| The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the | ||||||||||
| NAVY CROSS MEDAL posthumously to | ||||||||||
| JAMES LUTHER LEE, Jr. | ||||||||||
| PHARMACIST MATE 3RD CLASS, U. S. Navy | ||||||||||
| H&S Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines,3rd Marine Division | ||||||||||
| Dates Of Action: Nov 21, 1943 | ||||||||||
| Citation: | ||||||||||
| The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Pharmacist's Mate Third Class James Luther Lee, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman with the Third Marines, Third Marine Division, during action against enemy forces at Piva Forks, Bougainville, Solomon Islands on 21 November 1943. Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Lee disregarded warnings that he faced certain death and braved heavy fire in an attempt to reach an injured Marine. Struck by bullets almost immediately, he dragged himself to the side of the wounded man and was administering first aid when both he and his patient were killed by machine-gun fire. By his courage and efforts in behalf of others at great risk to his own life, Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Lee undoubtedly saved many lives, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. | ||||||||||
