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Jack Lucas, who at 14 lied his way into military service during World War II and became the youngest Marine to receive the Medal of Honor, died Thursday in a Hattiesburg hospital. He was 80.
Lucas had been battling cancer and died shortly after midnight after he requested doctors remove a dialysis machine, his wife, Ruby, told The Associated Press.
Jacklyn "Jack" Lucas was just six days past his 17th birthday in February 1945 when his heroism at Iwo Jima earned him the nation's highest military honor. He'd used his body to shield three fellow squad members from two grenades, and was nearly killed when one exploded.
"A couple of grenades rolled into the trench," Lucas said in an Associated Press interview shortly before he received the medal from President Truman in October 1945. "I hollered to my pals to get out and did a Superman dive at the grenades. I wasn't a Superman after I got hit. I let out one helluva scream when that thing went off."
Lucas was left with more than 250 pieces of shrapnel in his body and every major organ, including six pieces in his brain and two in his heart, and endured 26 surgeries in the following months. He often showed the curious his arms, which were speckled with grenade fragments that could be seen just under the surface of his skin.
He was the youngest serviceman to receive the Medal of Honor in any conflict other than the Civil War.
"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," the Medal of Honor citation said.
In the AP interview, written as a first-person account under his name, he recalled the months he spent in a hospital.
"Soon as I rest up, I imagine I'll run for president," the story concluded. "Ain't I the hero, though?"
Lucas became a symbol of patriotism in the decades after the war, meeting presidents and traveling the world to speak with frontline soldiers and fellow veterans.
Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Will Price was shaken by the news of Lucas' death. Price remembered the response to a rousing speech Lucas gave at Marine Corps headquarters in Washington.
"I never met anyone like Jack Lucas," he said. "When he came the Marines just crowded around him. He's the epitome of the values of the Corps. They were just captivated by him. Everything that came out of his mouth was pure gold and pure motivation."
Big for his age and eager to serve, Lucas forged his mother's signature on an enlistment waiver and joined the Marines at 14. Military censors discovered his age through a letter to his 15-year-old girlfriend.
"They had him driving a truck in Hawaii because his age was discovered and they threatened to send him home," said D.K. Drum, who wrote Lucas' story in the 2006 book "Indestructible." "He said if they sent him home, he would just join the Army and give the Army the benefit of his good Marine training."
Lucas eventually stowed away aboard a Navy ship headed for combat in the Pacific Ocean. He turned himself in to avoid being listed as a deserter and volunteered to fight.
"They did not know his age. He didn't give it up and they didn't ask," Drum said.
Born in Plymouth, N.C., on Feb. 14, 1928, Lucas was a 13-year-old cadet captain in a military academy when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.
"I would not settle for watching from the sidelines when the United States was in such desperate need of support from its citizens," Lucas said in "Indestructible." "Everyone was needed to do his part and I could not do mine by remaining in North Carolina."
After the war, Lucas earned a business degree from High Point University in North Carolina and raised, processed and sold beef in the Washington, D.C., area. In the 1960s he joined the Army and became a paratrooper, Drum said, to conquer his fear of heights. On a training jump, both of his parachutes failed. She said Lucas credited his stocky build and a last-second roll as he hit the ground for saving his life.
"He was the last one out of the airplane and the first one on the ground," Drum said.
Cancer was the one enemy Lucas couldn't defeat and the disease "tore apart his body," Ruby Lucas said. He was diagnosed with a form of leukemia in April and spent his last days in the hospital with family and friends standing vigil.
In his final hours, the steady stream of visitors was stopped and Ruby Lucas was given a few quiet moments with her husband.
"I said, 'Jack, you know you're dying,' " Ruby Lucas said. He just raised his head off the pillow. He said, 'I ain't dead yet.' Just as plain as day. I said, 'That's Jack Lucas. He wants to get the last word in.' "
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni. Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever. Thank you Jacklyn for your service to this nation. U.S. Marine Corps, WWII. Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipient.
Harry Simpson
Other
July 2, 2023
'Who would true Valor see. Let him come hither'.❤
Mark Howard
Significant Other
April 1, 2021
It's been years since you were called home to the Lord and I still miss you so much. We will meet again, Dear Friend...
