The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*PHILLIPS, LEE
H.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company E, 2d
Battalion, 7 Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Korea, 4
November 1950. Entered service at: Ben Hill, Ga. Born: 3 February 1930,
Stockbridge, Ga. Cpl. Phillips was killed in action 27 November 1950.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty while serving as a squad leader of Company E, in action against enemy
aggressor forces. Assuming the point position in the attack against a strongly defended
and well-entrenched numerically superior enemy force occupying a vital hill position which
had been unsuccessfully assaulted on 5 separate occasions by units of the Marine Corps and
other friendly forces, Cpl. Phillips fearlessly led his men in a bayonet charge up the
precipitous slope under a deadly hail of hostile mortar, small-arms, and machinegun fire.
Quickly rallying his squad when it was pinned down by a heavy and accurate mortar barrage,
he continued to lead his men through the bombarded area and, although only 5 members were
left in the casualty ridden unit, gained the military crest of the hill where he was
immediately subjected to an enemy counterattack. Although greatly outnumbered by an
estimated enemy squad, Cpl. Phillips boldly engaged the hostile force with handgrenades
and rifle fire and, exhorting his gallant group of marines to follow him, stormed forward
to completely overwhelm the enemy. With only 3 men now left in his squad, he proceeded to
spearhead an assault on the last remaining strongpoint which was defended by 4 of the
enemy on a rocky and almost inaccessible portion of the hill position. Using 1 hand to
climb up the extremely hazardous precipice, he hurled grenades with the other and, with 2
remaining comrades, succeeded in annihilating the pocket of resistance and in
consolidating the position. Immediately subjected to a sharp counterattack by an estimated
enemy squad, he skillfully directed the fire of his men and employed his own weapon with
deadly effectiveness to repulse the numerically superior hostile force. By his valiant
leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and resolute determination in the face of heavy
odds, Cpl. Phillips served to inspire all who observed him and was directly responsible
for the destruction of the enemy stronghold. His great personal valor reflects the highest
credit upon himself and enhances and sustains the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service.
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