Captain Walter Earl Lee was commissioned as an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Infantry Officer Candidate School class 16-66 at Fort Benning, Georgia on 19 October 1966. His first duty assignment was as a Tactical Officer, 97th Company, 9th Student Battalion, Infantry Officer Candidate School, Fort Benning, Georgia.

His notable duty assignments: Commander, Company A, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, Viet Nam; Instructor, Leadership Department, Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia; Director of Instruction, 6th Army Drill Sergeant School and Non-Commissioned Officer School, Fort Lewis, Washington; Special Project Officer, 9th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington; Commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington; and Commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, Fort. Lewis, Washington.

His military education includes: Infantry Training Officers Candidate School, United States Army Infantry School Instructor Training, and Infantry Officers Advance Course.

His highest military awards and decorations include: Silver Star, Soldiers Medal, Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device, Bronze Star Medal (2nd Award), Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Purple Heart, Air Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device, and Combat Infantryman Badge.

After military service, Captain Lee volunteered extensively as a life member of the Kentucky Veterans of Foreign Wars. He has held numerous positions, notably Post 5484 Commander four times, District 2 Commander two times, State Area A Chief of Staff, State Buddy Poppy Chairman and National Aide-de-Camp. His dedication and commitment as a volunteer has been recognized numerous times for supporting the programs, purpose and objectives of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.