Lee, James Shawn

James Shawn Lee was born and raised in Mt. Vernon, Indiana. He served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 142 (VMFA-142), Marine Aircraft Group 42, part of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. His unit was based in Marietta, Georgia, and he was deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

On April 6, 2005, Sgt. Lee was killed in Ghazni province, located in southeastern Afghanistan. According to the Department of Defense, he died from injuries sustained during a firefight with enemy forces while conducting combat operations.

Operation Enduring Freedom was the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001 following the September 11 attacks. The mission initially aimed to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban regime from power, later shifting to counter-insurgency and stabilization efforts.

Following his death, Sgt. Lee's body was returned to the United States. He was buried in Bellefontaine Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, Indiana. The Marine Corps posthumously awarded him the Purple Heart.

Sgt. Lee is remembered on memorials in his hometown and by his unit. His name is inscribed on the Indiana Fallen Heroes Memorial in Indianapolis.

Sgt. Lee was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.

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