Willis A. Lee, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Willis A. Lee, Jr., Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Combat Division SIX, during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 14 – 15 November, 1942. Rear Admiral Lee sought out and engaged an overwhelmingly powerful foe and in the furious battle that followed destroyed at least one Japanese battleship, three cruisers, and one destroyer; damaging several others, and turning back the remainder of the enemy fleet, thereby frustrating a formidable Japanese offensive. Rear Admiral Lee’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 315 (June 1943)