The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Fred E. Lee, Jr. (ASN: 33132089), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division in action on 12 November 1944 in the vicinity of Malling, France. During a heavy enemy counterattack, the Forward Artillery Observation Post of the 2d Battalion, 359th Infantry Regiment, was surrounded by enemy tanks and infantry. Staff Sergeant Lee, Forward Artillery Observer, at risk of his life, remained at the Observation Post and directed accurate artillery fire upon the enemy. When the enemy attempted to infiltrate into his position, he shot one and physically overpowered another. By skillful direction of effective artillery support fire and complete devotion to duty aided materially in the repulsion of the enemy counterattack. His gallantry was in accordance with high military tradition.