Barbara Barclay
September 8, 2019
well id like to say i had personally had the experience of escorting mr lucas and his wife and best friend for 4 days during the grand opening of the national d-day mueseum in new orleans
and boy i tell u it was awsome had a great time with him and his wife and he always called me brother adam and on the last day i rode with him on an old jeep during a parade with him in downtown new orleans....i hope ruby is doing well and i hope that she sees this message im sure she will remember me.....my email is [email protected] thank-you for the encourgement and downright hardcorp motivation to myself and for all marines whom he had the chance to meet....semper fi jack!!!!
adam valdez
December 13, 2016
I met Jack when he was with the 82d A/B Div, Ft Bragg, NC (early 1960s) He was visiting his wife who was my co-worker Tech Writer for Western Electric at the Reynolda Road Plant, Winston-Salem, NC. I was an alumnae of the 82d and we exchanged a few words. Great man! Maj R. Salmon, US Army Retd.
Richard Salmon
December 20, 2015
My step father is trying to get ahold of Mr. Lucas's family. If there is anyone on here who could assist me with this that would be great. My step father is a mgysgt retired and honors fallen heroes and would love to honor me Lucas at their next memorial ceremony. He would like the family to know he will be dedicating a tree for him at camp Hamilton veterans memorial park in Bakersfield ca. Please if anyone can pass my information on to his family or their information to me that would forever be appreciated! [email protected]
Vanessa Ramirez
October 6, 2015
I just received my sons dog tags, he past 9yrs. & 9mos. ago. While reading them I noticed 2 were my sons, while a third read J. H. Lucas 20, Feb 1945.Research leeds me to believe my son carried this tag as an honor to Jack Lucas. I only wish I could ask my David about this, and hear his voice once more, with a hug to follow. God Bless!
Deborah Frechette
February 13, 2015
I loved Mr Jack as I did my own father. Me and Ms Ruby took him to Forrest General Hospital and we were with him when he died. He and I were oyster eating buddies. I miss him more than words can say. Till later Mr Jack. I love you always!!!
Butch Smith
September 6, 2014
Barbara Barclay
January 12, 2014
Barbara Barclay
January 12, 2014
Jack Lucas.
A young lad with a will of iron and spine of steel distinguishing himself not only on Iwo Jima but in the years leading to that fight and during the decades that followed.
May the love for his country and for his fellow Marines never be forgotten.
Bravo Zulu from a Cold War veteran.
Timothy Cummings
January 19, 2013
JACK LUCAS WAS A GREAT FRIEND OF MINE. I WAS SORRY I COULD NOT ATTEND THE FUNERAL. I MET HIM AT THE READING PA. WW2 AIRSHOW. I TALKED HIM INTO COMING TO THE SHOW OF SHOWS IN LOUISVILLE KY. HE CAME TO THE SHOW TWO YEARS IN A ROW. HE WAS A GREAT GUY.HIS MEDAL OF HONOR NEEDED REPAIR AT THE SHOW.I TOOK IT TO TOM KOENIG HE REPAIRED IT. I HAD THE GREAT HONOR OF FASTENING THE MEDAL AROUND HIS NECK AT THE SHOW. RUBY WAS A GREAT WIFE TO JACK .SHE WAS PERFECT FOR HIM. HE HAD A GREAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS. HE CALLED ME BROTHER AND I LOVED HIM LIKE ONE. I MISS HIM VERY MUCH. REST IN PEACE DEAR FRIEND. LARRY EADS, O.V.M.S. 1ST. VICE PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF INVITING VETERANS TO THE SHOW OF SHOWS.
LARRY EADS
January 21, 2012
RIP JACK. I JUST FINISHED READING YOUR BOOK, INDESTRUCTIBLE. EVERYONE SHOULD READ IT.
BILL CLARK
WINSTON SALEM, N.C.
October 19, 2011
Jack, You was the best friend I ever had as an adult. It's Christmas Eve 2010 and with tears in my eyes, I am missing you. Rest In Peace My Brother. I am still checking on Ruby for you just like I promised. Semper Fi Sir.
Walter Cook
December 24, 2010
I grew up very impressed by Audie Murphy's WWII record (most decorated). I cannot imagine why I never saw or heard of Jack Lucas. He and Audie should have been best friends, and the rest of us should have been given the opportunity to know such a great and brave man! I extend my sympathy to his family and my thanks to Mr. Lucas.
Cynthia "Cindy" Hebert
July 20, 2008
Thank you for your service - may you rest in peace and God bless your family. We can never thank you enough!
Alice
June 11, 2008
You go with the Peace and Love of every American who understands.
Dave Dunbar
June 11, 2008
Mr. Lucas: Your love of country before self is not often seen these days. Your courage and dignity shall always be remembered. Semper Fi - God Bless America - Capt. Dan McNeil
Daniel McNeil
June 11, 2008
semper fi Jack
joel prevost
June 11, 2008
Mr. Lucas you are a True American Hero.
