1Lt. Lee B. Alley: United States Army, 5th Battalion (Mechanized), 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Alley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 November 1967 as leader of a platoon providing security for a fire support base in Ding Tuong Province. In the early morning hours, a Viet Cong battalion directed a coordinated mortar and ground attack on the platoon’s perimeter. The numerically superior enemy soon closed on the unit’s position, and Lieutenant Alley decided to withdraw to a more defensible location near the artillery camp which was across a river. Braving savage fire, he exposed himself to the enemy weapons and directed his men to the stream, personally pulling a wounded comrade to the bank. Completely disregarding his safety, he then returned to his original position and poured murderous fire into the advancing enemy ranks to cover the movement of his troops. Heedless of a painful wound, he fought furiously until he ran out of ammunition. After obtaining another weapon and grenades, he continued his valiant fight until his men reached safety. He then maneuvered to join them and, after crossing the river, he sighted four soldiers remaining on the opposite side who were pinned down by heavy fire. Lieutenant Alley returned through a curtain of bullets to reach them and lead them back across the river to the new perimeter. He then directed ravaging air, artillery and gunship strikes on the insurgents which forced them to flee the battlefield in disorder. First Lieutenant Alley’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Mr. Alley joined the Legion of Valor in 2006 and resides in Wyoming. He is a LIFE MEMBER of the Legion of Valor of the United States of America.