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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor) Lee B. Alley (ASN: 0-5233466), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Alley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the early morning hours of 25 February 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, during a rocket, automatic weapons, a small arms attack on First Support Base JAEGER, Vietnam. Lieutenant Alley lost his command armored personnel carrier to an enemy rocket in the first few moments of the attack by an estimated reinforced Viet Cong main force battalion. Realizing the necessity of maintaining communications with his men, Lieutenant Alley immediately began moving along his entire perimeter to reposition and direct the fire of the defenders, although the insurgents were within ten meters of friendly lines and directing an intense volume of fire upon the friendly forces. After assuring himself that the positions were well manned, Lieutenant Alley further exposed himself to heavy volumes of enemy fire while moving from position to position, directing the successful defense of his sector. First Lieutenant Alley’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Armor)

    Batallion:

    5th Battalion (Mechanized)

    Regiment:

    60th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    9th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 18, 1967
    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2385 (May 20, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Armor) Lee B. Alley (ASN: 0-5233466), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Battalion (Mechanized), 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Alley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 November 1967 as leader of a platoon providing security for a fire support base in Ding Tuong Province. In the early morning hours, a Viet Cong battalion directed a coordinated mortar and ground attack on the platoon’s perimeter. The numerically superior enemy soon closed on the unit’s position, and Lieutenant alley decided to withdraw to a more defensible location near the artillery camp which was across a river. Braving savage fire, he exposed himself to the enemy weapons and directed his men to the stream, personally pulling a wounded comrade to the bank. Completely disregarding his safety, he then returned to his original position and poured murderous fire into the advancing enemy ranks to cover the movement of his troops. Heedless of a painful wound, he fought furiously until he ran out of ammunition. After obtaining another weapon and grenades, he continued his valiant fight until his men reached safety. He then maneuvered to join them and, after crossing the river, he sighted four soldiers remaining on the opposite side who were pinned down by heavy fire. Lieutenant Alley returned through a curtain of bullets to reach them and lead them back across the river to the new perimeter. He then directed ravaging air, artillery and gunship strikes on the insurgents which forced them to flee the battlefield in disorder. First Lieutenant Alley’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Armor)

    Regiment:

    60th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    9th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 8, 1967
    Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 688 (February 6, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to First Lieutenant (Armor) Lee B. Alley (ASN: 0-5233466), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Alley distinguished himself on 8 November 1967, while serving as a Platoon Leader on a sweep mission. The friendly force was moving toward a blocking position when they encountered a deep stream. A single rope bridge was constructed to effect the crossing, and as a machine gunner crossed, he fell into the rushing water. In total disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Alley leaped into the swollen stream and swam toward the floundering man, who had gone under due to the weight of his weapon and several hundred rounds of ammunition. Exerting every effort, Lieutenant Alley courageously pulled the man to the bank and administered artificial respiration. He then entered the stream once again and retrieved the machine gun. First Lieutenant Alley’s personal bravery and concern for a fellow soldier are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division and the United States Army.