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Commander. In December, 1940, he was called to active duty in the Naval Air Service and was stationed at Pensacola, Florida; Corpus Christi, Texas; Treasure Island, and Alameda Air Stations. He then did a tour of Pacific duty at Seqa Island, Munda Island, Russell Island, Guadalcanal, Los Negros and the Philippines. 

After being active in aviation for 35 years, during which time he had flown over 12,000 miles in some 60 different types of planes, Lees retired in September, 1946, and settled on a small two-acre ranch at Turlock, California, to enjoy the quiet contentment of home life. There he enjoyed the California sunshine, lectured at flying clubs and started working on a history of the "Early Birds." He cultivated worms for improvement of the soil, and named his home "Wormy Walt's Ranch." He allowed his flying license, which he had held actively since 1915, to expire. After a prolonged illness he passed away at Travis Air Force Base Hospital on May 16, 1957, at age 69. 

Walter Lees loved aviation and never lost the thrill of flying. He was always a gentleman and his ever ready smile endeared him to all. He was well-known and loved for his congenial and courteous manner. An expert pilot with a sound engineering understanding of all phases of aviation, he was an active member of the Early Birds, Old Birds, Quiet Birdmen, and the Caterpillar Club, truly one of the real flying pioneers of aviation. 

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