Name: Jack Lummus
Rank: First Lieutenant
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Unit: Rifle Platoon Leader, attached to 2d Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division
Place: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands
Born: 22 October 1915, Ennie, Texas
Appointed From: Texas
Summary of Action
After two days and nights of relentless combat on Iwo Jima, First Lieutenant Jack Lummus continued leading his platoon against a Japanese force deeply entrenched in a network of fortified positions.
As his Marines advanced, they were suddenly pinned down by intense enemy fire.
Without hesitation, Lummus moved ahead of his own front line to attack the position himself.
An enemy grenade exploded near him, knocking him to the ground.
He got back up and pressed forward.
Locating the hostile emplacement, he attacked and destroyed it.
Immediately afterward he came under heavy fire from a supporting pillbox. Another grenade exploded nearby, wounding his shoulder, but Lummus refused to stop.
He charged the second pillbox alone and wiped out its entire crew.
Returning to his platoon, he moved along the lines under fire, rallying his Marines and directing supporting tank fire against remaining enemy positions.
When the advance was again halted by intense resistance, Lummus once more moved into the open.
Charging a third heavily fortified position, he destroyed it and killed its defenders.
Leading from the front, he continued attacking enemy foxholes and spider traps with his carbine as his Marines pressed the advance.
During this relentless assault, he stepped on a land mine and was mortally wounded.
His fearless leadership, bold tactics, and unbreakable determination inspired his Marines to continue the attack and secure their objective.
Medal of Honor Citation
LUMMUS, JACK
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Born: 22 October 1915, Ennie, Tex.
Appointed from: Texas.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as leader of a Rifle Platoon attached to the 2d Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. Resuming his assault tactics with bold decision after fighting without respite for 2 days and nights, 1st Lt. Lummus slowly advanced his platoon against an enemy deeply entrenched in a network of mutually supporting positions. Suddenly halted by a terrific concentration of hostile fire, he unhesitatingly moved forward of his front lines in an effort to neutralize the Japanese position. Although knocked to the ground when an enemy grenade exploded close by, he immediately recovered himself and, again moving forward despite the intensified barrage, quickly located, attacked, and destroyed the occupied emplacement. Instantly taken under fire by the garrison of a supporting pillbox and further assailed by the slashing fury of hostile rifle fire, he fell under the impact of a second enemy grenade but, courageously disregarding painful shoulder wounds, staunchly continued his heroic 1-man assault and charged the second pillbox, annihilating all the occupants. Subsequently returning to his platoon position, he fearlessly traversed his lines under fire, encouraging his men to advance and directing the fire of supporting tanks against other stubbornly holding Japanese emplacements. Held up again by a devastating barrage, he again moved into the open, rushed a third heavily fortified installation and killed the defending troops. Determined to crush all resistance, he led his men indomitably, personally attacking foxholes and spider traps with his carbine and systematically reducing the fanatic opposition until, stepping on a land mine, he sustained fatal wounds. By his outstanding valor, skilled tactics, and tenacious perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, 1st Lt. Lummus had inspired his stouthearted marines to continue the relentless drive northward, thereby contributing materially to the success of his regimental mission. His dauntless leadership and unwavering devotion to duty throughout sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
Name: Jack Lummus
