SHERIFF CORDELL

TITLE:  Sheriff

NAME:  Lee H. Cordell

AWARD:  Award of Purple Heart - Posthumously

DATE OF ACTION:  1 March 1869

AUTHORITY:  General Order - Awards and Decorations

PERMANENT ORDER:  21-011-1

CITATION:  Sheriff Lee H. Cordell of the Howell County Sheriff's Office meritoriously distinguished himself through selfless conduct in his performance of service and protection for the County of Howell and the State of Missouri.  On March 1, 1869 Sheriff Cordell was attempting to affect an arrest along with two other Deputies on a man charged with stealing a horse from a farm located in Arkansas.  During the arrest, the suspect drew a firearm and began to engage Sheriff Cordell and his Deputies with decisive gunfire at which time Sheriff Cordell was fatally wounded on scene.  His selfless actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of public safety and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the Howell County Sheriff's Office, the County of Howell and the State of Missouri.