Kimberly Wallace
June 11, 2008
Mr. Lucas: You are now and will forever be an American hero. I salute you sir. Rest in peace now.
Jimmie R. Hoda
USAF Ret. Kiln, Ms
June 10, 2008
Thank you for your service. As I write this I am saddened that we have lost such a Great American. You are a true inspiration. Your actions and character will forever remind me of why we live in the Greatest Country on Earth!
MSgt Michael Cooper MS ANG
June 10, 2008
Semper Fi Mr. Lucas,
Thank you for your service to Country and Corps!! Welcome Home Marine, your battle is over!!
John Gavnik
June 10, 2008
Honor, Courage, Commitment.
Not just words. They were his life. His story will never die. Marines like Mr. Lucas are why the Corps will never die.
Semper Fi. God Bless.
Don
June 10, 2008
I am very thankful for Mr. Lucas' service to our country. He has set an example for generations to come. If not for brave, honorable soldiers willing to defend our rights and freedom, our country would not be the great nation that it is today.
Frank Lewis
June 10, 2008
You have left your family with Honor,and helped leave us with freedom.
Thank You
Donny Watts MSARNG (Ret)
Donny and Sandra Watts
June 10, 2008
Thanks for giving us freedom! I wish to God there were men like you today. Enjoy Heaven and thanks for you did.
Sue Reiter
June 9, 2008
Jack was my father's (Butch Smith's) best friend, I had the pleasure of meeting him last year and what a
man. I can see why my father loved him so much. Don't be sad dad, he is smiling at you right now! He knows you loved him.
Theresa Devine
June 9, 2008
Thank you for your service.
Peace be with you.
Brett Davis
June 9, 2008
You will always Rest in Peace and Honored Glory!!!! God's Speed Marine!!!!
Jim (MSgt, Ret.)
June 9, 2008
A TRUE HERO
BOBBY BROOME
June 9, 2008
God Bless... Never met him but so much like my father, he also pass on. I know they will meet. My father was in the Air Force for 30 years. they were so much alike.I know Mr Lucas was a great man need more like him. once again God Bless.
Wade Vick
June 9, 2008
We need more GREAT AMERICAN'S like Mr. Lucas. He is a wonderful example of what it means to be not only a PROUD AMERICAN but a REAL MAN ready to step up to the plate and get the job done.
The Family of Mr. Lucas must be very proud to say this man is MY DAD, HUSBAND and LOVE ONE.
You all are truly blessed to have such a fine human being as part of your family tree.
GOD BE WITH YOU ALL,
Sandra
Sandra
June 8, 2008
Jack,I am going to miss you and our visits ,you were my hero.
Dotson Wallace
June 8, 2008
Thank You Brother Lucas for Your Service.
J C Hall
June 7, 2008
Mr Jack I did not know you but I wish I could have shook you hand. You served your Country with pride. God bless.
Jimmy Pat Hodges
June 7, 2008
Living next to you and your mom when I was a child, I never knew what your deeds meant to us. Funny how life has changed since then. If not for you, we all could be in a lot worse shape today. God speed to you Jack. You have served us more than we could ever ask for. Now go serve your Maker. I know he will be proud as you stand guard his Throne. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Clifton Pyle
June 7, 2008
What a wonderful man, what an amazing legacy he left behind. May God Bless the Lucas family during this difficult time.
Bethany
June 7, 2008
In recognition of Jack Lucas' Honorable Service in the United States Marine Corps, the Tri-Cities Tennessee, Detachment Number 969 of the Marine Corps League would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude for his service to God, Country and Corps as well as our sincere condolences to his family.
SEMPER FIDELIS
Don Elseroad
Junior Vice Commandant
MCL Detachment #969
Don Elseroad
June 7, 2008
You are the ultimate definition of a hero. Thank you for fighting for this great country. Soldiers like you give us the freedoms we enjoy today. God Bless you and your family.
A. Trojack
June 7, 2008
Uncle Jack, I am going to miss you. Every Christmas I would receive your Christmas cards. I enjoyed your emails and phone calls. I put off visiting you at this illness, hoping you would get better. Guess it was just my wish for you. God loaned you to us for a long time. Not as long as we wanted, but I am a better person for having you as a friend. Mrs. Ruby, thanks for calling keeping me updated. Rest and count your blessings. You gave Uncle Jack the greatest gift, your love. God has a angel in heaven, standing guard watching out for us.
J Shantina (Tina) Lun-Durham
June 7, 2008
June 7, 2008
I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Lucas a few years ago and I was truly inspired by him. What a great man with a great story. He was a real American Hero. My prayers are with you Ms. Ruby.
