Joseph H. Lee

Sergeant, U. S. Army

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 66 (December 20, 1944)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Joseph H. Lee (ASN: 38409549), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 20 October 1944, near ****, Holland.
Sergeant Lee, Squad Leader, Company H, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, demonstrated great initiative and high personal courage on the night of October 1 and 2, 1944, when he personally killed and wounded many of the enemy and knocked out two armored vehicles. While Sergeant Lee's position was under a heavy enemy attack supported by armored vehicles, he moved freely about to each man in his squad position and encouraged them. In the early morning while the enemy, after heavy casualties, withdrew, Sergeant Lee raced under enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, to a position where he knew an abandoned 50 caliber machine gun to be located. He quickly manned the gun, engaged the enemy 20-mm. cannon, knocked out the enemy armored vehicles, and killed and wounded many enemy personnel. As a result of his courageous action the lines of defense were reestablished and one of the most important defensive sectors of the area remained intact.
Sergeant Lee's dominant leadership through his perseverance and gallant actions was a favorable reflection on the high traditions of the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.