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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Marine LTC Howard V. Lee.
Congressional Medal of Honor
Episode 2924 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Marine LTC Howard V. Lee. Information featured in this episode comes from The USMC website.
In the dense jungles of Vietnam, August 8, 1966, Marine Lieutenant Colonel Howard V. Lee led his small reconnaissance team through Quang Nam Province on a mission that would etch his name in history. Suddenly, the enemy ambushed them, unleashing a torrent of fire. Vastly outnumbered, Lee’s team was in peril.
Despite being wounded early in the firefight, Lee rallied his men, shouting orders and directing fire with unwavering resolve. He established a defensive perimeter, ensuring his team’s survival against the relentless onslaught. When ammunition ran low, Lee crawled through withering fire to redistribute supplies, disregarding his own injuries.
As night fell, Lee’s position came under even heavier attack. Realizing the need for reinforcements, he radioed for support, providing precise coordinates despite continuous mortar barrages. The enemy pressed closer, determined to overrun the position, but Lee refused to yield.
When reinforcements finally arrived, Lee coordinated their deployment with tactical brilliance, driving the enemy back. Even after being wounded multiple times, he continued to inspire his Marines, his courage becoming a rallying cry in the chaos of combat.
The next day, battered but victorious, Lee and his team were extracted. His leadership and valor had saved countless lives, turning a dire situation into a testament of Marine resilience. For his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice, Howard V. Lee received the Medal of Honor, a symbol of his unyielding spirit.
Through his actions, Lee exemplified the Marine Corps’ ethos: honor, courage, and commitment, standing as a hero in the annals of American history.
Listen to Episode 2924 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Marine LTC Howard V. Lee.
Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army 2LT Robert Leisy.
