Medal of Honor: Jacklyn Harold Lucas – U.S. Marine Corps – World War II

Name: Jacklyn Harold Lucas
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Unit: 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division
Place: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands
Entered Service At: Norfolk, Virginia
Born: 14 February 1928, Plymouth, North Carolina

Summary of Action

On D-plus-1 at Iwo Jima, Pfc. Jacklyn H. Lucas was moving through a twisting ravine near the unstable front lines when he and three fellow Marines were suddenly ambushed by a Japanese patrol. Rifle fire cracked through the ravine and grenades landed directly in front of the small group.

There was no time to run.

Without hesitation, Lucas threw himself forward, covering one grenade with his body while pulling the second beneath him. He absorbed the full force of both explosions—shielding his comrades from the deadly blast and fragmentation.

Miraculously, he survived the massive injuries. His selfless act not only saved the lives of the three Marines beside him but allowed them to rally, rout the enemy patrol, and continue the advance.

At just 17 years old—having enlisted underage—Jacklyn Harold Lucas demonstrated a level of courage and sacrifice that stands among the most extraordinary in Marine Corps history.

Medal of Honor Citation

LUCAS, JACKLYN HAROLD

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.