Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company B, 23rd Tank Battalion, 12th Armored Division, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1945

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 23d Tank Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 4 and 5 May 1945. Captain Lee's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."

--

"Two Sherman tanks of the 23rd Tank Battalion of the U.S. 12th Armored Division under the command of Capt. John C. ‘Jack’ Lee, Jr., and anti-Nazi elements of the Wehrmacht under the command of Major Josef ‘Sepp’ Gangl, arrived at Itter Castle. Together the three groups repelled probes by SS reconnaissance elements throughout the night. The battle continued through the morning of 5 May, with a strong force of 100–150 SS pressing the attack until reinforcements from the American 142nd Infantry Regiment arrived around 4 PM that day."

Headquarters, U.S. Forces-European Theater, General Orders No. 212