Bloody Iwo

Yesterday was the 60th anniversary of the landing on Iwo Jima. The fighting would last 36 days. That battle is notable for many reasons, not the least of which is Pvt Jacklyn Lucas, the toughest Marine who ever lived. Richard Newcomb, in his excellent book on Iwo, writes about him as he fought north across the island with 1/26:

Lucas, at the time, was at least a technical deserter. He had lied about his age and enlisted at fourteen (he stood 5 foot 8 and weighed 200 pounds). He had been brigged twice, for fighting and being AWOL. When the 26th was loading for Iwo, Lucas walked out of the Sixth Base Depot and onto the transport with them. He was tired of the depot, and he had a cousin in the 26th. The 26th was glad he came along.

His Medal of Honor Citation:

Private First Class Jacklyn H. Lucas United States Marine Corps Reserve

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Fifth 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 front line on D-plus-1 day, Private First Class Lucas and three 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 two grenades which landed directly in front of them, Private First Class Lucas unhesitatingly hurled himself over his comrades upon one grenade and pulled the other one under him, absorbing the whole blasting force 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 him 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 Private First Class Lucas and the United States Naval Service.

Harry S. Truman President of the United States

What is so remarkable about Lucas is that he survived having two grenades explode beneath him!

Here's an article about Lucas. A colorful character, to say the least. I had completely forgotten about the State of the Union Address appearance. At least President Clinton did a good job on that score.

(Newcomb's book on Iwo is really informative. There are pages and pages of appendices, listing all Medal of Honor recipients, the order of battle for American and Japanese forces, casualty lists, etc.)

Among the dead on that first day was another Marine Corps hero, "Manilla John" Basilone. Sgt Basilone fought off a Japanese attack on Guadalcanal as a member of Chesty Puller's 1/7 on Bloody Ridge, for which he was awarder the Medal of Honor. He volunteered to return to the fighting in the Pacific, and was killed by mortar fire.