Roll Call Tribute

Luther Lee Sanders 

March 24, 1942 - August 18, 2024 

Luther Lee Sanders (known as Lee by friends and family) passed away on August 18, 2024 from complications with multiple health issues. Lee was born on March 24, 1942 in Colorado Springs CO, to Francis Dale Callicotte Sanders and CMSGT David Lee Sanders, Jr. He was married for 58 wonderful years to Margaret Brouillette Sanders (their wedding anniversary was 12 August) and they have 3 Children, a daughter-in-law, son-in-law and 4 grandchildren. David Lee Sanders, wife Kasey Sanders, children MacKenna Sanders, Bailey True Sanders, Cooper Sanders. Daughter Christine Melanson Sanders, husband Paul Melanson. Stephen Paul Sanders (passed in 2021), survived by his son Mason Sanders.

Lee is a graduate of Texas A&M University Class of '64; after graduation he was commissioned a 2nd LT in the infantry. Upon infantry basic graduation he attended Airborne, Ranger and Pathfinder training, serving his first tour in Vietnam as a Pathfinder platoon leader with the 1st Cavalry Division. Of note, he completed 3 combat jumps in Vietnam. Upon his return from Vietnam, he married Margaret Brouillette and spent his next year as a Ranger Instructor at the Florida Ranger Camp.

In January of 1969 he returned to Vietnam where he led as a company commander, Delta Company, 3/187th Infantry, 101st Airborne in the most famous battle of Vietnam, “Hamburger Hill”. On day 3 of the battle of Hamburger Hill, Lee was seriously wounded in the right arm. The Soldiers he served with on Hamburger Hill still talk highly of him today, telling stories of his leadership and bravery. He received a Silver Star, Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his actions in Vietnam. You can research further as Lee Sanders has been on “War Stories” with Ollie North and is in multiple books and articles about Hamburger Hill.

Lee recovered from his wounds at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, was medically retired out of the Army as a Captain, earned a Master of Political Science from St. Mary’s University. He dabbled in local politics, worked as a social worker at the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, worked as a lobbyist for the SATX Homebuilders Association. Finally settling on real estate and building his own real estate business in 1989 and running that business until he decided to finally retire.

Lee Sanders was loved by many people, where his infectious positive attitude inspired many a people that were having a bad day. Lee was a great husband, father and friend. He will be dearly missed by family and friends.

The family requests that you do not send flowers, but instead, in Lee Sanders honor donate to one of the many Veteran support organizations that exist.

Services were held Tuesday, August 27, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.