Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. He was awarded the Medal of Honor from President Lyndon B. Johnson in a White House ceremony on October 25, 1967. Following graduation from Pace College, he enlisted with the United States Marine Corps Reserve and was promoted to First Lieutenant after attending Officer Candidates School at Quantico, Virginia. Following his transfer to the regular Marine Corps, he was elevated to Captain in 1961. He was stationed in the Dominican Republic, prior to his reassignment to Vietnam in 1966. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. A platoon of Major (then Captain) Lee's company, while on an operation deep in enemy territory, was attacked and surrounded by a large Vietnamese force. Realizing that the unit had suffered numerous casualties, depriving it of effective leadership, and fully aware that the platoon was even then under heavy attack by the enemy, Major Lee took seven men and proceeded by helicopter to reinforce the beleaguered platoon. Major Lee disembarked from the helicopter with two of his men and, braving withering enemy fire, led them into the perimeter, where he fearlessly moved from position to position, directing and encouraging the overtaxed troops. The enemy then launched a massive attack with the full might of their forces. Although painfully wounded by fragments from an enemy grenade in several areas of his body, including his eye. Major Lee continued undauntedly throughout the night to direct the valiant defense, coordinate supporting fire, and apprise higher headquarters of the plight of the platoon. The next morning he collapsed from his wounds and was forced to relinquish command. However the small band of Marines had held their position and repeatedly fought off many vicious enemy attacks for a grueling six hours until their evacuation was effected the following morning. Major Lee's actions saved his men from capture, minimized the loss of lives, and dealt the enemy a severe defeat. His indomitable fighting spirit, superb leadership, and great personal valor in the face of tremendous odds, reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps in the United States Naval Service." After retiring from the military, he worked for twenty-years for the City of Virginia Beach.