LUCAS, Jacklyn Harold  
 
PERSONALIA
 
Name:  Lucas, Jacklyn Harold
Date of birth: February 14th, 1928 (Plymouth, North Carolina, United States)
Date of death:  June 5th, 2008 (Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States)
Nationality:  American
     
MEDAL OF HONOR - NAVY/MARINE CORPS (MOH)
Rank: Private First Class
Unit: 1st. Battalion, 26th. Marines, 5th. Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Awarded on: October 5th, 1945
Action: 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.
 
     
PURPLE HEART
 
     
ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL
Details: Awarded with one Bronze Star
 
     
AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL
 
     
WORLD WAR TWO VICTORY MEDAL
 
 
 
  Provide alterations or additional information
Picture source:   - Home of Heroes
Information source(s):   - Jordan K. N., Yesterday’s Heroes, Schiffer Publishing Ltd., USA, 1996.
- Leatherneck Magazine, April 2007
- United States Marine Corps History Division
   
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