Jack H. Lucas (1928–2008)

Jack Lucas was a true hero, an amazing man, and someone Americans should be proud to call one of our country's greatest citizens. Teenagers today are obsessed with video games, Jack Lucas was obsessed with being a Marine, wanting to fight for his country, and not wait until officials determined he was old enough to enlist. His determination was stronger than abiding by rules and while other boys his age were riding bikes and going fishing with their friends, Jack was hiding out on a ship that was heading for a major WWII battle. I won't give many spoilers but will say that this teenage boy was the most patriotic young man I have ever had the pleasure of discovering. He had slipped into a war that he was not old enough to enlist for, fought in one of the toughest battles of the war, and was awarded our nation's highest military recognition The Congressional Medal of Honor. He had already been awarded the medal when he received his draft notice to enlist. You will be fascinated with his story. It is one that should be read and passed along to others. Our children and grandchildren need to know and respect America's hero, the great Jack Lucas.… (més)

Jack's story is one of heroism of a flawed man. He does not pretend to be a saint. He acknowledges his faults, his short temper, his infidelity to his first wife.

But his faults do not negate the heroism, the honor, the courage, he showed in battle. His willingness and desire to do his duty in battle and to sacrifice his life for his fellow-men.

The Medal of Honor is not a prize to be sought, but a recognition of honor, of valor, of courage, bravery, and sacrifice. It is never won, though it is often earned, and occasionally awarded.

Jack Lucas was one who was awarded the Medal. Though he enjoyed the benefits of receiving it, he accepted and wore it in memory of the many who fell.

His story is moving and inspiring. I highly recommend it.… (més)

The Unforgettable Memoir of a Marine Hero at the Battle of Iwo Jima is a conversational memoir by Metal of Honor recipient, Jack Lucas. He covers his life starting as a child so you get a full view of his ethos. How a very young teen entered the U.S. Marine Corp and fought on the volcanic sands of Iwo Jima still in his teens. When ever he was saved from death he thanked God for his good fortune. His act was deserving of the U.S. medal of Honor which he was awarded.

As we continue to read, it is as if you are here him tell you the story, we learn of all the events a Medal of Honor has to attend throughout his life. And after the trauma he had gone through he rejoin the military entering the U.S. Army after graduating college as an officer.

From his own words we learn he a pretty tough and impulsive guy in both public and private life. Before his military record was expunged because of the medal of Honor the number of times he was sent to the brig would tell you this. He always did what he wanted driven by patriotism or vengeance. It was amazing he was not drummed out of service. And lucky for his squad that he was not for he saved their lives. He continued his rough ways and added wandering eye to his traits in his civilian life. A good read with forward by Bob Doyle.… (més)