Ronnie Compton
June 7, 2008
What a great American. He will forever be a part of the fabric of this great country he so bravely served. Go on Marine, God speed.
Bobby Brown
June 7, 2008
June 7, 2008
Thank you Mr. Lucas. You are a true American hero.
John and Michelle Scurrah
June 7, 2008
Thank You Mr. Lucas for your service to our great nation. You will not be forgotten!
Semper Fi
George Frey
June 6, 2008
June 6, 2008
My sympathy & prayers go out to Mr. Lucas' family.
My Dad, a fellow Marine & Iwo Jima veteran, passed away earlier this week. He greatly enjoyed meeting Mr. Lucas at the christening of the U.S.S. Iwo Jima in Pascagoula a few years ago.
The "Greatest Generation" truly was.
John Pat Skrmetti
June 6, 2008
June 6, 2008
Thank you doesn't seem like enough
Sandy Maples
June 6, 2008
Mr. Lucas, what else can be said but thank you. You were an inspiration to all that met you. Living in Hattiesburg while going to USM, I often heard stories about you and your service. Thank you for doing your part to show my generation the true meaning of "no greater love hath a man than to lay down his life for his brothers"
Shawn Foles
June 6, 2008
God Bless you Jack and your Family here and you in peaceful place with thy maker.
Johnny Bankston
June 6, 2008
Mrs. Lucas, our sympathy to you and your family. He made us proud to be Americans.
The Byrds
June 6, 2008
I’m sorry to read that Medal of Honor winner Jack Lucas passed on to his reward. Now God has one more fine marine to stand guard over the streets of gold in heaven.
Semper Fi
John moore
U.S. Armed Forces Retired and
Captain John R. Moore
1/141 FA
Louisiana National Guard
John Moore
June 6, 2008
June 6, 2008
June 6, 2008
June 6, 2008
June 6, 2008
June 6, 2008
June 6, 2008
A Soldier's Prayer...
The soldier stood and faced his God Which must always come to pass...
He hoped his shoes were shining Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier, How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and Said,"No, Lord, I guess I ain't...
Because those of us who carry guns Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent, Because the streets are awfully tough.
But, I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime When the bills got just too steep,
And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place Among the people here...
They never wanted me around Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne Where the saints had often trod...
As the soldier waited quietly, For the judgment of his God,
"Step forward now you soldier,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
Billy Smith
June 6, 2008
God Bless you Jack for your service and my family's freedom. Our prayers are with you and your family.
guy & sylvia giuffria
June 6, 2008
What a man and what a story. They truly were 'The Greatest Generation'.
CH(LTC) George W. Rogers Sr.
Wiggins, MS
George W. Rogers Sr.
June 6, 2008
I was truly touched by the life story of Jack Lucas. He was a true American Hero. God Bless your family during this time of sorrow.
Kristi Phelps
June 6, 2008
God Bless Him and his Family. Semper Fi Jack. Remember Old Marines never die they just go to heaven to re-group.
Mark Cecil
June 6, 2008
thank you for serving our country for our freedom.you served us well may my condolences go to your family.now you can rest in peace.you will be remembered highly for the services to this country.many thanks
melody williams
June 6, 2008
Thank you Mr. Lucas for helping to give us freedom. My deepest sympathy to your family and friends.
May God bless you and our great nation.
Tamara Patterson
June 6, 2008
May Jack rest in peace and his family know that he is looking down on each of them. I never met him but from what I have read in the newspaper he was a true American hero that was selfless.
Melissa Roughton
June 6, 2008
Jack: Thanks very much for your service to our great country. God bless and comfort your family and friends.
Frank Beachem
June 6, 2008
Thanks to Jack and his fellow Marines, I live in a free America. May he rest now.
mark evans
June 6, 2008
My deepest sympathies to the Lucas family. I was not fortunate to meet Mr Lucas; but, his selfless acts in battle show him to be a great man and a true AMERICAN HERO! My father was a Marine and has passed on; but, in his memory I say, "Semper Fi, Marine ... Semper Fi"
Lyndon Beard
June 6, 2008
To the Family of Mr. Jack Lucas, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
I met Mr. Jack on several occasions thru the Mississippi Purple Heart Association. The most memorable was when he participated in the dedication ceremonies for the monument in Biloxi, MS that my dad and family donated to the Mississippi Purple Heart Association.
His picture now appears on that monument along with many of the other veterans who were wounded or killed in combat, fighting to protect their families and country.
