From the Author
“It is never acceptable to give up.” –Tim Lee
BORN ON THE FIFTH OF JULY has been in the making for almost 68 years! It began in the 1950’s, heated up dramatically in the 1960’s; erupted in 1971, and beginning in 1973 it began to culminate in a dramatic ministry and life-story that is still being written.
It has been an exciting ride along the shores and grace! Over these fleeting decades, even when I was just starting out in ministry people would ask ‘When are you going to write your story?’ I was so honored they asked that question. God has made my story attractive and interesting to other people and hopefully beneficial. Isn’t He wonderful? To take smoldering embers and ashes and bring them back to life and make them glow to a dark world. When asked the above question I always wanted to say, ‘Well, I haven’t lived my story yet.’ I feel quite differently now. I feel as though I’ve lived long enough that I have an interesting enough story that people will want to read about the twists and turns, and the failures and victories of my life.
My co-author, Bob Hamer and I began this project together well over a year ago. We spent literally hundreds of hours in rather intense conversations. I would bear my soul and Bob would write. Over all those hours and hours over the wire so to speak Bob and I developed a wonderful bond and a very rewarding relationship. SEMPER FI Marine!
People who read the book prior to its finish date made comments like, ‘I was spell bound’, ‘I couldn’t put it down’, ‘powerful!’ and ‘WOW!’ It was thrilling to hear their responses! My own wife Connie was reading a chapter of the book and at one point she stopped, put the book down, looked at me and said, ‘I didn’t know that!’
My prayers are for God to use this book in amazing ways to speak to hearts, to find people, to connect, to grip their inner most self, especially the rebels who, just like I was, are in a far country feeling disinherited from God. Perhaps it will also prove to be an encouragement to the hearts of parents who may have unhappy prodigals; to never give up; to never quit believing; to never stop reaching out and showing their love for their children. My own sweetheart Mother would tell all of you “It is never too late.” Perhaps the Lord will use Born On The Fifth Of July to help someone on his or her own private journey back to God.
Tim Lee
Evangelist
Forward by Lieutenant Colonel Oliver L North
Forward by Lieutenant Colonel Oliver L North
This is the story of an American Hero. Full disclosure, Tim Lee is a close friend. He and I are U.S. Marines. I would follow him into hell itself. If you know or admire a warrior, an American Hero, a First Responder, a leader, a parent, or an American who loves this country, Born on the 5th of July was written for you.
There is a brotherhood among warriors. They share a common bond forged in the crucible of war. This book is about camaraderie wrought in privation, thirst, fear, loneliness, exhaustion, pain and terror.
The very best warriors I know have overcome these horrors with undaunted courage, tenacity, fellowship, faith, endurance and steadfast loyalty to a cause and each other. They know the true meaning of perseverance...
In days gone by, those who shared these virtues were called “heroes.” Now, we use that word to describe an athlete who sets a new record; a player who catches a game-winning pass; even a fictional character wearing a spandex suit and a cape.
If truth still matters, the classical definition of a hero is a person who puts him or herself at risk for the benefit of another. Tim Lee is such a hero and I am blessed to have him as a friend.
Tim is a fellow United States Marine and a trusted friend of nearly three decades. We have traveled our country and the Holy Land together. I know him to be a gifted ally and a fellow Soldier in the battle for the soul of America. He gave two good legs, and very nearly his life, for the nation we love. Despite his injuries, I want Tim Lee with me in my next gunfight.
When we appear together, I like to tell our audience, “I would follow Sergeant Tim Lee through hell itself in my bare feet because he would bring us out the other side unscathed.” Since Tim is a humble hero with a sense of humor, he adds, “Yeah, but the devil can’t burn my feet. I don’t have ‘em anymore.”
Having fought – and very nearly died – for America, Tim is a credible and tireless advocate for our nation’s heritage as “One Nation Under God.” U.S. Senators, Congressmen, Governors, Mayors and legislators across our land feel his influence. Famous athletes and public figures admire him. On the hallowed ground of the Marine Recruit Depot at Parris Island, Tim Lee is a legendary hero.
Born on the 5th of July is the story of a remarkable man – a servant leader, a role model – the kind of person who never asks more of others than he demands of himself. My friend Tim Lee was and is a standout athlete; a valiant warrior and Marine; a loyal and loving husband and father, and a courageous patriot-defender of this nation’s most cherished rights.
Born On the 5th of July is all about devotion to duty, determination, perseverance and faith. If this book doesn’t inspire you, seek immediate medical attention because your heart may have stopped.
Oliver L. North
LtCol USMC [Ret.]
Host of “War Stories” on FOX News
What Others are Saying
What Others are Saying about
Born on the Fifth of July
Tim Lee has lived a life that defies definition. His story is one of service, sacrifice, love and loss that is an inspiration to all who know him. Shaped by events that easily could have left him bitter and alone, Tim allowed God to not only restore the fullness of his own life, but to use him to challenge all of us to look to heaven for guidance and deliverance. The pages of this book describe a man with a love for God and country that embodies the Marine motto Semper Fidelis – always faithful.
US Senator Ted Cruz
Liberty University has been greatly honored to have Tim Lee serve on its Board of Trustees for decades and I have been proud to call Tim my friend for many years, but even I hadn't heard all of the stories woven into his autobiography. This is a beautiful account of the "prodigal son" who returned home and became one of the greatest mouthpieces for the gospel of his generation. I hope you'll pick up a copy of this book and be encouraged by the often surprising ways God can use each of us—through struggles and blessings—to advance His Kingdom.
Jerry Falwell, Jr.
President, Liberty University
A superbly written and extremely rare coming-of-age story that tells of a prodigal Marine Sergeant, returned from war grievously wounded but raised spiritually by God from the clutches of death on a remote trail in Vietnam. I have known Tim Lee for more than 35 years and have come to love him as a fellow soldier of Christ and a United States Marine. This is a story of discipline, rebellion, service, redemption and courage that traverses the formidable divide between the Vietnam Generation and those that came before and after it. Within this text, the Gospel message is told like never before.
Lieutenant Colonel Grayson T. Story
U. S. Marine Corps
Tim Lee is a preacher, patriot and friend. As you read this book, you will find out this has not always been so! While running from God, he stepped on a sixty-pound box mine. This changed everything! As he says, “that was the day he stopped running from God and started running for him.” I have watched Tim Lee for over 25 years and there are three things that have remained true of him during these times. Love for God, love for family and love for country! His story is a story worth sharing!
Pastor Jerry Walls
Southside Baptist Church, Warner Robins, GA
Suddenly, two legs are horribly ripped off and the soldier is given up for dead, BUT instead, he is given an almost unbelievably super natural heart with orders and power to help others! Tim Lee's life and ministry has proven it can, in the power of Christ, change anyone's life and eternity. I'm personally purchasing copies for my family to inspire and bless their lives for eternity!!!!!!
Bobby H Welch
former Green Beret, Vietnam veteran, pastor at First Baptist Church, Daytona Beach, FL former President of Southern Baptist Convention
About the Co-Author Bob Hamer
About the Co-Author Bob Hamer
Bob Hamer spent four years on active duty in the Marines and twenty-six years in the FBI, much of that time in various undercover assignments. He received the FBI Director’s Award for Distinguished Service. Since retiring from the FBI, he has written and consulted for television, authored three award-winning books, three novellas, and co-authored two best-selling books with Oliver North. He and his wife, Debbie, live in Southern California. They have two children and five grandchildren. Bob’s website is bobhamer.net
