By the 1940 Federal Census, Lee R. Jerry was reported as having a fourth grade level education. Educational records indicate that he attended Township 18-Range 16 East in Artesia, Mississippi. He regularly attended school in 1933 and 1939, during the Great Depression, once again indicating the value that the Jerry family placed on education. However, during some years, like 1931, Lee is recorded as working at home, demonstrating that he was not continuously at school. Thus, he only achieved a fourth grade education by 22. During the time he was not at school, Lee worked as a farm hand on a general farm.
On May 3, 1941, prior to America's entry to WWII, Lee enlisted in the US Army at Fort Shelby, Mississippi. He joined the 24th Infantry Regiment.
On May 3, 1941, prior to America's entry to WWII, Lee enlisted in the US Army at Fort Shelby, Mississippi. He joined the 24th Infantry Regiment.