IN the heartlands of Rompin, Pahang, one October morning in 1937, Major (rtd) Lee Ah Pow was born with a destiny that would etch his name into the annals of bravery and service.
For 83 years, Lee's life had been a tapestry woven with threads of courage and selflessness, culminating in the honour of receiving the nation's second-highest award for valour — the revered Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB) — for his courage and bravery whilst serving in the Malayan Special Forces under the United Nations banner in then Republic of the Congo (Congo) in 1962.
But for Lee, who passed away on Aug 29, 2020, his journey of courage began long before the accolades, amidst the hallowed grounds of the Federation Military College (FMC) at the 5th Mile Coast Road in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan.
Enrolling in the Boys Wing in 1953, his prowess in sports, particularly boxing and basketball, mirrored the determination that would define his illustrious career as a soldier.
Moving from the Boys Wing to the Cadet Wing in 1956, he faced tough military training that shaped and strengthened him.
In 1958, he graduated as a second lieutenant in the army and participated in Malaya's First Sovereign's Parade — a moment celebrated with a royal salute and great pride.
He was later commissioned into the Federation Armoured Car Regiment (FACR) that conducted various counter-insurgency operations at the Malayan-Thai border.
In mid-1962, Lee was deployed with C Squadron of 2 Recce Regiment, which was on its second tour of duty under the Malayan Special Forces of the United Nations in Elizabethville, the Congo.
Between 1960 and 1965, the central African country sank into civil war right after independence from its colonial master Belgium. This also saw the formation of breakaway states such as the Republic of Katanga.
BOLD ACT
Lee's unit was placed in the Indian Independent Brigade Group under the command of then Brigadier R.S. Noronha.
On a fateful September day — Sept 12, 1962, to be precise — Lee's patrol sprang into action at a road block manned by soldiers loyal to the Republic of Katanga at the outer perimeter of Elizabethville airport.
At this point, a section of 12 Gurkha soldiers was surrounded by about 100 Katangese soldiers, who were about to move in for the kill when Lee arrived to provide all-round screen cover for the Gurkhas to escape.
The first shot from the Katangese soldiers barely missed Lee's left ear, igniting a fierce firefight between his scout car unit and the enemy. Despite the odds, Lee's resolute determination prevailed, driving the Katangese forces to a retreat with casualties.
Earlier, he had rallied his men with the resolve that if they were to fall, they would not do so alone — a testament to his unwavering courage. Lee's act of valour had averted a potential massacre of the Gurkhas.
Upon searching the area, a cache of Katangese weaponry was discovered, including a substantial stockpile of ammunition, machine guns and rocket launchers.
Miraculously, the rocket launchers were not deployed, sparing the scout cars which were carrying additional jerrycans of petrol, and averting a potentially catastrophic outcome.
In recognition of his valour and adept handling of this perilous situation against overwhelming odds, Lee was recommended by the brigade commander for a bravery award.
DEVOTED SERVICE
On June 4, 1964, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong bestowed the PGB upon the 27-year-old Lee on His Majesty's birthday to commemorate the young soldier's remarkable courage and leadership.
Returning from his tour of duty in the Congo, Lee was deployed to several frontline positions in Sabah and Sarawak during the Confrontation (1963-1966). Subsequently, he went on to play vital roles in counter-insurgency operations across Peninsula Malaysia, notably along the Malaysian-Thai border.
After 19 years of devoted service and unwavering commitment to his nation, Lee bode farewell to his military career on March 23, 1975, at the rank of major, adorned with honour and dignity befitting his illustrious service.
A paragon of loyalty and integrity, Lee remained steadfast in his duty, even in the face of countless promotions that eluded him. Remarkably, he never sought accolades or recognition for his sacrifices.
Instead, Lee found fulfillment in the bonds of family, friendship and camaraderie that enriched his life for another 45 years beyond his army retirement. To Major Lee, we offer our heartfelt salute — a tribute to a true gentleman and exemplary officer.
This article is written by Ingenieur Lieutenant-Colonel Raymond Goh Boon Pah KMN (Royal Engineers Veteran).
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