The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to

  SECOND LIEUTENANT VINCENT B. LEE

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE

 For service as set forth in the following

 CITATION:

           For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During a search and destroy operation on 23 November 1969, Second Lieutenant Lee observed twenty North Vietnamese Army soldiers moving through a tree line forward of his unit. The hostile soldiers, realized they had been detected, commenced retreating. Aware that the rugged terrain would make pursuit difficult and unwilling to allow the enemy to escape, Second Lieutenant Lee quickly began adjusting supporting Marine artillery fire upon all possible routes of egress, then, pinpointing a vantage point from which he could better observe the enemy movement, he rushed across the fire-swept terrain toward the possible observation post but was extensively wounded by fragments from an enemy mine before he could attain his objective. Aware of the possible presence of other explosive devices in the area, he valiantly refused to allow his companions to come to his aid and resolutely continued adjusting artillery fire on the enemy force until he succumbed to his wounds. By his courage, bold initiative, and selfless concern for his fellowmen, Second Lieutenant Lee inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the the service of his country.

For the President,

H. W. BUSE, JR.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC