Born in San Francisco on January 21, 1926, Kurt Chew-Een Lee was a Marine Corps officer known for his bravery and leadership during the Korean War. Standing at only 5-feet-6 inches tall and roughly 130 pounds, Lee led a daring rescue mission in December 1950 during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. Despite encountering blizzard conditions, bullet wounds, and a broken arm, Lee and his unit successfully engaged the enemy and preserved a crucial evacuation route for American troops. Their efforts saved approximately 8,000 men from certain death or imprisonment at the hands of the Chinese.
After enlisting in the Marines at the end of World War II, Lee became the first Asian-American officer in Marine Corps history. He joined the Marines due to their reputation of being the first into battle and sought to dispel stereotypes about Chinese people. During the Korean War, some of Lee’s fellow Marines questioned his ability to kill Chinese soldiers due to his ancestry. However, Lee remained resolute in his dedication to his nation, regardless of the enemy’s nationality, and proved his combat skills during a solo reconnaissance mission by confusing and driving back the Chinese soldiers.
Lee’s actions during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir earned him the Navy Cross, the second-highest honor a Marine can receive. Despite sustaining serious wounds during the intense fighting, Lee charged directly at the enemy and inspired his platoon to press a determined counterattack. Less than a month later, while still recovering from a gunshot wound in a field hospital, Lee defied orders, commandeered an Army jeep, and returned to the front to reinforce the surrounded Americans. Despite losing most of his rifle company, Lee’s efforts ensured the evacuation route remained open and allowed the Americans to retreat to safety.
Throughout his military career, Lee served in various roles and received multiple awards for his bravery, including a Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. Despite the fierce battles he faced, Lee never feared death and was determined to make his death honorable and spectacular. His leadership and courage left a lasting impact on the men he commanded, who expressed gratitude for his leadership during their time serving together in Korea. Lee retired from the Marines in 1968 after also serving in Vietnam as an intelligence officer, leaving behind a legacy of bravery, determination, and dedication to his country.
