Korean War Veteran Jay H. Lee to Share Firsthand Account at Post 283 “Living History” Event
The Sons of the American Legion Squadron 283 and will host a special “Living History” event in May featuring Korean War veteran and former Republic of Korea Army officer Jay H. Lee, who will present a firsthand account of his experiences during the Korean War.
Lee’s presentation, titled “I Was There: A Soldier’s Story of the Korean War,” will provide attendees with a rare personal perspective from someone who fought during one of the most pivotal conflicts of the 20th century.
According to event organizers, approximately 10 members of the Association of the Republic of Korea Army U.S. (AROKAUS) plan to attend the event alongside a Korean-American interpreter who will assist during the Q&A session.
A Soldier’s Story From the Front Lines
Born in Seoul, Korea, on Feb. 21, 1935, Jay H. Lee volunteered for military service as a student soldier in July 1950 at the outbreak of the Korean War while still attending high school.
During the Seoul Recapture Operation on Sept. 28, 1950, Lee advanced alongside Republic of Korea and United States Marine forces following the historic Incheon Landing. Serving as a reconnaissance member with the 1st Infantry Division, he crossed the Han River and entered Seoul during the liberation effort. During combat operations, he captured two North Korean soldiers as prisoners of war.
Lee later completed Officer Candidate School in 1953 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He continued serving in joint operations with U.S. Forces and later trained at the U.S. Army Signal School in New Jersey, specializing in radar technology before serving as a Radar Technical Officer in an Air Defense Artillery Unit. He honorably discharged from military service in 1964 with the rank of captain.
After immigrating to the United States in 1968, Lee worked as a telephone engineer for GTE in Los Angeles — later Verizon — before retiring after 20 years of service. He also became deeply involved in the Korean-American community, serving as a senior elder in a Los Angeles Korean church and later becoming president of the Korean War Veterans Association Western Region USA in 2022.
Honoring the Legacy of Korean War Veterans
The event coincides with ongoing commemorations surrounding the 76th Anniversary of the Outbreak of the Korean War, which will also be recognized during a separate ceremony hosted by the Republic of Korea Army Association USA on June 20 at Ronald Reagan-Palisades Post 283.
Organizers hope the event will encourage strong participation from members of the American Legion Family, including the American Legion, Sons of the American Legion, and Auxiliary, while preserving firsthand stories from a generation of veterans whose experiences continue to shape history.