LEE, MILTON A. (1949-1968). Milton A. Lee, Medal of Honor recipient, was born on February 28, 1949, at Shreveport, Louisiana, to Mr. and Mrs. George Lee. He attended Harlandale High School in San Antonio, Texas, then enlisted in the army there. Lee arrived in Vietnam in January 1968. At the time of his death he was a member of Company B, Second Battalion, 502nd Infantry, First Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, United States Army. On April 26, 1968, near Phu Bai, South Vietnam, Private First Class Lee was serving as radio-telephone operator for the Third Platoon when the unit came under intense fire from North Vietnamese regulars. Lee's platoon suffered casualties of 50 percent and maneuvered to a position of cover to regroup and tend to the wounded. Lee rendered lifesaving first aid while under heavy enemy fire. During a subsequent assault on the enemy position he observed four enemy soldiers, armed with automatic weapons and a rocket launcher, lying in wait for the lead element of the platoon. He passed his radio to another soldier and with disregard for his safety charged through the heavy fire. He overran the enemy position, killed all the occupants, and captured their weapons. He continued his assault on a second enemy position. Grievously wounded, he delivered accurate covering fire until the platoon destroyed the enemy position. Only then did he succumb to his wounds. His heroic action saved the lives of the lead element and was instrumental in the destruction of the key position of the enemy defense. The Medal of Honor was presented to his grandmother and guardian, Mrs. Frank B. Campion, by President Richard M. Nixon at the White House, on April 7, 1970. Lee is buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at San Antonio, Texas.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Committee on Veterans' Affairs, United States Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients, 1863-1973 (Washington: GPO, 1973).

Art Leatherwood