[citation needed] From February 1939 until January 1944, McKee served in operations and command positions at squadron and group levels.

During World War II he logged more than 190 hours in 69 combat missions in the P-38 Lightning and is credited with destroying two enemy aircraft.

In January 1947 he entered the University of Oklahoma as a student officer and graduated in August 1947 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in government.

In February 1954 he was named assistant secretary of the Air Force Council, Office of the Vice Chief of Staff.

In July 1956 McKee was transferred to Hunter Air Force Base, Georgia, as deputy commander of the 308th Bombardment Wing.

McKee was appointed assistant vice chief of staff, United States Air Force, in Washington, D.C., in July 1968.

[citation needed] McKee's military decorations and awards include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 10 oak leaf clusters, Croix de Guerre with Palm (France), Croix de Guerre with Palm (Belgium), Belgian Fourragere, Order of Leopold with Palm (Belgium), First Class Order of the Crown of Thailand, Order of the Sacred Treasure, First Class (Japan), and Order of National Security Merit, Second Class (Republic of Korea).