West Freemason in Norfolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Jacklyn “Jack” H. Lucas
Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps
— Norfolk Trail of Honor —
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2022
1. Jacklyn “Jack” H. Lucas Marker
Inscription.
Jacklyn “Jack” H. Lucas. Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps. Born in North Carolina and although only 14 years of age, having a muscular build, Lucas enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in Norfolk without his mother’s consent. He gave his age as 17 and went to recruit training. On Iwo Jima, February 20, 1945, PFC Lucas and three other men were suddenly ambushed by a hostile patrol. Quick to act when the lives of the small group were endangered by two grenades, PFC Lucas unhesitatingly hurled himself over his comrades upon one grenade and pulled the other one under him, absorbing the whole force of the explosions in his own body. By his inspiring action and gallant 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. Miraculously, he survived both blasts. PFC Lucas is the youngest Marine ever to receive the Medal of Honor and of any branch of military since the Civil War.
Born in North Carolina and although only 14 years of age, having a muscular build, Lucas enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in Norfolk without his mother’s consent. He gave his age as 17 and went to recruit training. On Iwo Jima, February 20, 1945, PFC Lucas and three other men were suddenly ambushed by a hostile patrol. Quick to act when the lives of the small group were endangered by two grenades, PFC Lucas unhesitatingly hurled himself over his comrades upon one grenade and pulled the other one under him, absorbing the whole force of the explosions in his own body. By his inspiring action and gallant 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. Miraculously, he survived both blasts. PFC Lucas is the youngest Marine ever to receive the Medal of Honor and of any branch of military since the Civil War.
Erected 2015 by City of Norfolk.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 20, 1945.
Location. 36° 50.935′ N, 76° 17.671′
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W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is in West Freemason. Marker can be reached from Boush Street, 0.2 miles south of Brooke Avenue. Marker located just north of Wisconsin Square and south of the Pagoda and Oriental Garden. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Norfolk VA 23510, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 116 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 2, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
