Jack Lucas and the Battle of Iwo Jima
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- Опубліковано 25 лют 2020
- After Pearl Harbor, Jack Lucas was determined to join the fight in the Pacific. Despite being underage, he used ingenuity and bad behavior to find his way into a fight where he didn't last a day. The History Guy remembers a hero who had to fight to get into the fight.
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
Check out Mr Lucas' autobiography: www.amazon.com/Indestructible...
All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
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Script by THG
#ushistory #thehistoryguy #wwii
I met Jack Lucas the day he presented my daughter a scholarship from the Medal of Honor Society. His first words to me were, "How is your Marine?" My son had been severely injured in Iraq and was recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center. Despite all the "brass" in the room, Jack was aware of my daughter's brother and that was the thing on his mind at the moment. Semper Fi!
great story. Love it
How is your Marine?
@@MrRugbylane It's been 15 years. He is generally recovered and generating grandchildren for me despite the "through and through" of his left testicle. VA has him at 100% disabled. He can't do mechanical work any more. --can't feel heat in his arms/hands due to nerve damage. The arms were turned into torches by the post blast fire. Of course, he will always be a "TRACer". --still fits into his dress blues now and then.
I hope your son has recovered. Thank him and your daughter for their service. God Bless and protect them always.
@@JohnRodriguesPhotographer Gratitude for your sentiment. Daughter is an Air Force major about to be dragooned into Space Force. If you are a space engineer, that's where you go. I'm confident that all of their children will be "good to go" at 14, just like Jack.
"The award was not given posthumously" I just loved how you set that up. Awesome delivery.
I was fooled!
Yeah, I choke-laughed and then called THG a f - - ker for that one. lol
Caught me off guard.
I was already nearly tearing up thinking what a hero he was, laughed aloud to hear he survived. What a tough badass, we will always need such men.
@@grrmonkey I was mourning his death. Then the happy surprise hit me.
"The award was not given posthumously"
Jesus Christ he lived, I couldn't imagine an experience like that.
"He became a paratrooper"
I never realized that I couldn't even be a fraction of another man's shadow.
I know exactly how you feel!! I was a Street Cop in Boston for 34 years and have never felt so inferior in my life since I watched this!
Never think one's self as less. People like this person are many threw out the world.
The absolute mad lad
Well, there is Kyle Carpenter! It's devotion to duty and to the fellow next to you! Like Jack Lucas, Kyle will have a long and good life.
Bad times breed great men, just be happy you can enjoy your full civilian life because these guys died for you.
A story that needed retelling, this generation needs role models such as this fine man.
This generation has heroes like this I know I have seen them. Just go hang out near the closest military base and you will see true heroes that fought a not so romantic war.
He enjoyed getting into fights. A VERY fine man! What we need fighting for the flag.
There have been several Marines and Soldiers who have dived on grenades in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. One lived through the experience--Kyle Carpenter. He has a book about his experience. It's a great read. Highly recommended!
Destroyer? Hell- they should have named an aircraft carrier after him, replaced the anchors with giant copper and zinc alloy spheres, and called it the USS Brass Balls.
You won comment of the day on the entire Internet
CVN 69
An honor that Lucas has proven to be well worthy of, but unfortunately Nuclear Aircraft Carriers are reserved for names of past Presidents, Admirals, and distinguished Navy ships of the past. Destroyers are reserved for well distinguished USN and USMC personnel, which considering current Destroyers are just a few feet smaller in size than WWII Battleships, while being faster, more lethal, and only 1/4 the weight is no small feat.
You're absolutely correct of course, but what is going to strike terror into the heart of the enemy better- a carrier named for someone who threw himself on two grenades and recovered and went on to jump out of planes, or a chief executive famous for tripping down the stairs of planes?
@@seatedliberty not only that, this dude had both his parachutes malfuction on his first jump from 3500 feet. This bad ass army rolled out of it down a hill side and continued to make his first successful jump a short time afterwards.
Truth is stranger than fiction every time. A true hero.
HG is just about the only apolitical thing I can enjoy nowadays. And history is often politicized. Quality work HG.
@Bryan Drewry
It's why I keep coming back to this channel.
