ROCHELLE — Robert Lee of Rochelle served in the United States Army from 1958-1960 as a maintenance supply clerk in the 555th Engineer Brigade.

Lee went to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri for his basic training for about four months before he was sent to be stationed in Germany, where he was for about two years. 

Lee’s responsibilities in Germany included driving the major’s car, and driving a truck to get supplies, including ammunition. Lee was drafted into the service in 1958. 

Lee was trained in the use of an M-1 rifle and an anti-tank rocket launcher.

“That was my major thing in my field training,” Lee said. “I liked having my own truck. Once we went up to Lancaster and we slept out in tents and I didn't want to sleep in a tent. I put my bedding in the back of the truck and I slept there. I didn't want to sleep on the ground in the tent with the other guys.”

Lee’s wife lived with him in Germany and the couple lived off base, which he enjoyed. He also enjoyed the traveling and sightseeing aspect. 

“I learned how to speak some German,” Lee said. “One phrase I heard a lot there was, 'You Americans are crazy in the head.' I enjoyed my time over there. My wife and I took a tour from where I lived to Paris, France. I enjoyed having my wife there.”

The most enjoyable part about Lee’s service was driving a truck, but it came with its dangers. 

“Once I went to get ammunition and fog set in,” Lee said. “I couldn't see the road. I had the guy with me look at the side of the road and tell me how I was doing. I couldn't see anything. I finally found a place and got off the road for a few hours. There was a 22-car pileup down the road after I stopped. I got lucky. I really enjoyed my Army days.”

Lee is part-Native American and was born on the Cherokee reservation in Wyoming. In the 1950s, he came to work in Rochelle on an asparagus farm, which is when he started living locally. He married his wife in Rochelle and worked at Swift for 22 years. His work history also includes living in Utah and working for La-Z-Boy Company as a repairman. He believes his service helped him with the rest of his life. 

“After I returned from Germany, I went to Chicago and got out of the Army there,” Lee said. “I enjoyed my days in the Army.”

Honoring Our American Hero is a series that will print twice a month in the News-Leader. If you know an American Hero you would like to have featured, contact Jeff Helfrich at jhelfrich@rochellenews-leader.com or call 815-561-2151.