James Richard Lee
Born: December 1, 1905 at Greensboro, North Carolina
Home Town: Washington, D.C.
Navy Cross
World War II
U.S. Navy
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James Richard Lee, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron TEN (VS-10), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area during the period 13 to 15 November 1942. Lieutenant Commander Lee lead his scouting squadron against heavy Japanese cruiser and transport forces, launching numerous daring attacks against the enemy, inflicting great losses in ships and men. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 316 (July 1943)