@@mynameisgladiator1933
Shall we write.....
Hear, Hear
There is one important question that wasn’t answered in the video, “Can a stowaway on a Navy ship be considered a pirate?” Because you know every great story......
I met Jack Lucas in May of 2002, during Fleet Week in NYC. What a gentleman, truly humble and praised the Marines left behind. God Bless this man. His story is amazing.
Thus the fascination with history: you just can't make this stuff up. And a paratrooper later??
Why I don't pay fiction there's no point
1/501 the first paratrooper battalion and first jumpers in the US army
@@sabertoothduck
I graduated from D Co February 98.
On the National WW2 Museum website it says that one of his training jumps both chutes failed and he plummeted to the ground. AND HE STILL SURVIVED... They should have called him Timex (takes a licking and keeps on ticking)
Jim T in Houston if it was simply in a movie no one would believe it.
What an incredible story of a boy with no father who rose to great heights on the strength of his character and determination alone. Amazing. Thank you.
WOW Tears in my eyes. Thank you History Guy for bringing me this man's story. We should never forget.
Yes tears. That man is one reason why we say THEY ARE THE GREATEST GENERATION
Well, this story took a surprising turn. Well told Lance.
My dad lied about his age, dropped out of high school and enlisted in the navy at 16. He was in the Pacific, saw action during Korea and Vietnam. Later, he was a drill instructor for new recruits. Then he retired from the navy, and worked for Sea World in San Diego.
What display he do at SeaWorld ?
@ Back in the 70's, he did a thing where they had a great white shark encased in ice. It was totally clear, and this was probably the thing he was most proud of. But mostly, since he was an air conditioning guy by training in the Navy, he did stuff behind the scenes all over the park.
Christ, what a story HG. So little we know about the unspoken valor of others. Spielberg, if you are reading this, make this into a movie!
Yes it would. His book is unbelievable and there is more to tell about in a movie.
Amazing !! Shows what happens to Americans in rough times !
Yeah no kidding, I have heard of soldiers deserting to avoid going to war, NEVER, deserting to go TO war. Holy shit.
Definitely needs a movie
Spielberg not. Eastwood yes
Thank you so much for doing my request, I knew you'd do a wonderful job presenting it. This is one of my favorite stories of all time, and I'm very glad that so many new people will be introduced to it because of you and this wonderful channel. I try to tell this story whenever I get the chance, but I can never make it through without starting to cry. I know a lot of people want to believe that kids like Jack Lucas no longer exist, but I think they actually still do, there's just not been an opportunity for them to rise up to where we can see them. But I firmly believe that they could again someday, if - god forbid - a moment like WWII ever arose... it's just part of the American spirit.
A couple of things I would like to add to the story, though (a few bits of trivia for flavor): First was the fact that, the grenade that actually exploded, Jack had jammed it as deep as he could into the sand with the butt of his rifle before jumping on it. Having that layer of sand between him and the grenade dissipated the energy of the blast... *not by a lot, but just enough that it probably saved his life* (and of course it was a miracle that the second grenade that he had held to his chest didn't go off). Next was that the surviving men in Jack's platoon truly thought he was dead (in the moment, there was no reason to think otherwise - Jack wasn't moving and they couldn't tell he was breathing) so they left him in that foxhole as they moved towards their next objective. It was only later, when another platoon came through and used the same foxhole, that one of them just happened to notice that Jack was moving his fingers. Lastly, besides being listed as a deserter, Jack had been instantly demoted by his commanding officer back in Pearl upon the news that he was missing. He was busted from PFC all the way down to a buck private. So, besides being the youngest Marine to ever be awarded the Medal of Honor, he's also the only U.S. serviceman in American history, whose actions earned him our nation's highest honor... while being listed as a *"demoted deserter".*
“You cannot exaggerate about the Marines. They are convinced to the point of arrogance, that they are the most ferocious fighters on earth - and the amusing thing about it is that they are.” Kevin Keaney
I know of a marine who received the Medal of Honor for successfully holding off an entire platoon of Japanese, along with another marine, on Iwo Jima. Of course, it might have helped that both Marines were from Texas.
Yet another reason they're called "the Greatest Generation".
