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<p><em>Henry “Hank” Lee</em> grew up in Zanesville, OH, the son of Chinese immigrant parents who operated a family owned laundry. Three older sisters were born in China. Two more older sisters and a younger brother were born in the United States. His parents instilled in their children the virtues and values of family, education, honesty, humility, and hard work. From his early years, Hank was an achiever and was the president of his high school class. He attended Miami University before he entered West Point on July 3, 1957. </p>
<p>At West Point, Hank easily mastered all the demands of cadet life and was the brigade boxing champion (132 pounds) in 1958. He was also the M-1 Company Athlete of the Year in 1958 and 1959. On the other hand, no other cadet could wait so late to write a theme nor look so sleepy at breakfast. He participated in a number and variety of cadet clubs, and he sang with the Cadet Chapel Choir for all four years. Hank loved the Corps and everything it stood for: Duty, Honor, Country. </p>
<p>Cadet Lee, one of a very few Asian cadets, found West Point enlightening, enriching, unique, and enjoyable. He felt fully accepted and integrated, and he was comfortable with all his M-1 classmates of the same height, “runts” in the vernacular! He never met a stranger or person he did not like. He was always ready with a ready smile and a handshake. </p>
<p>Probably the best decision he ever made was marrying Lucy Poy, the Saturday after graduation at the Cadet Chapel with saber bearers: Richard Seaward, Thomas Valente, Walter Hastings and Ron Trauner. The Lees were blessed with two children: Cynthia and Douglas. </p>
<p>Hank possessed a cheerful, gregarious demeanor and loved telling a good story. When it came to “drags,” he proudly related that he was dating “Miss Chinatown, New York City.” She turned out to be his future wife, Lucy, who corrected his bragging, some years later, that she was “just a contestant, not ‘Miss Chinatown.’”</p>
<p>Hank completed the standard “welcome to the Army courses”: Airborne, Ranger, and Corps of Engineers basic. With bride in tow, he began his career with the 65th Engineer Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, Oahu, HI. Later, he moved up to the Headquarters, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry. He returned to the 65th Engineers to command a company. He was forced to leave sunny Hawaii and face the wintry campus of the University of Michigan, where he earned two Master of Science degrees in civil engineering (structures and construction). </p>
<p>It became time to put all his experience to work in a combat area, Hank served with the 35th Engineer and 19th Engineer battalions in the Republic of Vietnam. During that experience, he was awarded the Bronze Star for valor. </p>
<p>He returned to Fort Belvoir, VA for the Engineer Officer Advanced Course. He next served with the U.S. Engineer District, as Okinawa area engineer, then as the unit’s executive officer. He left there to return to Vietnam and serve in the Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Having served in the war zone, now it was time to send him the to the Infantry School. He was responsible for the Engineer block of instruction. With his knowledge and experience, he then joined the Concepts Analysis Agency in Bethesda, MD. </p>
<p>Now, it was back overseas to the Headquarters, I Corps Group, Department of Engineering, Republic of Korea. Following that assignment, he concluded his career at the U.S. Engineer District, Sacramento, CA as deputy director of engineering. Hank retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1984. The area was so pleasant, he remained there for the rest of his life. </p>
<p>Later in life, Hank and Lucy thoroughly enjoyed the avocation of ballroom dancing; in fact, they became highly proficient in the many different dances associated with that delightful pastime. With broad smiles on their faces, they “tripped the light fantastic” with extraordinary style and grace and never failed to impress everyone in attendance. He became an organizer, leader, and friend to a group of dedicated dancers.</p>
<p>Regarding civic responsibilities, Hank and Lucy were both strong advocates for mental health. Hank was appointed and served over 10 years on the Sacramental County Mental Health Board, and he did consulting work for the California State Mental Health Division. </p>
<p>Hank and Lucy attended many M-1 mini-reunions and most of the USMA 1960 class reunions. All remembered him as the same cheerful Hank, unchanged through the years. </p>
<p>His funeral in July 2019 was attended by a large number of classmates, new and old friends, who spoke movingly of Henry’s life and personal qualities. Well done thou good and faithful servant!</p>
<p><em>— Lucy and Deacon</em></p>
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