Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

101st Airborne Division "Screaming Eagles", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1944

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service rendered in a duty of great responsibility while organizing and establishing the Airborne Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, for the training of airborne units. Through his creative genius he inaugurated and supervised the training of the original parachute groups in the Army of the United States from which the airborne units were developed. As the result of his efforts, the airborne program which exists at the present time was instituted. Major General Lee was instrumental in the establishment of the Parachute School, Fort Benning, Georgia, 15 May 1942. With meager facilities, a few partially trained instructors, and by exceptional ability, force of character and the will to get the job done, he built the framework for a powerful striking force. The creation of the Airborne Command was the first effort of the United States to train airborne units on a major scale."

Lee received this medal just before his retirement in 1944 from the 101st Airborne Division's leadership.
General Orders No. 9 War Department (1944).