Maj. Kurt Chew-Een Lee, the first Asian-American U.S. Marine Corps officer, rose through the ranks beginning his career from World War II to the Vietnam War.
During the Korean War, he became commander of a machine gun platoon, to the shock of his men who had never before seen a person of Chinese ancestry. Some even questioned his loyalty as U.S. forces were battling Chinese forces, which had joined the conflict on the side of North Koreans.
In a November 1950 clash, Lee and his men were outnumbered in a surprise attack by Chinese forces. His actions there and in another clash would earn him a bevy of military honors, including the second highest military decoration, the Navy Cross.
Lee, at age 88, died in Washington, D.C., believed from what appears to be a heart attack Monday, according to close friend, Jamie Stevenson.
Long after his retirement from military service, Lee was always fit and a natty-dresser like a true Marine, Stevenson said. Well into his 80s, he still fit into his uniform from 1953, she said.
Korean War separates family for 60 years
Lee was born in Sacramento, California, a son of Chinese immigrants.
1950: The Korean War begins
Eager to fight in World War II, Lee joined the U.S. Marines in 1944.
“People said that’s the worst branch of the service. They’re the first in, last one out. He was like, ‘That’s where I want to be.'” Stevenson recalled Lee telling her.
Instead, he was based at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego as a language instructor.