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Contact Info
Home Town Batangas, Philippines
Last Address San Diego, CA
Date of Passing Jan 20, 1992
Location of Interment Hollywood Cemetery - Richmond, Virginia
Wall/Plot Coordinates (memorial marker)
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
VADM Fitzhugh died in San Diego, CA. His ashes were spread in the Pacific Ocean.
Other Comments:
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded for actions during the Viet-Nam War
Action Date: July 31, 1964 - June 1, 1967
Service: Navy
Rank: Vice Admiral
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Fitzhugh Lee (NSN: 0-60424), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commandant of The National War College, from 31 July 1964 to 1 June 1967. During this period, Admiral Lee's outstanding achievements and his dynamic leadership and initiative resulted in raising The National War College, already one of the nation's most prestigious senior military institutions, to a new level of academic excellence. Future graduates of The National War College, both military and civilian, will be better able to develop and execute national security policy as a result of Admiral Lee's contributions. These singularly distinctive accomplishments of Admiral Lee culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country, and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Navy.
Navy Cross second award
Awarded for actions during World War II
General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 03880 (June 14, 1945)
Action Date: 5-Jan-45
Service: Navy
Rank: Captain
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Manila Bay (CVE-61)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Captain Fitzhugh Lee (NSN: 0-60424), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Escort Carrier U.S.S. MANILA BAY (CVE-62), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the supporting landings in the Philippine Islands on 5 January 1945. When his ship was seriously damaged by an enemy aerial attack which disrupted virtually all internal and external communications and caused severe casualties, Captain Lee, by his personal courage and leadership, inspired a superbly indoctrinated ship's company to localize raging fires and bring them under control, thereby averting possible disaster and enabling his ship to resume station and deliver air support within twenty-four hours. His initiative 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.
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during World War II
General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 02333 (March 1, 1945)
Action Date: 25-Oct-44 Service: Navy
Rank: Captain
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S.ManilaBay (CVE-61)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Fitzhugh Lee (NSN: 0-60424), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Escort Carrier U.S.S. MANILA BAY (CVE-61), operating as a Unit of three Groups of Escort Aircraft Carriers in action against major ships of the Japanese Fleet during the Battle off Samar, on 25 October 1944. An aggressive and determined leader, Captain Lee courageously directed the activities of his ship and air department during the initial battle for Leyte Gulf and, by inspiring his officers and men to heroic efforts in the face of an attack by an overwhelming enemy Task Force of battleships, cruisers and destroyers, contributed materially to the infliction of severe damage on the Japanese Fleet. Through his gallant fighting spirit and expert seamanship, he was instrumental in turning potential defeat into a decisive victory, and his devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon Captain Lee and the United States Naval Service.
Central Pacific Campaign (1941-43)/Battle of Tarawa
From Month/Year
November / 1943
To Month/Year
November / 1943
Description The Battle of Tarawa (US code name Operation Galvanic) was a battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II, fought from November 20 to November 23, 1943. It took place at the Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands, located in what is now the nation of Kiribati. Nearly 6,400 Japanese, Koreans, and Americans died in the fighting, mostly on and around the small island of Betio.
The Battle of Tarawa was the first American offensive in the critical central Pacific region. It was also the first time in the war that the United States faced serious Japanese opposition to an amphibious landing. Previous landings met little or no initial resistance. but this time the 4,500 Japanese defenders were well-supplied and well-prepared, and they fought almost to the last man, exacting a heavy toll on the United States Marine Corps. The U.S. had suffered similar casualties in other campaigns, for example over the six months of the Guadalcanal Campaign, but in this case the losses were incurred within the space of 76 hours.
