The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Lee N. Mead (MCSN: 1112709), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Battery D, Second Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), and serving as a member of a forward observer team of an infantry company, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 16 September 1951. When the enemy launched a night counterattack, Corporal Mead volunteered to repair a damaged communications line and, despite intense fire and complete darkness, succeeded in completing his task in time for devastating fire to be called down on the hostile forces. Although nearly exhausted, he bravely moved from one position to another along the firing line, encouraging his comrades and materially aiding the defense. When illumination was needed, he manually set off a trip flare and, despite painful wounds sustained during this act, refused to be evacuated, continuing to ignite flares to assist his unit. By his outstanding courage, aggressive skill and unswerving devotion to duty, Corporal Mead served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.