The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Earl J. Lee (MCSN: 458238), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Scout in a Rifle Platoon of Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, from 15 to 29 September 1944. Subjected to intense hostile artillery, mortar and machine-gun fire, Private First Class Lee courageously advanced the entire fourteen hundred yards across an open airfield while directing our tank fire against numerous enemy pillboxes and installations, thereby contributing to the infliction of much damage on the enemy. Acting as a scout in a subsequent operation, he voluntarily crossed an open flat one hundred yards wide to draw fire from enemy cave positions and thus expose their locations. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.