Fitz Lee 1866-1889 The Lees of Dinwiddie Virginia: Lees of Virginia Lost Lineages a Series by Jacqueli Finley, #6

By Jacqueli Finley

In Honor and Memory of Fitz Lee 1866-1889

"On June 30, 1898, Cuban freedom fighters and some American volunteers aboard the U.S.S. Florida attempted an amphibious landing at Tayabacoa, Cuba. The landing party immediately engaged with Spanish soldiers from a nearby blockhouse. The Cubans and Americans retreated, leaving behind a group of wounded comrades. A call for volunteers to rescue the wounded soldiers on the U.S.S. Florida began to make the rounds. After several unsuccessful rescue attempts Private Lee, Corporal George H. Wanton, Private Dennis Bell, Sergeant William H. Thompkins, and Lieutenant George P. Ahern stepped forward and offered to rescue their wounded comrades. The five soldiers went ashore and surprised the Spanish holding their comrades. The rescuers were able to free all the wounded soldiers, and everyone returned safely to the U.S.S. Florida. Lee, Wanton, Bell, and Thompkins were awarded the Medal of Honor in the summer of 1899 for their actions at Tayabacoa. Lee received his Medal of Honor while he was in the hospital at Fort Bliss, Texas. His health declined quickly after the rescue mission, with severely limited vision, swollen limbs, and abdominal pain that left him bedridden for three months. Lee was medically discharged from the Army on July 5, 1899, a few days after receiving the Medal of Honor. Lee moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, after discharge to live with fellow retired Buffalo Soldiers. His comrades took care of him while he awaited his disability benefits from the War Department. In constant pain and totally blind, Fitz Lee died at the home of a friend in Kansas on September 14, 1899. He was buried with full military honors at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, Section G, Site 3183."

Medals are awarded for acts of valor, and we can all agree with what we know of Fitz lee is that he possessed valor as he was awarded the highest recognition of his uncommon valor: the 'Medal of Honor".

That is all we know about Fitz Lee, Buffalo Soldier.  

The time has come that we learn more.

In this book we will be looking at what information has been found regarding Fitz Lee's genealogy paper trail and what has been pieced together in hopes that somehow, we can find the answer to his mysterious life, tell his life story, give Fitz the peace and recognition as the person he was. To give Fitz the closure he deserves. Perhaps with public help through this book someone may recognize something that just may well be the missing piece of the puzzle that will tell Fitz Lee's full life story.

That is our hope.

This book Proudly Supports the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of Fitz Lee 1866-1889 as I am fundraising for Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) so that I can make a difference in the lives of America's injured veterans and their families.

Every day, 58 injured veterans and their families sign up to receive critical services and support offered by WWP. Thanks to the generosity of people like you, warriors and their families will never pay a penny for these life-changing programs.

Will you join me in supporting WWP's mission to honor and empower wounded warriors by making a gift to my fundraising efforts?

Together, we can show warriors that they aren't alone.

Thank you,

Jacqueli Finley

https://communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject.org/campaign/In-Memory-of-Fitz-Lee-1866-1889-Buffalo-Soldier-and-Medal-of

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jacqueli Charlene Finley
• Release date: Jan 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224374014

Jacqueli Finley

I am a professional Genealogist, APG Member (Association of Professional Genealogists) and have over 40 years of genealogy experience and research.  About a decade ago I was hit by a drunk driver and the accident left me disabled with severe spinal injuries so I have been forced into a "retirement" of sorts - my focus remains on my lifetime research and repairing of the Lees of Virginia descendant lines, sharing my lees of Virginia data, writing on my discoveries about our Lees of Virginia lineages, and helping others find the truth in their own genealogy and family ancestry when I am able for even though I have limitations now physically, I am still unlimited mentally and my determination has not been hindered by my hardships. I am always here to help. As a professional genealogist: I proudly abide by the code of ethics of the Association of Professional Genealogists as I undertake my genealogy and history research.

Book preview

Preface

Fitz Lee was a Buffalo Soldier in the United States Army and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions at the Battle of Tayacoba in the Spanish–American War - U.S. Army Fitz Lee Details Rank: Private Conflict/Era: Spanish-American War Unit/Command: Troop M, 10th U.S. Cavalry Military Service Branch: U.S. Army Medal of Honor Action Date: June 30, 1898 Medal of Honor Action Place: Tayabacoa, Cuba Citation Voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts had been frustrated.

Medals are awarded for acts of valor, and we can all agree with what we know of Fitz lee is that he possessed valor as he was awarded the highest recognition of his uncommon valor: the ‘Medal of Honor".

What does it mean to say one possesses uncommon valor? The phrase refers to bravery that is not seen very often. It is when an ordinary person is faced with extraordinary and sometimes horrific circumstances but rises above those circumstances to display unprecedented courage. The term has mostly been linked to soldiers in war.

The dictionary description is great courage in the face of danger especially in battle.

Associated synonyms for valor:

bravery · courage · fearlessness · courageousness · braveness · intrepidity · intrepidness · pluck · pluckiness · nerve · backbone · spine · heroism · stout-heartedness · manliness · manfulness · audacity · boldness · gallantry · daring · spirit · fortitude · mettle · dauntlessness · doughtiness · hardihood ...

That is all we know about Fitz Lee, Buffalo Soldier. 

The time has come that we learn more.

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Through this book we would like to find out who Fitz Lee was.  To find his family and ancestry.  Ideally this could be done by obtaining his DNA to compare with