Travis Bertrand Lee, Jr

The database page for Travis Bertrand Lee, Jr

13 Jun 2002 No hell below us, above us only sky. Imagine all the people living life in peace, You may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one I hope. Someday you'll join us and the world will be as one. John Lennon From a neighbor, Kyle Drummond kad1162001@yahoo.com

18 Mar 2005 On 17 April, Claymore Company conducted a Search and Clear operation with an ARVN unit. The two outfits had infiltrated behind a VC village platoon-size ambushes. The plan was for the South Viet unit to sweep through the village, hopefully flushing some R&Ring VC soldiers into Claymore's waiting guns. As the South Viets got closer to Claymore's positions, their small-arms fire smacked into Lieutenant Travis Lee's platoon's position. Lee tried to shut off the fire by calling the American adviser who was with the ARVN for that very purpose, but couldn't raise him on the radio. Next he tossed a smoke grenade to mark his platoon's location and when that failed, he tried to shout above the roar of the firing. Finally, he ran forward between his men and the advancing ARVN, shouting to them to cease fire-and was instantly cut down by their fire. A few weeks before, George Mergner had interviewed Lee, an engineer officer detailed infantry to relieve the shortage of grunt lieutenants, when the new replacement reported into the Hardcore. "He told me he wasn't telling his parents he'd been reassigned. He was afraid they'd worry," Mergner said. "It was one of the bravest acts I heard of in Vietnam. He literally died for his men," squad leader Sullivan says. "He was a wonderful leader who cared for his troops. Had he been infantry-trained he'd probably still be with us. He died before he learned the dos and don'ts." Excerpt from Steel My Soldiers Heart by Col David Hackworth with Jill England. Hackworth was Lt. Lee's Battalion Commander (4/39th Infantry) Used with permission Lee, Travis B., Jr. O5263228 (17 Apr 69) Mr. & Mrs Travis B. Lee, Sr. Address obscured Dear Mr. and Mrs. Lee: I have the honor to inform you that your son has been awarded posthumously the Siver Star for gallantry in action, Bronze Star Medal with First Oak Leaf Cluster and Purple Heart. Prior to death, Travis had been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnaml Service Medal, Vietnam campaign Ribbon and the Expert Badge with rifle bar. Arrangements are being made to have these awards presented to you in the near future by a representative of the Commanding General, Third United States Army. The representative selected will communicate with you in the next few weeks to arrange for presentation. Any inquiry or correspondence concerning presentation should be addressed to Commanding General, Third United States Army, Fort McPherson, Georgia 30330. My continued sympathy is with you. Sincerely, C. A. Stanfiel Colonel, AGC Acting Adjutant General Letter from Lt. Lee's "Deceased File" provided by U.S Total Army Personnel Command, Department of the Army 30 Nov 2000 From a friend, Stephen H. Harris E-mail address is not available.

A Note from The Virtual Wall Travis Betrand Lee, Jr., First Lieutenant, United States Army Reserve, was buried in Site 120, Section R, Marietta National Cemetery, 500 Washington Avenue, Marietta, Georgia, among other men of courage and integrity.

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 08/10/2009