Kurt Chew-Een Lee

Major Kurt Chew-Een Lee was a historic officer in the United States Marine Corps, distinguished as the first Asian American to be commissioned as a regular officer in the service. He served with great distinction during the Korean War, most notably with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, where his leadership and bravery under fire earned him the nation's second-highest military decoration, the Navy Cross, in November 1950.

Over his illustrious career, Major Lee served in multiple major global conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. His courage on the battlefield in Korea was further recognized with the Silver Star and multiple Purple Hearts for wounds sustained in combat. He also earned a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a valor device.

Major Lee's legacy remains highly influential within the Marine Corps and the broader Asian American community. His pioneering service paved the way for future generations of minority officers in the United States Armed Forces, and his tactical leadership under extreme conditions is still studied as an exemplar of Marine Corps combat doctrine.