Lee Embree facts for kids
Lee Embree (born July 9, 1915 – died January 24, 2008) was an American Army staff sergeant and photographer. He became famous for taking the very first pictures from the sky of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Embree took these important photos while flying in a B-17 plane from California to Hawaii on December 7, 1941, as the Japanese attacked the ships stationed at Pearl Harbor.
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Lee Embree's Early Life
Lee Embree was born and grew up in Iowa. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1936. By 1941, the year of the Pearl Harbor attack, he had become a staff sergeant. A staff sergeant is a non-commissioned officer rank in the military, meaning they have important responsibilities and lead other soldiers.
He married his first wife, Elizabeth Gene "Betty" Lain, in 1941. Betty passed away in 1998. Later, in 2001, he married his second wife, Violet "Vi" Timm McRoberts.
Witnessing the Pearl Harbor Attack
On December 7, 1941, Lee Embree was flying in a B-17 "Flying Fortress" bomber plane. He was on his way from California to Hawaii. Suddenly, the Japanese military began their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.
Embree had his camera with him and started taking pictures from the air. These were the first photos taken by an American from the sky during the attack. He took several pictures, but then he stopped. In an interview years later, he explained why. He said he was so shocked by what he saw that he forgot about the camera in his hand.
His photographs became very important historical records of that day.
Life After the War
After World War II, Embree joined the Air Force Reserve in 1945. He officially retired from the military as a major in 1957. A major is a higher officer rank in the military.
He and his family lived and worked in Southern California for many years. In 1988, Embree moved to Port Angeles, Washington.
Lee Embree was interviewed for TV shows about the Pearl Harbor attacks. In 2003, he spoke to a team from the Discovery Channel for a documentary. He also appeared in a TV series called Stories of the Northwest in 2007. This series focused on the lives of World War II veterans.
In 2007, Embree's photographs were put on display at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington. His old Speed Graphic camera, goggles, and dog tags were also part of the exhibit.
Lee Embree's Passing
Lee Embree passed away at his home in Port Angeles on January 24, 2008. He was 92 years old. He was buried at Mount Angeles Memorial Park. He was survived by his second wife, his two children, three grandchildren, three stepchildren, and five step-grandchildren.