Thank you again, THG!!
Inspirational.
Image a 14 year old trying to get into battle today. Thanks to the new and "improved" style of parenting, most kids do not have the intestinal fortitude to serve in our military at 18. The entitlement of today's children and young adults is the result of the parenting skills of my generation.
Just when I was thinking, "Too young to die at 17 years and 6 days.."
The man was clearly made of North Carolinian Blue Ridge Granite!
My Great Uncle is Ira Hayes. It's crazy what those guys went through. Just goes to show how IMPORTANT what they had to do was.
He was another great man i love Johnny cash's song about him
Your Uncle and your people deserved better treatment by our country. He earned the admiration of thousands and that can never be taken away.
Plus having a Young Tony Curtis play you in the Movies isn't a bad thing at all.
Now I'm all teary eyed thinking about how amazing that boys sacrifice was and thankful to hear he was actually able to live a full life after. Absolutely amazing and fascinating story, thank you for sharing it.
Scott look him up; he had other adventures, like jumping with two faulty parachutes from a plane and surviving, the man was brave, but also something was watching over him, for sure.
The M1 Garrand was not a "carbine". The Garrand was a full sized battle rifle. Great story!
Also, "Garand" rhymes with "errand". His pronunciation, while common, is incorrect.
However; the cal .30 Carbine was also designated "M1".
They issued BOTH the M1 Garand AND the M1 Carbine.
@@bepbep7418 m1 carbines weren't in 30-06 tho
@@MrEvanfriend the US military pronounced it as HG did, they paid for they can call it what they want.
“Take me to the Brig. I want to see the ‘real Marines.’” - Chesty Puller
AMEN!
What a ripping story . Damn funny too. And the 17 yr old Marine survived to live to 80 no less. From an admiring Aussie.
There's really not much more that I can add about such a remarkable man - an astonishing story.
Aparently he survived jumping out of a plane with a failed parachute as well......from 3500 feet.....then continued on and made his first successful jump a short time after.
My uncle was killed on Iwo Jima on the tenth day of the battle. He was eighteen years old. Freedom is not free.
"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived". Gen. George S. Patton, U.S. Army. Wise words indeed! Gen.Patton was Private Bennie Bellomy's commanding officer. Tim, thank you for your uncle's sacrifice. You and your family have every right to be very proud of him!
Tim Fellows, my Uncle Jim fought on Iwo Jima, too but he didn't pay the ultimate sacrifice like your Uncle did. Semper Fi.
Semper Fi
REST EASY MARINE SEMPER FI
My Uncle died on Tarawa.
5:50 “I noticed marines being sent into combat areas for getting into trouble or otherwise cause problems. And I thought “l could do that. It is a skill for which I am truly gifted””
I let out a good laugh at that
I don't know if I'm more shocked that he lived or that he had a fear of something.
Thank you for this story. My cousin, James E. Hagstrom, Cpl, USMC, was in the 3rd Platoon, Company E, 2/28 Marines, 5th Marine Division on Iwo Jima. It was this platoon, commanded by the Company XO, Lt Harold Schrier, that raised the first US flag on Mt Suribachi. This was one of the most highly decorated platoons in the Marine Corps with at least 1 MOH and 3 Navy Crosses. Joe Rosenthal's iconic picture was of the second flag raising. James was later killed on 1 March on Hill 362A at almost the same time and place as Sgt Mike Strank. Strank is one of the six Marines in the famous picture. James' two older brothers also served in the Marine Corps during WWII. Perhaps the story of the first flag raising would make a good topic for you to cover.
"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived". Gen. George S. Patton, U.S. Army. Wise words indeed!
Thank you Mr. The History Guy for finding golden nuggets of history like this one. These "nuggets" add depth to the already know histories, like this one for Iwo Jima.
As a corpsman it always makes me happy to hear someone calls us corpsman instead of medics. Thank you for this !
As a Navy vet - thanks - I was always impressed by the skill and professionalism of the corpsmen. And one of the few things on MASH that used to annoy me is that in several episodes they refer to Klinger as a corpsman - which is an insult to both corpsmen and medics - since he had no medical training, and was in the Army. If he had that MOS they should have called him a medic.
