Posted on 06/03/2008 12:21:29 PM PDT by Borges
JACKSON, Miss. - A World War II veteran who received the nation's highest military honor when he was only 17 is in the fight of his life, battling cancer, his biographer said.
Eighty-year-old Jack Lucas, who lied his way into the Marines at age 14, was nearly killed when he used his body to shield his fellow Marines from grenades on Iwo Jima in February 1945. He was just a few days past his 17th birthday at the time.
He received the Medal of Honor from President Truman later that year, becoming the youngest Marine to receive the award.
D.K. Drum, whose book "Indestructible" tells Lucas' story, said Monday that he is in "grave" condition at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, where family and friends are staying with him 24 hours a day.
"He is fighting very hard, very hard," Drum said. "It's probably his hardest fight, but he's not giving up." Lucas did not have the energy for an interview Monday, Drum said.
A native of North Carolina, Lucas was already eager to join the Marines at age 13.
"At 14, I told 'em I was 17 and joined up," he said in an Associated Press interview in October 1945. "The Lucases are all tough fighters."
In February 1945, shortly after his 17th birthday, he was with Allied forces that landed on the beach at Iwo Jima. While in a trench with three fellow squad members, he spotted two grenades on the ground, covering them with his body.
He was severely wounded when one grenade went off and survived multiple surgeries and months in the hospital.
Over the decades, the colorful Lucas became a symbol of patriotism and has been sought out by many to tell his story. "Indestructible" was written for a seventh-grade audience to reach as many people as possible.
"If he has a chance to say one thing to people, it's to never say `I can't,'" Drum said. "You don't know what you can do until you try."
May God bless this man and make his last days enjoyable.
In a , Jan. 10, 2008 file photo, Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, left, confers with World War II Medal of Honor recipient Jack Lucas of Hattiesburg, Miss., after being sworn into office, at the House chambers at the Capitol in Jackson, Miss. Lucas, who, at 17 was the youngest Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor following action in Iwo Jima, is ireported to be gravely ill Monday, June 2, 2009, at a Hattiesburg, Miss., hospital. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)
Prayers offered, Godspeed Jack Lucas
Thank you Mr. Lucas, sir.
May God Bless you.
What an incredible story.
Would be nice to have seen a picture of him when he first enlisted .....
I hope he gets better.
Similarly, my grandfather lied his way into the Navy in 1943 after running away from boarding school. He continued to use a fake date of birth for many years.
LUCAS, JACKLYN HAROLD
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.
The real “Iron Man”.
My gramps joined the Marines before he got drafted within months . So very proud of him. He did not get wounded but alot of his relatives who did GET DRAFTED did get wounded.
I wish I could have one more chance to thank my gramps for doing that. Nothing really comes close to a genuine patriot.
God speed to mr IRON MAN. You are a blessing to this country and we shall never forget you.
Prayers for the gentleman’s health.
So he’s 17 in this picture? Neat!
just posted this..
WWII vet who earned Medal of Honor at 17 has died (Jack Lucas, lied his way into the Marines at 14)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2026507/posts
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.