Lee was a B-17 navigator for the United States Army Air Forces in World War II. He served in Austria, survived a plane crash and was twice captured by the Nazis. He received the Prisoner of War, Purple Heart, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, and World War II Victory medals for his valiant service.
Born and raised in Chicago, Lee graduated from University of Illinois with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. After World War II, he became a Lt. Colonel in the United States Air Force Reserves. Lee was active in the American Legion Post 1003, St. Therese School and Church.