Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps
Reserve, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division. Place
and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 20 February 1945. Entered
service at: Norfolk, Va. Born: 14 February 1928, Plymouth, N.C.
Citation... For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving
with the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division,
during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano
Islands, 20 February 1945. While creeping through a treacherous,
twisting ravine which ran in close proximity to a fluid and
uncertain frontline on D-plus-1 day, Pfc. Lucas and 3 other men
were suddenly ambushed by a hostile patrol which savagely
attacked with rifle fire and grenades.
Quick to act when the
lives of the small group were endangered by 2 grenades which
landed directly in front of them, Pfc. Lucas unhesitatingly
hurled himself over his comrades upon 1 grenade and pulled the
other under him, absorbing the whole blasting forces of the
explosions in his own body in order to shield his companions
from the concussion and murderous flying fragments.
By his
inspiring action and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice, he not
only protected his comrades from certain injury or possible
death but also enabled them to rout the Japanese patrol and
continue the advance. His exceptionally courageous initiative
and loyalty reflect the highest credit upon Pfc. Lucas and the
U.S. Naval Service.
