Early life and military service
McKee was born in Lexington, Kentucky to a military family. His father, William R. McKee, was a US Army colonel who had been killed in action commanding the Second Kentucky Regiment in the Battle of Buena Vista during the Mexican–American War. Hugh McKee was appointed to the United States Naval Academy, Naval Academy September 25, 1861 and graduated in 1866. His early duty stations included service in the Practice Squadron and aboard the USS Rhode Island (1861), USS ''Rhode Island'', flagship of the North Atlantic Squadron. In 1867–1869, he was assigned to the steam frigate USS Franklin (1864), ''Franklin'' and steam sloop of war USS Ticonderoga (1863), ''Ticonderoga'', both operating in European waters. McKee was promoted to ensign in March 1868.United States expedition to Korea
McKee had attained the rank of lieutenant by March 1870, and was serving in the Asiatic Squadron as an officer of the USS Colorado (1856), USS ''Colorado''. He was mortally wounded June 11, 1871, while leading a company of sailor, bluejackets over the walls of a Korean fort on Ganghwa Island close by the Inchon beaches during the United States expedition to Korea. Fifteen sailors and Marines received the Medal of Honor for their actions during the battle including William F. Lukes, Alexander McKenzie (Medal of Honor), Alexander McKenzie, Samuel F. Rogers, and William Troy (Medal of Honor), William Troy, who attempted to save McKee, as well as Frederick Franklin, who assumed command of McKee's company until relieved. McKee died on board the USS Monocacy (1864), USS ''Monocacy'' at 5:45 p.m. that afternoon and his body was sent to his ship, the ''Colorado'', the next day. His remains were later sent to Shanghai and from there to the United States.Lexington Morning Herald November 28, 1897 He was interred at Lexington Cemetery. He never married and had no descendants. Three ships of the U.S. Navy have been named USS McKee, USS ''McKee'' in his honor.Notes
References
: {{DEFAULTSORT:McKee, Hugh 1871 deaths United States Navy officers United States Naval Academy alumni Military personnel from Lexington, Kentucky 1844 births Military personnel from Kentucky American military personnel killed in action