Lauchlin M Lee

Chief Lee was my first supervisor after I graduated Radarman School in June of 1971. I was assigned to the cutter "Mendota," hull number 69, in Wilmington, NC. RDC Lee was an excellent mentor and pushed me (gently) to advance to E-5 (RD2). A great human being. I still, to this day, remember his concern for his watch-standers. I would call him "Sarge" and he didn't mind that nickname. I was an Army brat but for some odd reason I had a calling to join the U. S. Coast Guard. I was discharged in June of 1974 and returned home to Edgewood, MD. Years later, in August of 1984, I reenlisted in the CG and I made it a career.
The day I made Chief, RDC, my memory jumped back to my time on Mendota and "Sarge" urging me to advance. A great man and teacher. I never saw him again, but my memories of him still remain.
God Bless, you "Sarge!" May you Rest in Peace and know that this Chief still holds the upmost respect for you. You will be missed. Especially by me, RDC John R. Canose, RDC, US Coast Guard (Retired).