The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the

NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL to

                 PRIVATE FIRST CLASS LEE E. BOLLINGER JR

                             UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following

    CITATION:

               "For heroic achievement while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 2 June 1969, during Operation Pipestone Canyon, Private First Class Bollinger was leading his fire team in an assault upon a hostile bunker and had positioned his men to prevent the escape of any enemy soldiers. As he boldly moved forward to check the hostile position, a North Vietnamese soldier ran out of the entrance and threw a grenade which detonated harmlessly out of range. Having shouted a warning to his men, Private First Class Bollinger fearlessly rushed toward the bunker and killed the North Vietnamese soldier, thereby enabling his team to secure the objective without sustaining a single casualty. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his units mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Bollinger upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."  

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

For the Secretary of the Navy

H.W. BUSE, JR

Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps

Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific

V

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS LEE E. BOLLINGER JR