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Brian Moscoe's avatar

Great Story

He must of been one big lad growing up. Fourteen, forging this mother signature, stowing away on a troop ship, he was in the right place, the United States Marine Corps.

Joining at a young age was a very common event during WWII, I am the son of one of those Marines.

They truly were the greatest generation.

Thank you Tara

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Wally Firkins's avatar

Jack H. Lucas was a very determined young man (emphasis on the young). He repeatedly lied about his age and he forged his mother's signature to join the Marines at age 14. He then took a number of detours to get into battle on Iwo Jima.

He saved his fellow squad members by jumping on two grenades. This apparently was the way to a Medal of Honor.

Mr. Lucas was awarded the MOH when one would think that he earned a long trip to the Brig. Heroism won out and he now has a brand new Navy Destroyer wearing his name.

God bless Jack Lucas and God bless all of the Greatest Generation and all who served or currently serve this great nation. Thank you Tara.

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Scott Rae's avatar

AMEN!!!!

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Jack Miller's avatar

Amazing survival and humble man. Thank you Tara for all 3 this week. πŸ™β€οΈπŸ’ͺπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡²

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Johnny Baker Jr. MLA's avatar

This story is always worth reading again! I still think all our warriors are heroes, because they live with survivor guilt.

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Tv's avatar

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡² Young or old, the Marines have a type. Pvt. Lucas wins the MoH at 17, and then joins the Army decades later to fight in Vietnam. He was, ironically, to old now for combat, but trained troops at Fort Bragg. Amazing man, even as a boy.

Thanks TR πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

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Jim's avatar

Amazing Indeed πŸ‘ 🫑🫑🫑

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Patty's avatar

Jack Lucas was an amazing young man. His courage and determination is a prime example of the outstanding character of our military men and women. They don’t all get the Medal of Honor awarded to them, but they all sacrifice to defend our country. Jack truly earned the medal, but he obviously was aware of the bravery and sacrifice of others. It’s a miracle he survived.

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Al Watkins's avatar

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

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Irene Saltsgaver's avatar

Thank you !! good read !!

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Will Southcombe's avatar

There is no age limit to being a Hero! Thank you, Tara Ross, for keeping the memory of Jack Lucas alove!

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Kathleen Oliver's avatar

Wow..powerful story. This young man definitely had the heart of a Marine running towards war to defend his country. My dad was a Marine and awarded 2 silver stars and bronze star in Vietnam...or should I say earned them.

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glenna.p's avatar

Amazing account of a young man who followed his heart. He truly grew up and was an exceptional example of a heroic man. Thanks , Tara, for sharing his story!

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Jody's avatar

Good Fri-yay-day morning Tara Ross! It's a cool, sunny fall day!πŸŒΉπŸ’―πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ΄β€β˜ οΈβ€οΈ

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Jimmy Martin's avatar

Thank You, Tara

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Scott Rae's avatar

WOW! Tara, I don't know where you find all of the stories you tell us about but I sure am glad that you do. I wish I had found you when I was teaching History. Have a great weekend. I look forward to reading your next.

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James M Airesman's avatar

Thank you, Tara.

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Dutchmn007's avatar

##SaluteAndRespect

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