Highland Falls in Orange County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Andre Cavaro Lucas
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 10, 2012
1. Andre Cavaro Lucas Marker
Andre Cavaro Lucas
Lieutenant Colonel, Infantry
for action at
Fire Support Base Ripcord
Republic of Vietnam, 1 to 23 July 1970
“ . . . Lieutenant Colonel Lucas . . . performed numerous acts of extraordinary valor in directing the defense of the Allied position . . . He flew in a helicopter at tree top level above an entrenched enemy directing the fire of one of his companies for over three hours, even though his helicopter was heavily damaged . . . He remained in an exposed position until the company expended its supply of grenades. He then transferred to another helicopter, dropped critically needed grenades to the troops, and . . . prevented the company from being encircled and destroyed . . . On another occasion, (he) attempted to rescue a crewman trapped in a burning helicopter. As the flames in the aircraft spread . . . (he) ordered . . . the rescue party to safety . . . (He) continued the rescue effort amid concentrated enemy mortar fire, intense heat, and exploding ammunition until the aircraft was completely engulfed in flames. (He) was mortally wounded while directing the successful withdrawal of his battalion . . . ”
Class of 1954
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Vietnam
this page online
Location. 41° 22.367′ N, 73° 57.72′ W. Marker is in Highland Falls, New York, in Orange County. Marker can be reached from West Point Hwy, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located at the West Point Military Academy, at the entrance to Lucas Military Heritage Center just north of the West Point Museum in Olmsted Hall. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Highland Falls NY 10928, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. USMA Class of 1954 Memorial (here, next to this marker); Lafayette's Tour (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Town of Highlands (about 300 feet away); The Path to Victory (about 300 feet away); Essayons— “Let Us Try” (about 300 feet away); Abrams Gate (about 400 feet away); The Army Mule (about 500 feet away); Benjamin J. Havens (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Highland Falls.
More about this marker. The top of the marker contains an image of the Congressional Medal of Honor. The crest of the US Military Academy appears at the bottom of the marker.
Also see . . . Valor Awards for Andre Cavaro Lucas.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 10, 2012
2. Andre Cavaro Lucas Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 10, 2012
3. Marker at the Lucas Military Heritage Center
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 10, 2012
4. US Military Academy Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 558 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 11, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
