Kurt Chew-Een Lee’s Navy Cross citation
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to
FIRST LIEUTENANT
KURT CHEW-EEN LEE
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of a Machine-Gun Platoon of Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea, on 2 and 3 November 1950. Immediately taking countermeasures when a numerically superior enemy force fiercely attacked his platoon and overran its left flank during the defense of strategic terrain commanding approaches to the main supply route south of Sudong, first Lieutenant Lee boldly exposed himself to intense hostile automatic weapons, grenade and sniper small-arms fire to carry out a personal reconnaissance, well in advance of his own lines, in order to re-deploy the machine-gun posts within the defensive perimeter. Momentarily forced back by extremely heavy opposition, he quickly reorganized his unit and, instructing his men to cover his approach, bravely moved up an enemy held slope in a deliberate attempt to draw fire and thereby disclose hostile troop positions. Despite serious wounds sustained as he pushed forward, First Lieutenant Lee charged directly into the face of the enemy fire and, by his dauntless fighting spirit and resourcefulness, served to inspire other members of his platoon to heroic efforts in pressing a determined counterattack and driving the hostile forces from the sector. His outstanding courage, brilliant leadership and unswerving devotion to duty were contributing factors in the success achieved by his company and reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Lee and the United States Naval Service.
Born: Jan. 21,1926 in San Francisco… Enlisted in the Marine Corps during World War II, becoming the first Asian Marine officer after earning his commission… Also served in the Vietnam War… Also awarded the Silver Star… Younger brothers Chew-Fan and Chew-Mon were also decorated for valor during the Korean War… Departed: March 3, 2014… Interred at Arlington National Cemetery