Does the AC Compressor require Freon to turn on?

Does the AC Compressor require the proper ammount of Freon to turn on? I only have about 1/3 of the proper ammount of freon in.

Thanks,Matt

No, it will still turn on but it won't be cold... But, I have also heard that running the compressor without freon in it can burn up the compressor motor... How true that is, I do not know.

its a 93 with a r12 system....im puttin freeze 12 in it...