The remarkable life of Lees, a stalwart individual who dedicated a significant portion of his youthful years to serving his country in the esteemed Marine Corps, joining at the tender age of 18 and devoting over six years to the noble pursuit of duty and honor.
During his tenure, Lees found himself stationed at the historic Corregidor, where he witnessed firsthand the brutal Japanese attack during the tumultuous days of World War II. As a result of this fateful encounter, Lees was captured and held prisoner, subjected to the harsh realities of captivity.
Tragedy struck when Lees was blinded by the devastating effects of picric acid, a toxic substance released by enemy artillery shells. Despite this life-altering event, Lees's indomitable spirit remained unbroken, and he continued to serve his country with distinction, earning an impressive 32 military decorations and ribbons, including the prestigious Legion of Merit.
In a testament to his unwavering determination and resilience, Lees defied the limitations imposed by his newfound blindness, learning to adapt and thrive in his new reality. He even went on to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, signing a contract with Paramount Pictures and honing his craft through a remarkable process of memorization.
To achieve this feat, Lees would have a script read to him twice, committing the dialogue to memory through sheer force of will. This remarkable individual's story serves as a beacon of inspiration, a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and achieve greatness.
