| A member of Joseph P. Chaisson American Legion Post 41, Past Commander and present 14th District Commander shares his memories as a 24 year career veteran of the United States Army.
Lee started his military career January 13th, 1955, attending basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, original specialty training in Armor at Fort Knox, KY and switching to Military Police at Camp Gordon, GA. In May of 1967 he was assigned to the 720th Military Police Battalion, Company C at Long Binh, Vietnam (Near Saigon). His primary duty was convoy security, serving twenty four months, a double tour. He was subject to several convoy attacks and subjected to Agent Orange exposure. His worst memory of the war was loss of a senior NCO James A. (Papi) Condon and driver Spc. Lovell, killed with a remote controlled bomb that destroyed their jeep. SFC Papi Condon was a Korean War veteran and the oldest member of the unit. He didn’t feel he could keep up as platoon sergeant, so Lee was assigned as temporary platoon sergeant and Papi was assigned intelligence missions. He had taken the same daily route to what they called the “finger” too many times, and the Viet Cong picked up on his schedule, setting an explosive device.
Lee Leeman returned to the United States in May 1969 during massive anti-war demonstrations. No hero welcome; in fact, it was recommended not to leave military installations in uniform.
Lee finished his career as a Recruiter and eventually returned to Milo.
Lee is presently being treated for diabetes and cancer related to his Agent Orange exposure. | |
- WILLARD L. (LEE) LEEMAN SR.
