Lee Donald Kerr was born on August 14, 1920, in Albion, Whitman County, Washington, to George W. Kerr and Nettie Evans Kerr. He graduated from Pullman High School and later attended Washington State College. Kerr enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in July 1941 and received flight training in California and Phoenix, Arizona. He subsequently served at Geiger Field, Washington; Denver, Colorado; and Washington, D.C., before being temporarily assigned to the Royal Canadian Air Force for aerial photographic duties in Canada. During World War II, he served as a First Lieutenant and pilot with the 1st Photographic Mapping Squadron, 1st Mapping Group, flying Douglas F-3 Havoc #39-745.

On October 18, 1942, the Douglas F-3 Havoc #39-745 was on a photographic mapping mission along the St. Lawrence River toward the Atlantic. Operating from Bradley Field, Connecticut, the crew was conducting reconnaissance associated with the planned Crimson Route, photographing and identifying potential emergency landing areas and locations where enemy aircraft might have landed during possible attacks on Allied shipping lanes or coastal sites. While flying near Saint-Charles-de-Bellechasse, Quebec, approximately 27 kilometers southeast of Québec City, the aircraft developed apparent engine trouble and broke apart following an explosion. All three airmen were killed, and wreckage was scattered over a wide area. During the subsequent search-and-recovery operation, only the crew members' remains were recovered.

1Lt Kerr is now buried in the Cimetière Mount Hermon, Sillery, Capitale-Nationale Region, Québec, Canada.

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