The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Armor), [then First Lieutenant] Robert Elward Lee (ASN: 0-446843), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 67th Armored Regiment, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 17 November 1944. Captain Lee’s unit, after suffering a heavy loss of tanks, had been ordered to withdraw from their positions. Captain Lee, acting without order, chose to keep his three remaining tanks in place to cover the withdrawal of the infantry. He then ordered two tanks to withdraw while he remained upon the exposed alone until the last infantryman had made it, making himself the sole target of the enemy guns. Captain Lee’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.