Howard Lee
Bio
Howard Lee grew up in Louisiana during the Depression and later enlisted in the United States Army in 1950, following advice from his uncles and employer at the time. He recalls his first impressions of South Korea upon landing at Incheon. He remembers the early morning journey on a Landing Ship Tank (LST) and walking in waist-deep water towards the shore where he saw a city on fire. He offers an overview of what life was like in the 55th Engineer Treadway Bridge Company and details his duties which involved taking water velocity readings. He is proud of his service and offers a message to younger generations.
Video Clips
Landing at Incheon
Howard Lee recalls his first impressions of South Korea upon landing at Incheon. He remembers the early morning journey on a Landing Ship Tank (LST) and walking in waist-deep water towards the shore where he saw a city on fire. He recounts dead bodies floating in the water and the fear he felt as he and his company made land and rallied at the assigned checkpoint.
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Bridge Construction Assignments
Howard Lee shares that once their equipment and materials arrived in Incheon, they were given construction assignments. He recalls being assigned to construct bridges at various points and on certain dates. He states that platoons were required to camp out in the area once the bridge was complete until they received another assignment and mission. He comments on food availability and his platoon's mail schedule while in Korea.
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Water Velocity Readings
Howard Lee details his duties as a member of the 55th Engineer Treadway Bridge Company. He recounts having to take readings of the water velocity six times a day and make records for the related reports. He recalls that the readings had to be taken every four hours and describes the process.
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Message to Younger Generations
Howard Lee offers a message to younger generations. He expands upon the importance of supporting one's government and remaining loyal to one's country. He adds that one must work to make changes in government if one is unhappy rather than becoming disloyal. He states that together we stand, but divided, we fall.
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