[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 2 (Thursday, January 7, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E47]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SALUTING COLONEL ``IRONMAN'' LEE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. HERBERT H. BATEMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 6, 1999

  Mr. BATEMAN. Mr. Speaker, at his death, all Americans need to be 
reminded of the career and valor of Col. William A. Lee, who died on 
December 27, 1998 at the age of 98 after a long battle with cancer.
  Col. Lee, nicknamed ``Ironman,'' was among my most distinguished 
constituents, and one of the most decorated Marines in the history of 
the Corps. He also was one of the last living World War I veterans in 
Virginia's First District. He resided for many years near 
Fredericksburg, Virginia.
  In Colonel Lee's younger days, he gained renown as a knife fighter 
and expert marksman known for his toughness and endurance. He enlisted 
in the Marines in 1918 at the age of 17 and after serving in World War 
I, he fought in the Nicaraguan ``Banana Wars'' of the late 1920s and 
early 1930s at the side of another legendary warrior from Virginia's 
First District, the late Lewis B. ``Chesty'' Puller. It was Puller who 
bestowed upon Lee the nickname ``Ironman'' for his valor in battle. 
Col. Lee earned three Navy Crosses for his service in South America 
alone.
  At the outbreak of World War II, Col. Lee served as chief gunner with 
the ``Horse Marines'' mounted infantry in China. On the day of the 
attack on Pearl Harbor, he and 200 other Marines were taken prisoner, 
herded into boats and trains and beaten. He remained in a Japanese 
prison camp for 44 months until the United States dropped atomic 
weapons on Japan. He retired from the Marines in 1950.
  During his service, Col. Lee earned dozens of awards, including three 
Purple Hearts and two Medals of Valor. Mementoes of his long military 
career such as the Stetson hat he wore in South America and his World 
War II Smith and Wesson .44 caliber revolver are on display today at 
the Marine Corps museums at Quantico and in Washington. The rifle range 
at Quantico is named in his honor.
  Col. Lee was a great American patriot who loved his country. His 
career is a shining example to all who respect those who have served in 
the military and still serve with a devotion to honor and duty. As the 
curator of material history for the Marine Corps said upon Colonel 
Lee's death, ``His name is beyond legendary to Marines.''
  I was extremely proud to have had him as a constituent. Every 
American should be reminded of his patriotism and valor.

                          ____________________