Robert E. Lee
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army

On 17 November 1944, First Lieutenant Robert E. Lee was serving with the 67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division, Ninth U.S. Army.

On that day, 1LT Lee’s unit was in action against German forces at Puffendorf, Germany after seizing the town the previous day. 1LT Lee’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

On 1 March 1945, the 2nd Armored Division was on a drive to reach, and cross, the Rhine River. During that extensive drive, 1LT Lee was Killed in Action.

Medals and Awards

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin, Silver and 2 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

First Lieutenant (Armor) Robert E. Lee, United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 67th Armored Regiment, in action against enemy forces on 17 November 1944. First Lieutenant Lee's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 117 (1945)