I will alway remember him as a true Patriot. It is because of women and men like him, both past and present, who made the sacrifice to serve our country in it's times of need, that we are able to enjoy the freedoms with which this great country is blessed. All gave some, some gave all. God Bless you Mr. Jack and thank you.
Kenny & Donna Higginbotham
June 6, 2008
Thank you for serving our country and defending her in all her glory. In time of battle American would take men like you to battle, defend and honor our fight. Thank you sir.
Mickey Smith
June 6, 2008
Jack, I will always remember when we were roommates at Edwards Military Institute that Sunday afternoon, December 7, 1941 when we learned we had been attacked at Pearl Harbor. Your first reaction was that you were going to join the US Marines! I knew then that we were going to win the War. I know that you will win them over in heaven too.
Randy Oglesby
June 6, 2008
Semper Fi Brother. I didn't know you. You were one hell of a man.
Bill Collins
GySgt USMC RETD
Weeki Wachee, Fl
Bill collins
June 6, 2008
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers!! Mr. Lucas must have been quite a character!! He is a true hero!
Emmy Kihyet
June 6, 2008
SCOTT CHAMBERLAND
June 6, 2008
Semper Fi Jack. You are a real Marine. You reflect the true values of the Corps.
Lee Churchman
June 6, 2008
Well done, Marine!!
Rest now, my friend.
You've earned it.
Semper Fi
Jim Cheek
June 6, 2008
This man is the epitome of a "Great American". He thought of our country and preserving our rights before thinking of himself.
Thom Newman, II
June 6, 2008
Like many of his generation, Jack Lucas was a hero in the truest sense of the word. In the words of President Ronald Reagan - "Strengthened by their courage, heartened by their valor, and borne by their memory, let us continue to stand for the ideals for which they lived and died."
Ashley Edwards
June 6, 2008
Another member of our "Greatest Generation" lost. God bles you Sir, for the lives you saved and let come to pass.
Nicholas Lingo
June 6, 2008
Jack Lucas, like so many other brave men and women we have lost on the battlefield and along the way since the World War II, stand as a true testament to the bravery and selflessness of a generation that paved the way for those generations to come. I only hope that subsequent generations continue to honor them for not only their courage, but also to remember the ideals and principles they fought for and died for in order to protect this nation. I for one thank you and will never forget. May God bless you and yours.
Will Symmes
June 6, 2008
Mr. Lucas, I wish I had the chance to meet you, so that I could shake your hand and tell you personally how much I respect you and how much I thank you for what you went through so that I could be where I am today. Thank you and God Bless!!
Landon Burks
June 6, 2008
God bless you Mr. Lucas and thank you for the service you did our country throughout your lifetime.
Semper Fi
Kevin Jackson
June 6, 2008
Semper Fi Mr. Lucas!
Charley Cook
June 6, 2008
Well done Sir, Well done! God Speed.
June 6, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Sean
June 6, 2008
God bless you, sir. Thank you for your service to our country. You are a great patriot. Semper Fi.
George P. Burdell
June 6, 2008
Thank you Jack Lucas and thank God for men like you. Hero is such and overused word. But Jack Lucas is a true American Hero.
R Cook
June 6, 2008
jude hoda
June 6, 2008
Mr. Lucas was and will continue to be an example for many Americans. He lived the life of sacrifice for what is good and right.
Our thoughts and prayers will be the family as they go through this time of grief.
Jimmy Benefield
June 6, 2008
A final salute to a fallen soldier who has given much to protect my freedoms and those of my children and my grandchild.
Becky Grigsby
June 6, 2008
God Bless you Jack! You were an amazing American Hero. It was a pleasure and an honor to meet you in October 2007 at my brother's Shrimp boil in Hattiesburg, MS. Our prayers are with you Ruby.
Briant Cantrell
June 6, 2008
Jack Lucas was an inspiration to all and will be dearly missed.
Colonel Jay and Mrs. Jensen
June 6, 2008
GOD BLESS YOU ALL.WHAT A MAN HE WAS AND AN INSPIRATION TO GENERATIONS TO COME.HIS STORY BROUGHT TEARS TO MY HEART.
HOWARD ANDERSON
June 6, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
James Hatfield
June 6, 2008
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Jack was a true Amercian Hero. It took a brave and selfless man to do what he did. This country definately need more men like Jack. Rest in Peace--God only takes the best.
Mike Pritchard
June 6, 2008
I am so proud of you and what you and your brothers in uniform have done for this country. My father and all of his 5 brothers were WW2 veterans and have all gone ahead of you.
Ron Burks
June 6, 2008
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