Some of the best "Marines" I served with were experienced Corpsmen. 👍🏼. The Marine attached ones not the Navy side.
Am grateful to The History Guy for using the term "Navy Corpsman" several time in this episode of history. Fifty two years ago I was a Navy Corpsman in Vietnam with the Third Marine Division, a life changing experience. A different war than today's story, but the same ol' shit. Semper Fi.
@@tire26
I always REALLY admired the corpsmen who served with Marines. At least the Marines could fight back. Same for Army medics. They were busy putting themselves in harm's way to save others. An Army Medic was wounded tending to my dad in 'Nam. He was a Naval Officer in command of a small base that was technically "non-combatant" as if there were such a thing there. Once in a rare while he led patrols of a mix of Navy and Marines when there were reports of VC activity, but mostly he was jokingly called "COMCHIKPIGPAC" - Commander, Chickens and Pigs Pacific, because the primary mission of his command was to gain the support of locals by teaching them better ways to raise food - particularly chickens and pigs.
One day they got a report of an attack on a nearby village and he and 30 Marines headed out to stop it. A nearby Army fire base had also been alerted and sent men. In the fight, my dad got a not too serious leg wound, and one of the Marines called for the corpsman - but he was treating a serious wound, but the Army medic heard the call, ran through fire to get there, and was shot in the chest while bandaging my dad's leg. Luckily, he too survived.
Medics and corpsmen - same risk - little chance to defend yourself or fight back - huge bravery.
Naming a ship after this man is beyond well deserved! Just amazing! And as always made better by the awesome narrative from the History Guy! Thank you!
My father was one of the Marines on Iwo Jima fortunately he survived. My war was 3 tours in Vietnam as a Seabee. Through my life it seems the only people who have heard of Seabees were combat Marines from Vietnam. Thanks for mentioning Seabees.
My grandfather commanded the Seabee force that built the airstrip on Saipan under fire in June of 1944. He rarely spoke of his service except towards the end of his life he couldn't get rid of the image of hundreds of Saipan Islanders jumping off the cliff at the end of the runway.
Combat Marines all know what Seabees are. My war was in Iraq in 2005-2006, and we were all aware of the Seabees.
PS Betts, 3 tours! I humbly thank you and your dad for your service sir! Grateful 🙏
I visited the Seabee museum at Port Hueneme, California. If anyone wants to explore about the SeaBees history, that museum was a wonderful stop for me that day. It really has everything needed to tell the story.
PS Betts
As a kid I saw how you guys were treated when you came back from Vietnam and throughout the 70's, by the time I graduated high school in the early 80's I'd determined that I was going into the military because there was NO WAY that I was going to spend the rest of my life having to explaining to you guys why I wasn't a veteran.
Thanks for the inspiration, as a result I get to walk through life with my head held high and I don't have to explain to ANYONE why I didn't step up to the plate when it was my turn to go to bat.
It's because of men like you that I get to say I come from a proud tradition of the men who came before me.
You guys were like rock stars to my generation of servicemen and I can assure you that we'd NEVER have let you guys down because the thought of death was far less terrifying than the thought of letting you guys down, like so many veterans of my generation we're forever in your debt for the inspiration to enlist.
And in case you've never heard it, welcome home. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
13:08 “The award was not given posthumously”
Wait what???? 🙄😯
I was actually starting to tear up when you said the award was not given posthumously. What a guy! What a hero!
How many other of these brave men have such stories that we will never know. Isaiah 6: 8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” JOHN 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Thank you for bringing us this incredible story. I am a better person for knowing Jack!
17 year olds these days are eating Tide Pods and running to Safe spaces when their feelings get hurt. We need more like Jack!
Bruh shut up
What jack did was brave. But that doesn't change the fact millions of young men had to die, just because a few instable old men wanted power.
Holy shit, didnt see him staying alive. Great story. Semper Fi.
You could do a whole series/playlist on MoH winners.
Side question is that Red 5?
In May 1999, I attended the dedication of the Medal of Honor Memorial in Indianapolis. There were 93 of the then-living MOH recipients there. I had the privilege of meeting several of them, but my only regret from that day was not having the chance to speak with Jack Lucas. He was treated like a rockstar by the crowd after the ceremony concluded. There were so many people surrounding him that I never could get closer than 15 feet. It was so wonderful to see those heroes receiving the respect they deserved.
