The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Lee Thomas Lasseter (MCSN: 0-74063), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a pilot of jet aircraft while attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron THREE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE (VMA-333), embarked in U.S.S. America (CVA-66). On 11 September 1972, during a coordinated air wing strike in North Vietnam, Major Lasseter was leading a Combat Air Patrol element. When informed of an enemy threat in the area, he immediately vectored his aircraft and wingman toward the enemy. Although outnumbered Major Lasseter heroically engaged the enemy, effectively diverting them from the strike force and destroying one of the aircraft. During his egress, another of the enemy made an attack. Even though, he was deep in enemy territory and damaged the enemy aircraft. Major Lasseter’s superb airmanship courage and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.