Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technician Fourth Grade [then Private First Class]

    Division:

    11th Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    December 10, 1944

    Headquarters, 11th Airborne Division, General Orders No. 181 (December 11, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade [then Private First Class] Robert J. Lee (ASN: 39904687), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 11th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy at Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 10 December 1944. Technician Fourth Grade Lee had just been relieved of his duties as switchboard operator and was on the way to his tent when he saw an enemy patrol of about 30 men approaching his station. After verifying these man as enemy, he went through the camp awakening his comrades. In the ensuing attack and while under heavy fire from the enemy machine gun, Technician Fourth Grade Lee secured a .30 caliber light machine gun from a nearby tent and fired upon the enemy patrol. He changed the position of his gun from time to time, until the enemy machine gun had been silenced and five of the enemy patrol had been killed. Technician Fourth Grade Lee’s bravery and quick action while under enemy fire was responsible for the driving off of the enemy patrol and the saving of a vital communication station. The courage and initiative displayed by this soldier are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.