The veracity of some of our bravest soldiers like Jack Lucas is the reason our military was so tenacious. We owe a debt of gratitude to all these fearless men and they deserve to be remembered. Thank you for your always wonderful history lessons!
I read his book years ago and it truly is nothing short of incredible and unbelieving what he went through. A true American hero for sure who knew the true idea of sacrifice.
I would love to see a whole series on the Medal of Honor Winners.
There already is a M.O.H. series.
m.ua-cam.com/users/MedalOfHonorBookvideos
This site has interviews with the men, telling their own stories. I’ve watched every one of them.
They should be mandatory viewing in every school
Thanks for this narrative of a brave Marine. My uncle was the Chief of Staff of the 5th Amphibious division. I now know what a heart Ache it was for him to send men into battle. Later he was consulted in the matter of returning Iwo Jima to the Japanese. His comment was return that terrible island. I heard from a former MARINE he was known as "Grumpy".
My Dad was drafted and sent to Vietnam in 1968. He became a Sargeant and was assigned to the 101st airborne division.
I wouldn't ever take anything away from the heroic subject of this video, but anytime Dad hears a story of diving in a grenade, he will say that it is a nice gesture but that you can only do it once. He picked up a grenade and threw it back on two occasions.
His story brought tears to this veteran's eyes.
I am not a veteran, but I cried also.
Same! I’m guessing that he survived because of the size and weight of his massive, cast iron balls.
"Uncommon valor was a common virtue."
Awesome story of true heroism and honor. I fear to say that most of the youth in the United States today have almost nothing in common with Mr. Lucas. The veterans of WWII are truly America's Greatest Generation. Bravo Mr. Lucas!!!
"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived". Gen. George S. Patton, U.S. Army. Wise words indeed!
@JZ's BFF Not sure if it was stupid, but it is very.... Patton.
Not that I think it was genius, but Old Blood-and-Guts seemed to think all men were equally brave and battle lusting.
"...remind him of his duties as a Man, and as a soldier." I know Hollywood touched that script, but damn, if that part doesn't ring true.
@JZ's BFF If he was temporarily displaced (best adverbial form, I think, of temporal) to AD, I can't blame him for that.
@JZ's BFF Ah. No matter how much Hollywood had to do with that script, I daresay we can call his obsession proven. That poem George C read before Karl Malden was actually (I understand) written by George S. Patton.
@JZ's BFF That makes perfect sense. George Smith Patton had a very limited and narrow sense of Manhood. He was an over-the-top, obstinate, stubborn butt-headed (insert stronger language as it please thee) prima donna of a gloryhound, with the single (semi)redeeming trait of being made for war, and damn good at it, when he was in his stride. I think my favorite part of the film, other than his speech about destiny to George, were his combined speeches about Bastogne, starting with "... therefore I think that is exactly what they are going to do."
The movie my have over-emphasized the personal disdain the two had for each other, but it did make it clear the two were professional rivals.
I thought the German expert on Patton was a nice touch, and very realistic. The main problem (I have since heard, not sure if it is true) is the Germans overall didn't have the fetish with Patton that the movie shows. However, the Germans seemed to have taken the Third Army bait hook, line, and sinker, so a bit of that being about during the l ast time we see Rommel in the movie would be correct.
Yes. Probably because of this movie, it is the Eleventh Commandment of being an American. Thou shalt endear no Monties save Python.
Damn I cried at the end of this one.
My great uncle jack moore died on iwo jima with the 5th marine
I met Mr. Lucas twice at the Trail of Honor in Jackson, MS. He was a short, gregarious, quick witted, barrel chested Marine in his mid-seventies, with a grip that could probably crush a tennis ball.
I (and everyone around) was in awe of this guy, at the annual 3-day military appreciation event. It was truly an honor to have been in his presence.
History that deserves to be remembered? This is history that needs to be taught in school!!!
Ok liquid nitrogen for blood, 2 bowling balls for balls, a double dose of "I don't care" and a triple dose of courage so strong as to make Chobham armor about as strong as tissue paper. Great story!
