The Incredible Story of Ching Lee: The Gunslinger with Bad Eyesight

TLDRChing Lee, aka Willis Augustus Lee, was an exceptional marksman who overcame his vision limitations to become a legendary figure. From winning five Olympic gold medals to commanding battleships, he achieved remarkable success by applying his shooting skills to various fields.

Key insights

🎯Ching Lee won five Olympic gold medals in shooting and went on to become the most successful battleship commander.

💣Despite his myopia, Ching Lee employed the principles of long range precision shooting in commanding battleships.

🔫Ching Lee published an article on shooting techniques, emphasizing the importance of accuracy over speed.

😎Ching Lee's unconventional approach and unconventional pranks during his youth foreshadowed his unique career path.

🏆Ching Lee's achievements in shooting and leadership earned him the nickname 'Ching' and made him an influential figure in multiple fields.

Q&A

How did Ching Lee overcome his vision limitations?

Despite facing severe burns on his face and eyes, Ching Lee regained a significant amount of his eyesight. However, he still had to wear thick glasses for the rest of his life.

Did Ching Lee face any challenges in his academic life?

Ching Lee was a rambunctious student and often engaged in pranks and mischievous activities. He had a habit of getting off-task and not being interested in traditional schooling.

What were Ching Lee's achievements in shooting?

Ching Lee won first place in a national shooting competition, scoring a bullseye at a thousand yards. He also won the pistol competition, earning two gold medals.

What was Ching Lee's approach to shooting and accuracy?

Ching Lee emphasized the importance of acquiring accuracy before speed. He believed that accuracy was the final goal and that speed should follow.

How did Ching Lee become a successful battleship commander?

Ching Lee applied the principles of long-range precision shooting that he had learned to the massive 16-inch guns on the USS Washington, which contributed to his success as a battleship commander.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to Ching Lee, an exceptional gunslinger with an incredible story.

01:40Ching Lee's background, including his childhood passion for shooting and his knack for mischief.

03:43Ching Lee's accident with a coffee can filled with black powder and the impact it had on his vision.

05:20Ching Lee's experiences at Annapolis, his shooting skills, and his success in a national competition.

08:43Ching Lee's determination to join the Navy despite his vision limitations and his cheating on the eye exam.

09:58Ching Lee's involvement in the occupation of Vera Cruz and his bravery in the face of danger.