John Edwin Lee

MAJOR JOHN EDWIN LEE
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Major John Edwin Lee, United States Air Force (Retired), was a member of the historic first graduating class of the United States Air Force Academy in 1959. Over a distinguished 24-year military career, he served his country as a strategic bomber pilot, a combat Forward Air Controller (FAC) in Vietnam, and a civil engineering officer.

John Edwin Lee was born on November 23, 1937, in Brownsville, Tennessee, to Edwin W. and Sara Frances Huffman Lee. Growing up in western Tennessee, John demonstrated the leadership qualities and academic focus that eventually earned him an appointment to the newly established United States Air Force Academy. Arriving at the temporary campus at Lowry Air Force Base in 1955, he joined the ranks of the "First Class," paving the way for generations of future airmen. While at the Academy, he was a proud member of Cadet Squadron 2 (CS-02), developing friendships and a devotion to duty that would define his life.

MILITARY SERVICE & COMBAT EXPERIENCE

Following graduation and commissioning in June 1959, John entered undergraduate pilot training at Spence Air Base and Webb Air Force Base. Upon earning his wings, he transitioned to strategic bombardment, training on the B-47 Stratojet at McConnell Air Force Base. He spent the early 1960s flying the nuclear-deterrent bomber with the 337th Bomb Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base and the 716th Bomb Squadron at Kincheloe Air Force Base.

Seeking to broaden his expertise, John completed post-graduate studies at Oklahoma State University before answering the call to serve in the Vietnam War. From 1968 to 1970, he was assigned to the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron (TASS) at Pleiku Air Base, South Vietnam. Flying low and slow as a Forward Air Controller, he directed close air support strikes under intense enemy fire—a high-risk specialty for which he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and six Air Medals.

Upon returning to the United States, John applied his advanced engineering training as a Civil Engineer with the 3345th Civil Engineering Squadron at Chanute Air Force Base. He eventually returned to the cockpit to fly the B-52 Stratofortress with the 68th Bomb Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, serving reliably until his military retirement as a Major (O-4) after 24 years of dedicated service.

POST-MILITARY & COMMUNITY LIFE

After hanging up his flight suit, John successfully transitioned into the civilian business sector. He managed operations at the Wilson County Speedway in North Carolina and worked as a Staff Accountant for James C. Crone, CPA. Moving to Nashville, Tennessee, he served as General Manager for the Long-Distance Exchange Corporation and later worked as an independent telecommunications consultant. In his later years, he combined his love for travel and people as an outside sales representative for Cruises Inc. in Brentwood, Tennessee. Throughout his life, John was known for his outgoing personality, community involvement, and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

FAMILY & LEGACY
John was married to his beloved wife, Nancy Lee, who preceded him in death. Together, they raised three children and built a vibrant family legacy. John passed away peacefully at his home in Nolensville, Tennessee, on March 26, 2012, at the age of 74. He is remembered by his family, his Class of 1959 brothers, and a grateful nation for his pioneering spirit and steadfast devotion to country.

EDUCATION

Years Institution / Program Focus
1955–1959 United States Air Force Academy B.S. / Commissioning (First Graduating Class)
1966–1968 Oklahoma State University Post-Graduate Studies

MEDALS & AWARDS

• Bronze Star Medal (1)
• Meritorious Service Medal (1)
• Air Medal (6)
• Air Force Commendation Medal (2)

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

Year Duty / Assignment Location
1959–1960 Pilot Training Spence Air Base, GA / Webb Air Force Base, TX
1960–1961 Pilot B-47 Training McConnell Air Force Base, KS
1961–1962 Pilot, 337th Bomb Squadron Dyess Air Force Base, TX
1962–1966 Pilot, 716th Bomb Squadron Kincheloe Air Force Base, MI
1966–1968 Post-Graduate Student Oklahoma State University, OK
1968–1970 Pilot, FAC, 20th TASS Pleiku Air Base, South Vietnam
1970–1974 Civil Engineer, 3345th Civil Engineering Sq. Chanute Air Force Base, IL
1974–1979 Pilot B-52, 68th Bomb Wing Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, NC