Medal of Honor, Howard V. Lee – Vietnam War – August 8–9, 1966

Howard V. Lee 

Vietnam War 

August 8–9, 1966

Summary of Action:
On August 8, 1966, a platoon from Company E, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, operating deep in enemy territory near Cam Lo, Republic of Vietnam, was ambushed and encircled by a large Viet Cong force. With leadership among the platoon crippled by casualties, Major (then Captain) Howard V. Lee quickly organized a small relief force of seven men. Flying into the heart of the fight by helicopter, he disembarked with only two companions under intense enemy fire and pushed into the embattled perimeter. Once inside, Lee moved fearlessly from position to position, directing fire, rallying the exhausted Marines, and encouraging them to stand fast.

That night, the enemy launched repeated massed attacks. Despite being seriously wounded in multiple places by grenade fragments—including an injury to his eye—Lee continued to direct the defense, coordinate supporting arms, and keep higher headquarters informed of the platoon’s condition. After six hours of brutal, close-range fighting, the Marines still held their position. The next morning, Lee collapsed from his wounds and was evacuated, but his actions had saved the platoon from annihilation or capture, inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, and preserved the unit’s fighting capability.

Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. A platoon of Maj. (then Capt.) Lee’s company, while on an operation deep in enemy territory, was attacked and surrounded by a large Vietnamese force. Realizing that the unit had suffered numerous casualties, depriving it of effective leadership, and fully aware that the platoon was even then under heavy attack by the enemy, Maj Lee took 7 men and proceeded by helicopter to reinforce the beleaguered platoon. Maj. Lee disembarked from the helicopter with 2 of his men and, braving withering enemy fire, led them into the perimeter, where he fearlessly moved from position to position, directing and encouraging the overtaxed troops. The enemy then launched a massive attack with the full might of their forces. Although painfully wounded by fragments from an enemy grenade in several areas of his body, including his eye, Maj. Lee continued undauntedly throughout the night to direct the valiant defense, coordinate supporting fire, and apprise higher headquarters of the plight of the platoon. The next morning he collapsed from his wounds and was forced to relinquish command. However the small band of marines had held their position and repeatedly fought off many vicious enemy attacks for a grueling 6 hours until their evacuation was effected the following morning. Maj. Lee’s actions saved his men from capture, minimized the loss of lives, and dealt the enemy a severe defeat. His indomitable fighting spirit, superb leadership, and great personal valor in the face of tremendous odds, reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.