Uncommon Courage documentary receives widespread recognition
The Smithsonian Channel premiered the documentary Uncommon Courage: Breakout at Chosin on Memorial Day, 2010, recognizing the efforts of Maj. Kurt Chew-Een Lee during his time as a Marine Corps lieutenant in the Korean War.
“One of the Marine Corps’ greatest moments…” – The Washington Post
As a Chinese American during the time of heavy racial bias in 1950, Lee led 500 American troops through a wintry blizzard to rescue from capture some 8000 Marines who had been surrounded and outnumbered by the North Korean and Chinese military.
“His bravery at the battle of the Chosin Reservoir — a Chinese American officer battling Chinese army troops who had surrounded the American forces — is part of Marine Corps lore.” – the LA Times
His accomplishments as a Marine earned him the Navy Cross, the highest medal award by the U.S. Navy and second only to the Medal of Honor. But his efforts also places Asian Pacific Americans visibly in American history and perhaps paving the way in changing attitudes and recognition of Asian Pacific Americans in the U.S.
The one-hour documentary, which will rerun a few times on the Smithsonian Channel, garnered national attention from news outlets such as the Washington Post and the LA Times, as well as blogs such as Angry Asian Man and 8Asians.
Is there any way for me to get a copy of the Smithsonian documentary, “Uncommon Courage: Breakout at Chosin?” We don’t get the Smithsonian Channel but a long-time neighbor was featured in the documentary and I would like very much to see it. Thank you.
Betty: Hi, we’ll post information regarding this as soon as we find out! Thanks for your interest!