Lee Embree: The Unsung Hero of Pearl Harbor
The Photographer Who Captured History
Lee Embree is best known for taking the first American air-to-air photographs of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, a feat that would etch his name in the annals of history. On that fateful day, December 7, 1941, Embree, then a staff sergeant in the Army Air Corps, was on board a B-17 flying from California to Hawaii when the Japanese launched their surprise attack on the Pacific Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor.
A Life of Service
Born on July 9, 1915, in Iowa, Embree enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1936, driven by a sense of duty and service to his country. By 1941, he had risen to the rank of staff sergeant, serving in the Pacific Theater. Embree's military career spanned over two decades, during which he enlisted in the Air Force Reserve in 1945 and eventually retired as a major in 1957.
The Fateful Flight
On that day, Embree's B-17 was flying over Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attack commenced. As the aircraft banked and turned, Embree snapped a series of photographs of the chaos unfolding below. Though he stopped taking pictures soon after, his images would become an integral part of American history, capturing the shock and horror of the surprise attack.
Personal Life and Later Years
Embree married his first wife, Elizabeth Gene "Betty" Lain, on February 22, 1941, just months before the Pearl Harbor attack. The couple was together until Betty's passing in 1998. In 2001, Embree married his second wife, Violet "Vi" Timm McRoberts. Embree spent many years living and working in Southern California before moving to Port Angeles, Washington, in 1988.
Legacy and Recognition
In his later years, Embree shared his story with the world, appearing in documentaries and interviews. In 2003, he was featured in a Discovery Channel documentary on the Pearl Harbor attacks. In 2007, he appeared in the KCTS series "Stories of the Northwest," which highlighted the experiences of World War II veterans in the Pacific Northwest.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, Embree's photographs, along with his Speed Graphic camera, goggles, and dog tags, are on display at the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington. This poignant exhibit serves as a testament to Embree's bravery and his contribution to American history.
Remembering a Hero
Lee Embree passed away on January 24, 2008, at the age of 92, due to complications from a kidney infection. Though he may be gone, his legacy lives on, reminding us of the importance of service, sacrifice, and the power of a single moment captured in time.
FAQ
What was Lee Embrees role in the US military?
Lee Embree was an American sergeant who served in the US Army during World War II, earning a Purple Heart for his bravery during the D-Day landings in Normandy.
What kind of photography did Lee Embree specialize in?
Lee Embree was a photographer who specialized in combat and war photography, capturing iconic images of World War II and the aftermath of the conflict.
What is Lee Embrees most famous photograph?
Lee Embrees most famous photograph is arguably The Flag Raising on Iwo Jima, which depicts the raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
How did Lee Embrees photography influence American journalism?
Lee Embrees photography had a profound impact on American journalism, helping to shape the publics understanding of war and its consequences.
What was Lee Embrees legacy in the world of photography?
Lee Embrees legacy in photography is as a pioneering combat photographer who captured the brutality and heroism of war, inspiring later generations of photographers and journalists.
