Navy Federal Credit Union

During WWII Lee Hartell broke tradition with his Navy family, serving in the Army in the Pacific. Discharged after the war, he joined the Connecticut National Guard and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, then transferred to the regular Army as a Sergeant, then was called to duty as a reserve officer at Fort Dix before being sent to Korea.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    15th Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 27, 1951

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 16 (February 1, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Lee Ross Hartell (ASN: 0-944579), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Battery A, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kobangsan-ni, Korea, on 27 August 1951. During the darkness of early morning, the enemy launched a ruthless attack against friendly positions on a rugged mountainous ridge. First Lieutenant Hartell, attached to Company B, 9th Infantry Regiment, as forward observer, quickly moved his radio to an exposed vantage on the ridge line to adjust defensive fires. Realizing the tactical advantage of illuminating the area of approach, he called for flares and then directed crippling fire into the onrushing assailants. At this juncture a large force of hostile troops swarmed up the slope in banzai charge and came within ten yards of First Lieutenant Hartell’s position. First Lieutenant Hartell sustained a severe hand wound in the ensuing encounter but grasped the microphone with his other hand and maintained his magnificent stand until the front and left flank of the company were protected by a close-in wall of withering fire, causing the fanatical foe to disperse and fall back momentarily. After the numerically superior enemy overran an outpost and was closing on his position, First Lieutenant Hartell, in a final radio call, urged the friendly elements to fire both batteries continuously. Although mortally wounded, First Lieutenant Hartell’s intrepid actions contributed significantly to stemming the onslaught and enabled his company to maintain the strategic strongpoint. His consummate valor and unwavering devotion to duty reflect lasting glory on himself and uphold the noble traditions of the military service.