Harry Lee (United States Marine)

Harry Lee (June 4, 1872 – May 13, 1935) was a decorated major general in the United States Marine Corps and a military governor of Santo Domingo.

Harry Lee
Born(1872-06-04)June 4, 1872
Washington, D.C., U.S.
DiedMay 13, 1935(1935-05-13) (aged 62)
Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, U.S.
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
Years of service1898–1933
Rank Major general
Commands held6th Marine Regiment
MB Parris Island
Marine Corps Base Quantico
Battles/warsSpanish–American War
World War I
AwardsNavy Distinguished Service Medal
Army Distinguished Service Medal
Silver Star
Legion of Honor

Early life and education

Harry Lee was born in Washington, D.C., on 4 June 1872.

Career

Lee was appointed as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps for the Spanish–American War on 2 August 1898. He served at the Havana Naval Station during the war, and following it, aboard various ships of the United States Navy and many Marine Corps stations.

Lee took command of the 6th Marine Regiment in June 1918, a year after the American entry into World War I, in succession to Albertus W. Catlin, who had been badly wounded. He led the unit through the battles at Château-Thierry, St. Mihiel, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, marching with the Army to the Rhine.

After the war, he commanded the Marine brigade in Santo Domingo, sent in 1921 to pacify the Dominican Republic and establish constitutional government. For 3 years, he served as military governor of the country.

Later, Lee commanded Marine Barracks, Parris Island. On 1 March 1933, he assumed command of the Marine Corps Base Quantico.[1]

Later life and death

Lee died on May 13, 1935, at age 62, at the Quantico Marine Base.[1]

Awards and decorations

For World War I service, Lee was awarded the Silver Star, Navy and also Army versions of the Distinguished Service Medal, the French Legion of Honor, and other decorations.

Legacy

  • USS Harry Lee (APA-10) was named after Lee.
  • Harry Lee Hall on Marine Corps Base Quantico is named for MajGen Lee. Harry Lee Hall initially served as the Officer's Club, it is currently the home to the promotions branch of Headquarters Marine Corps.

See also

References

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
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