Senate Resolution 63

A RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE GALLANT SERVICE OF PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JACK LUCAS, THE YOUNGEST UNITED STATES MARINE TO BE AWARDED THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR.

WHEREAS, 59 years ago in the sands of Iwo Jima, Private First Class Jack Lucas taught and learned the lessons of citizenship; and

WHEREAS, on February 20, 1945, on the Volcano Islands in Iwo Jima, he and three of his buddies encountered the enemy and two grenades at their feet; he threw himself on both of them, and in that moment he saved the lives of his companions and miraculously in the next instant a medic saved his life; and

WHEREAS, this action gained a foothold for freedom, and at the age of 17, PFC Jack Lucas became the youngest United States Marine in history and the youngest soldier in over a century to become a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor; and

WHEREAS, Jacklyn Harold Lucas was born on February 14, 1928, in Plymouth, North Carolina, and entered service at Norfolk, Virginia, at a very young age; he served with the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division; and

WHEREAS, his Congressional Medal of Honor citation reads as follows:

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 initative and loyalty

reflect the highest credit upon Pfc. Lucas and the

U.S. Naval Service.

WHEREAS, Mississippians understand the costs of conflict because we have paid them in the past, and it is with great pride that we show our support for the Armed Forces of the United States by recognizing the heroic action of this great American, who was the guardian of civilization as we know it today:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby remember the gallant service of Private First Class Jack Lucas, the youngest Marine and the youngest soldier in over a century to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, as we support our troops in the impending Middle East conflict.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Jack Lucas at appropriate ceremonies on Thursday, March 20, 2003, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.