This must shock the hell out of Millennials who think sacrifice is skipping Starbucks for a day
yelwing I make fun of them too, but it isn't fair. We are all products of our environment. Now in the west we have soft times, so mostly soft people. But don't worry, soft people make hard times, and hard times breed hard men, they aren't not there, they just aren't in the forground right now.
I tell everyone... The History Guy is better than anything on the so-called "History Channel."
Shaking my head in amazement. Typical of the marines on Iwo Jima. This includes my great uncle, Sgt Walter Harris Jr. of West Union, Ohio. I never met him but understand that he was a great guy. He was killed in action on the day before the island was declared secure, having volunteered to clean snipers out of caves, a job he didn’t have to do. Truly uncommon valor was a common virtue there. Semper fi!
And we have 17 year olds that need emotional animals. RIP Sir, you were a true hero.
As the kids say, this one got me in the feels. The epitome of the Greatest Generation. The father of my best friend while growing up was in the fourth wave on Iwo Jima. That's all I know, and as far as I know, that's all his children know as well.
Jack's story is truly amazing. I once used it in giving a short sermon in the church I attend. It is a story with an unexpected twist and a lesson in sacrifice for others. We can all learn from Jack's actions.
I met Jack Lucas at a prayer breakfast in Hattiesburg, MS. One of the most powerfully built old men I’ve ever seen in real life.
Outstanding episode, thank you!
Wow, you leave me speechless almost every episode
Thank you for the reminder. I'm pretty sure I've heard of Lucas' sacrifice before, though I don't clearly remember. It's a powerful story, and the only excuse I can give is the brain injury that jumbled most of my memories that were not obliterated. I am grateful to this man and to others like him.
Great story!
My dad ENLISTED in the Marines at the age of 14 with the help of his father's affirmation of his age of 18. He served 5 years, and was honorably discharged. He got his training on a flattop on the way to the South Pacific. He wanted to be there with his friends. His LST tilted when it hit a wave, knocking him off balance, and a bullet missed his head, hitting the kid behind him instead.
He died fighting cancer.
Went to war at 17. Threw himself onto a grenade and survived. I wouldn't even have the guts to do that in a video game. Men truly were made of tough stuff back then.
Trust me - they still are.
You never know what you are capable of until you're in the thick of it.
@@pdoylemi You are totally right. There are brave men in every generation.
@@timan2039
So true. I have a friend who lost a leg in 'Nam because he says he saw a grenade thrown at him and his buddies, yelled for them to get down, and tried to kick it away. As he said - "stupid plan - but I didn't have time to think about it - it was instinctive - my friends might die if I didn't do something." The grenade exploded just after he kicked it which is why he called is a stupid plan. By kicking it, it was a few feet in the air when it went off, making it more likely that the shrapnel would hit the guys who got down - but because it was so close to him, his body acted like a shield - taking most of the fragments and impact, and there was only one other person who got a minor wound.
Robert Heinlein, a veteran and author once wrote that physical bravery is one of the more common, yet most admirable traits of the human species.
I really respect people like the Russians on the sub K-19 (and I know that movie is quite accurate) where men, knowing it was likely suicide and who had plenty of time to think about it, STILL went in to a radioactive hell to save their ship and crew. I knew some about the incident years before the USSR collapsed, and have learned much more from records released when Yeltsin was in charge of Russia. As a former US Navy nuclear engineer on subs, I would like to think I would have done the same in their place, but as you said - you never know for sure until the moment comes.
Sorry to go on so long.
@@pdoylemi No need to be sorry for stories about the best of us. Thank you.
An amazing story and an even more amazing man.
I spent 53 weeks on the island of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, Japan back in 1976-77. When I had time away from my duties I spent many hours walking the island, discovering caves and human remains. It was deeply moving. I did bring back a few items of interest from the battle fields and caves (with permission for those of you may object). I even recovered a 40 mm anti-aircraft round and a replacement propeller for a landing craft from a sunken American vessel though the vessel was too deteriorated to determine which ship it was. This was an interesting sojourn in my life. Thanks for covering this important story of sacrifice and courage.
