Lucas forged his enlistment papers and joined the Corp at the ripe ol' age of 14. Hit the Red Beach one on Iwo and ended up earning the MOH for jumping on 2 live grenades and saved the rest of his fire team.

here's his citation:

Medal of Honor citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, Fifth 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 front line on D-plus-1 Day, Private First Class Lucas and three 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 two grenades which landed directly in front of them, Private First Class Lucas unhesitatingly hurled himself over his comrades upon one grenade and pulled the other one under him, absorbing the whole blasting force 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 Private First Class Lucas and the United States Naval Service.

/S/ HARRY S. TRUMAN

Then:

Now:Ignore the JACKASS in the background...he wishes he could clean the dirt off of this Marines shoes!!!

Jack Lucas joined the Army on June 5th 1961, and was assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia for Infantry Officers basic and the Airborne School.

He made 45 jumps while assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, including one when he had a double streamer of both his main and reserve chutes. That incident you must read in his own words to beleive.

He resigned from the Army in February 1965 after being denied a combat assignement that would have taken him to the battlefields of Vietnam.

This book is a fast read, 205 pages which I completed in about four hours.

I reccommend it for anyone who loves the Marines and Paratroopers.

LOAD CLEAR! LOAD CLEAR!

To avoid criticism do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.

Elbert Hubbard

"...my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me." He added, after a pause, looking me full in the face: "That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave"

General "Stonewall" Jackson