American Valor Quarterly Issue 10 - Summer 2013 | Page 11

Raymond G. Davis Award
For distinguished service in the United States military during the Korean War

Major Kurt C.E. Lee
United States Marine Corps (Ret)
Among trailblazers and pioneers, there exists a common trait of dogged determination
and aggressiveness that propel them to success despite the challenges they face. These
qualities are certainly present in Chew-Een Lee, a hero and pioneer within the United
States Marine Corps.
Lee was born in 1926, growing up in Sacramento, California, the son of Chinese
immigrants. Nicknamed “Kurt” by his family and friends, Lee joined the Marine Corps
in 1944, eager to join the ongoing Allied effort in World War II. Though undersized,
Lee was wiry and muscular, and especially competent – perhaps too competent for his
wishes at the time, as rather than being shipped off to battle he was retained at the
Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego to serve as a language class instructor.
Shortly after the war ended, Lee graduated from officer training school. Now a second
lieutenant, Kurt Lee was the first non-white officer and first Asian-American officer in
the history of the United States Marine Corps.
In September 1950, Lieutenant Lee landed with his Marines at Inchon, South Korea along with fellow UN forces to push the North
Koreans out of the South. Lee found himself fighting two battles, one against the North Korean forces – now aided by the People’s
Republic of China – and one against the attitudes among some of his fellow Marines who questioned his loyalty.
Yet once in battle, those questions were put to rest, as Lee proved a tenacious fighter and skilled combat leader. On the night of
November 2, 1950, Lee’s unit came under attack by Chinese forces sent to aid the North Koreans retreating from Inchon. Keeping
his men focused, Lee directed a counterattack, shouting at the enemy in Mandarin Chinese to sow confusion, and advancing with
grenade and rifle fire. Already wounded in the leg, he would be shot in the elbow by a sniper and was evacuated to a MASH unit for
treatment.
After several days in the hospital, Lee learned he was to be sent to Japan for recuperation. Determined to rejoin his men Lee and
another wounded Marine confiscated a jeep and located their comrades. His arm in a sling, Lee took command of a rifle platoon
whose leader had been injured and began drilling them in combat maneuvers, which would pay off dearly one month later and the
epic Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
At Chosin, Lee’s platoon was ordered to spearhead a thrust to relieve a company of Marines surrounded by Chinese forces. His
battalion commander – then-Lt. Col. Raymond G. Davis – ordered him to stay off the heavily defended roads, a sure death-trap,
instead attacking from the snowy hills. Lee, his arm still in a cast, led his platoon in the attack, advancing through heavy enemy fire
eventually forcing their way to the stranded Marines. Again, Lee was shot, and again, he refused to yield, regrouping his men to
secure a vital roadway. On December 8, 1950, Lee was targeted by a Chinese machine gunner, wounding him seriously and ending
his Korean War service.
For his role in leading the relief of the stranded Marines, Ray Davis was awarded the Medal of Honor, while Kurt Lee was awarded
the Silver Star for his actions in battle. Lee was also presented the Navy Cross for hi ́م