Lee, John W.

Date of birth:: January 18th, 1920 (Bay City/Michigan, United States)
Date of death:: March 13th, 1998
Buried on:: Arlington National Cemetery
Nationality:: American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Sergeant
Unit:: Company A, 1st Tank Battalion, HQ, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Tank Gunner in a platoon of Company A, First Tank Battalion, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, from 15 to 30 September 1944. When the advance of his tank platoon was halted by a mine field covered by Japanese high velocity weapons and mortars, Sergeant Lee left his tank and proceeded to guide the platoon through the area. Although wounded by an explosion when the lead tank hit an enemy mine, he courageously administered first aid to other wounded personnel and disarmed the damaged tank before consenting to evacuation. Voluntarily reporting to duty after a short period, Sergeant Lee, on 30 September, again left his vehicle upon discovering several enemy personnel in a by-passed cave and, undaunted by hostile fire, courageously covered the Japanese-held cave while he directed his comrades in placing explosive charges to seal up the hostile emplacement. By his initiative, gallant courage and devotion to duty throughout, Sergeant Lee upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."