The Norwich High School (NHS) Hall of Distinction Committee has selected the first six NHS alumni to be included in the Hall of Distinction. Individuals selected have made outstanding contributions to their chosen fields, including community services, the arts, medical professions, military service, and more, with their contributions having a distinctive impact on a local to global level.

Captain John Cary Lee Jr., United States Army, Distinguished Service Cross, a fighter by all accounts

By Edward J. Erickson

NORWICH - Captain John Cary Lee Jr. has been chosen as an inductee for the 2024 Hall of Distinction.

By all accounts, John “Jack” Cary Lee Jr. was a fighter. Jack was born in Nebraska on March 12, 1918. The family moved to Norwich, New York, and he graduated from Norwich High School in 1937. Jack was a gifted athlete; he lettered in football during high school, and later in college. After graduation, Jack spent a year at Syracuse University and transferred to Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont. Norwich University was (and remains today) a military academy producing officers for the United States Army.

Jack graduated on May 11, 1942, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the cavalry. The cavalry was mechanized by then, and he was trained as an armor (tank) officer at Fort Knox, Kentucky. According to his army instructors Jack had a natural talent for soldiering and tactics. Many who knew him in Norwich said he had “a swashbuckling personality.”

Jack deployed to Europe in late 1944 and fought in the desperate winter battles in France and Germany against the Germans. Jack’s performance in combat was brilliant. After the Battle of Heerlisheim, Jack was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for the “cool and aggressive handling of his platoon, and his courage and ability to meet any situation that confronted him.” He was promoted quickly to command a Sherman tank company in the 12th Armored Division. Jack Lee was born to be a soldier.

Jack was put in command of Task Force Lee, which led the division into Austria in May 1945. During the Battle of Schloss Itter, in what many consider the last battle of the European War on May 5, 1945, Jack led an assault group of Americans and anti-Nazi German soldiers to rescue high-ranking French government officials held as POWs. It’s a fascinating story and the subject of Stephen Harding’s book, "The Last Battle" (DaCapo Press, 2013).

In a truly unique assault, Jack rode in his M4 Sherman tank nicknamed the “Besotten Jenny” while two German majors rode behind him in a kübelwagen (a military Volkswagen). Under Jack’s command, the former enemies seized the castle from SS troops and rescued ex-French prime ministers Paul Reynaud and Édouard Daladier, former commanders-in-chief Maxime Weygand and Maurice Gamelin, Charles de Gaulle’s older sister, and French resistance leader François de La Rocque. It was a magnificent and daring feat.

Captain Jack Lee was awarded the nation’s second highest medal, the Distinguished Service Cross. His citation reads, “For extraordinary heroism in action, as Commanding Officer of Company B, 23rd Tank Battalion, in the vicinity of Worgl, Austria, and the Itter Castle on 4-5 May 1945. Captain Lee, with a small group of soldiers infiltrated into hostile territory, demoralized enemy forces, prevented the destruction of two key bridges, and caused 200 German soldiers to surrender. He found many prominent French prisoners at Itter Castle, and immediately organized a defense with both American and German troops. Despite a fanatical SS attack and heavy artillery barrage, Captain Lee's men held until friendly troops arrived. Captain Lee's initiative, boldness, courage, resourcefulness, and outstanding qualities of leadership exemplify the highest traditions of the Army and the United States.”

Jack returned to the states and was honorably discharged in late January 1946. His exploits were featured in The Saturday Evening Post. Jack couldn’t leave his thirst for action on the battlefield and he played several seasons of semi-pro football with the “New Jersey Giants.” He coached and played on Norwich’s own semi-pro football team the “Y Giants.” Jack operated Hand’s Inn for a few years and tried his hand at several unsuccessful business ventures. He married several times.

But like many ex combat soldiers, Jack wasn’t suited to the safety and quiet of civilian life. He was a man of action, best suited for leading his soldiers in the attack on the battlefield – and Norwich, New York in what is called the “Age of Conformity” was not such a place.

Jack Lee died in the Chenango Memorial Hospital on January 15, 1973, and he is buried in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Norwich. That Captain Lee lies on the high ground, surrounded by the graves of his fellow veterans, with clear fields of fire over the river valley below, seems most appropriate.

The NHS Hall of Distinction Committee aims to recognize and commemorate alumni of Norwich high schools who have made outstanding in the areas of, but not limited to, profession, community service, commerce, religion, and art. This Hall of Distinction established in 2024 is intended to serve as a vision and source of pride for our community and student body.

To nominate an NHS alum for the Hall of Distinction, complete the nomination form found at norwichcsd.org/documents/district/211781 and submit to NCSD Event Coordinator Rich Turnbull at rturnbull@norwichcsd.org, or dropped off at the District Office at 89 Midland Drive in Norwich no later than May 1, 2025.