McKee was born in Lexington, Kentucky to a military family. His father, William R. McKee, was a United States 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 Naval Academy 25 September 1861 and graduated in 1866.
His early duty stations included service in the Practice Squadron and aboard the United States Ship Rhode Island, flagship of the North Atlantic Squadron. In 1867-1869 he was assigned to the steam frigate Franklin and steam sloop of war Ticonderoga, both operating in European waters. McKee was promoted to Ensign in March 1868.
He was mortally wounded 11 June 1871, while leading a company of bluejackets over the walls of a Korean fort on Ganghwa Island close by the Inchon beaches during the McKee died on board the United States Ship 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. He was interred at Lexington Cemetery.
Three ships of the United States. Navy have been named United States Ship McKee in his honor.
McKee had attained the rank of lieutenant by March 1870, and was serving in the Asiatic Squadron as an officer of the United States Ship Colorado. Fifteen sailors and Marines received the Medal of Honor for their actions during the battle including William F. Lukes, Alexander McKenzie, Samuel F. Rogers, and William Troy, who attempted to save McKee, as well as Frederick Franklin, who assumed command of McKee"s company until relieved.
