage and leadership, inspired a superbly indoctrinated ship’s company to localize raging fires and bring them under control, thereby averting possible disaster and enabling his ship to resume station and deliver air support within twenty-four hours. His initiative and devotion 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.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Manila Bay (CVE-61)

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 02333 (March 1, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Fitzhugh Lee (NSN: 0-60424), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Escort Carrier U.S.S. MANILA BAY (CVE-61), operating as a Unit of three Groups of Escort Aircraft Carriers in action against major ships of the Japanese Fleet during the Battle off Samar, on 25 October 1944. An aggressive and determined leader, Captain Lee courageously directed the activities of his ship and air department during the initial battle for Leyte Gulf and, by inspiring his officers and men to heroic efforts in the face of an attack by an overwhelming enemy Task Force of battleships, cruisers and destroyers, contributed materially to the infliction of severe damage on the Japanese Fleet. Through his gallant fighting spirit and expert seamanship, he was instrumental in turning potential defeat into a decisive victory, and his devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon Captain Lee and the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    April – September 1, 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 349 (April 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Vice Admiral Fitzhugh Lee (NSN: 0-60424), United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Public Information Officer on the staff of CincPac/Poa, from April 1945 to 1 September 1945.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    July 31, 1964 – June 1, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Fitzhugh Lee (NSN: 0-60424), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commandant of The National War College, from 31 July 1964 to 1 June 1967. During this period, Admiral Lee’s outstanding achievements and his dynamic leadership and initiative resulted in raising The National War College, already one of the nation’s most prestigious senior military institutions, to a new level of academic excellence. Future graduates of The National War College, both military and civilian, will be better able to develop and execute national security policy as a result of Admiral Lee’s contributions. These singularly distinctive accomplishments of Admiral Lee culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country, and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Navy.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    October 1961 – June 1964
    All Hands (August 1965)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Fitzhugh Lee (NSN: 0-60424), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Naval Air Training from October 1961 to June 1964. Vice Admiral Lee conceived and introduced many programs to his command which were instrumental in reducing the percentage of training failures, lowering over-all training costs due to improved selection and evaluation procedures, reducing accident rates and improving the quality of officer candidates. During this period, he obtained the support of both military and civilian groups essential to the continued enhancement of technical recruiting programs throughout his command. His personal concern and attention in the recall, deployment and final release of Reserve units incident o the Berlin crisis were evident in all phases of training, organization and tactical assignment of these personnel. The favorable reaction by Reservists to his handling of their problems was exemplified by the high percentages who elected to affiliate in a drill status after discharge.