Norwood's outstanding hero of this past war, George T. Lee of 26 Rock Street, who flew the ETO record of 258 missions, in three years rose to the rank of full colonel in the AAF and was the leader of the famed "Lee's Lieutenants," P-47 Thunderbolt pilots of the 86th Fighter Group, has returned to military service with his "war-time rank of colonel.
Colonel Lee left Norwood last Saturday for New Jersey He expected to be at Camp Kilmer for a short time for Army processing. His next destination will be Germany where he has signed up for duty with Occupation forces, hl« family announced yesterday.
Colonel Lee was accorded an overwhelming reception in October 1945 when he came home for a short leave Every organization in town and every municipal department took part in the celebration welcoming the Norwood hero home. The bells in the Municipal Building tolled martial airs, fire sirens shouted greetings, and one of Norwood's biggest parades accompanied the local airman through the town as he was cheered for his great and outstanding war record by thousands of Norwood citizens.
Among Lee's honors are the Distinguished Flying Cross of both United States' and Great Britain; the Silver Star and Air Medal with 13 clusters; the Presidential Citation awarded his unit; seven battle stars for such operations as low-level bombing and capturing of key positions in Monte Belmonte and Monte Grande, Italy: the one -day destruction during the Rome-Arno campaign of 462 enemy vehicles, several highways, and the silencing of many gun positions by his men.
Since his return from the service, Colonel Lee has been the proprietor of a store in Brimfield, Mass. He has made his home there and at Rock Street with his mother, Mrs. Mary J. Lee. The 28-year-old colonel is unmarried.
(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)
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