The Adventures of Local World War II Flying Ace George T. Lee-July 24, 1985

The tale revolves around Air Force Col. George T. Lee, a local hero who left an indelible mark on the annals of history. Born and raised in Norwood, Col. Lee’s life was a testament to his unwavering spirit and unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

As a young man, Col. Lee grew up at 26 Rock St., surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of his hometown. His early years were marked by a sense of wonder and curiosity, which would eventually propel him towards a life of adventure and service to his country. After completing his education in Norwood’s public schools, Col. Lee left his job as a meatcutter at the local A&P Supermarket to pursue a career in the military.

In 1941, with the world on the brink of war, Col. Lee enlisted in the Air Force, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would take him to the farthest reaches of the globe. He took flying lessons at Norwood Airport, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for aviation. After completing his training at M.I.T., Col. Lee became an Air Force cadet, setting the stage for his rise through the ranks.

In less than a year overseas, Col. Lee was promoted to captain, a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities and flying prowess. By 1944, at the tender age of 26, he had risen to the rank of colonel, becoming one of the youngest men in the Air Force to attain that distinction. His meteoric rise through the ranks was a reflection of his unwavering dedication and unrelenting drive.

As commander of the 86th Fighter Group, Col. Lee led his team on daring missions over the North African desert against German forces and into Italy during the Allied invasion. His exploits earned him numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, which was awarded to him after the war. With a total of 262 sorties into enemy territory under his belt, Col. Lee had proven himself to be one of the most skilled and fearless pilots of his generation.

Col. Lee’s adventures were not limited to his military exploits alone. During a 30-day furlough in May 1944, he returned to Norwood, where he was greeted with an unplanned parade by thousands of residents who had heard of his visit. The dark-haired pilot’s charisma and charm had won the hearts of many, and his heroism would be remembered for generations to come.

Tragically, Col. Lee’s life was cut short in 1954 when lightning struck his jet during a routine peacetime flight. He was just 35 years old at the time of his death. The loss of this remarkable individual sent shockwaves throughout the community, and his memory continued to inspire future generations.

Last night, during a selectmen’s meeting, Thomas Lee, Col. Lee’s brother, presented a signed copy of World War II Fighter Bomber Pilot to the town. The book, written by one of Col. Lee’s former comrades, William Colgan, a retired Air Force colonel, outlined the wartime exploits of Col. Lee and other pilots.

Library Director Carl Himmelsbach accepted the book on behalf of the town, which would stock copies for its patrons. Thomas Lee recalled his brother’s daredevil spirit, saying that he had no fear of flying or anything else. He remembered how Col. Lee once flew his P-40 upside down at treetop level along the length of Walpole Street and nearly crashed into the town hall.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger