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Kurt LEE Obituary
LEE, Major Kurt Chew-Een
Marine Corps hero and the Corps first Chinese-American regular officer, passed away in his Washington, D.C. home on March 3, 2014. He was 88 years old. Major Lee's last public appearance was as Honorary Grand Marshal of the 2014 San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade.
Major Lee was awarded the Navy Cross, the Silver Star, and two Purple Hearts. His inspirational leadership at Chosin Reservoir in Korea, to help rescue 8,000 American troops, is well documented.
Major Lee, born in San Francisco and raised in Sacramento, is survived by his brother Chew-Fan Lee; his sisters Faustina Lee, Betty Mar, and Juliet Yokoe; brother-in-law LTC Yukio Yokoe, Ret.; sisters-in-law Rose Lee and Frances Lee; and many nieces and nephews. His brothers COL Chew-Mon Lee and Wilbert Lee preceded him in death, as did his beloved wife Linda.
Memorial services to be held Friday, April 4, 2014 at 11:30 (doors open at 11), at the Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation, 9040 High Tech Ct, Elk Grove, CA 95758. Burial services in Arlington National Cemetery will be announced.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be given to the Marine Corps Foundation Association, or the non profit organization of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kurt LEE
Geo Pecci
March 14, 2023
Major Lee became a family friend to the Lupacchini family because of his endearing relationship with Pfc. Attilio Lupacchini (Lee´s personal "bodyguard") in NKorea. Lee saved a lot of Marines at the Chosin Reservoir in Dec. 1950. He deserved the Medal of Honor for his bravery and leadership.
May 31, 2021
God Bless and Thank You For Your Service
A True Hero and Leader
Geo Pecci
March 14, 2020
Glad to see a pic of my uncle, Pfc Attilio Lupacchini next to Major Lee who he guarded over in NKorea.
Steve McGowan
August 23, 2015
It should be added that Services at Arlington took place on 30 Sept. 2014 for Major Lee.
PFC. Attilio Lupacchini (KIA)
Geo Pecci
March 31, 2014
The nephew of PFC. Attilio Lupacchini (KIA Chosin) B-1-7 sends his respect to the family. Attilio was Lt. Lee's "bodyguard" in North Korea. Semper Fi Marine!
Danette Albrecht
March 22, 2014
The daughter of Msgt Daniel Marks thanks Major Lee for his service and offers prayers for his family.
steve mcGowan
March 21, 2014
SEMPER_FI my Friend.
Lance-Corporal USMC
Steve McGowan.
March 21, 2014
May you rest in peace Major Lee, Thank You so much for your dedication and service Semper Fidelis.
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