History Guy, I gotta tell you: that was wonderful. I knew a lot about this particular hero but not all of it. Expert research, important details combined with excellent delivery makes for compelling History that Deserves to be Remembered. Thank God for Jack Lucas and other people like him! May we never forget the cost of our freedom paid for by the likes of Jack Lucas.
He actually was a tough Marine, even at 15.
Solved the mystery of why he didn't look like a teenager in that photo. I was thinking he sure looked rugged for his age. Great story!
I am so happy he survived.. what a guy. Thanks for the memory.
One of your best videos. My father fought with Australian forces and US Marines in New Britain and I did the same alongside Marines in Vietnam. They were a cut above the usual soldier. My nephew is an officer in HM Marines in the UK. There is something special about them too.
Jack Lucas was a member of the Old Breed! Never forget!
To him the Old Breed were the ones who went before him like Dan Daly LOL
@@EldarKinSlayer Dan Daly was awarded two Medals Of Honor (1900, Boxer Rebellion) & (1915, Haiti, during the Banana Wars), and was actually recommended for a THIRD MOH for (1918, WW1 multiple actions). Military command decided that a 3rd MOH was too many for one man, so Daly received a Navy Cross instead.
@@63DW89A I fully realize Who Gunny Daly was and that is why I chose him to represent who Jack Lucas would have considered The Old Breed.
@@EldarKinSlayer I figured you knew exactly who Dan Daly to use him as a reference for the "Old Breed". I just added the details for the unaware multitudes who will be reading your comment so that they can (hopefully!) grasp the significance of "Old Breed Marine" Dan Daly's life and service. No insult intended. Semper Fi.
I understand something about this, when you know what your destiny is, you will be obsessed with doing it.
Fighting for their country, and for the man next to them. That line, Mr. History Guy, could move men. Well done sir.
Thank you, History Guy. Retired Marine here, and passionate historian.
This is the brand of “salt” that makes me proud to be an American.
"Walking Fire!"
Awesome piece History Guy! I'm a big fan of your channel, and appreciate all the work that you do. Jack Lucas' story is something that should be required for every young person in America to know. Also, his book "Indestructible" should be required reading as well. When I was a producer for Mississippi Public Broadcasting back in 2007, I had the high honor of meeting, interviewing, and editing a piece about Jack Lucas for the "Mississippi Roads" program. He was retired, and lived near Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He was a true hero, and yes, he deserves to be remembered.
Mr. Lucus' remarkable story is just one of many from this vicious battle for Iwo Jima. More Medals of Honor were awarded for this one battle than any other battles in the history of the award. CINCPAC Admiral Chester Nimitz would later describe the struggle for the island as being a place where "uncommon valor was a common virtue". Thanks for retelling this story of a very brave American.
Who needs films with John Wayne when there are stories such as this?
I have an above average knowledge of history ( I know, that's not saying much) and I did know this one. However, I'd estimate that I've known about less than 10% of THG's output beforehand. You won't find that to be the case on many YouBend history shows.
Thank you THG.
Yes, history that deserves to be remembered!!!
If only America was filled with men like him now.
Thank you for this bit of history. The human side of war.
My pap was a bar man from the 5th division I believe 18th battalion he was first wave at the base of mt sarabachi lasted all 36 days on that god forsaken island he passed years ago but he was and still is my personal hero!!! Rip marine !!!! 😢💪👊👏🇺🇸 great content and very accurate from the story’s I heard from him even the speech in the chow line before the invasion was spot on I carry his pride to this day this story made the hairs on my arms stand on end !!!!👍
"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived". Gen. George S. Patton, U.S. Army. Wise words indeed!
Now that’s tough no soy in that boy.... a true spartan🤠👍
They were called The Greatest Generation for a reason.
As a retired Marine, I know Jack Lucas's story well. It is required knowledge. It is because of the history of our Corps, that the Marines the "The worlds finest fighting force." As a combat veteran of 2 wars, I know a few men who selfishly sacrificed there lives to save their fellow Marines. It is because of PFC Leroy Sandoval's sacrifice, I am still here. The real truth about combat is, once the bullets start flying, why you are there takes on a whole new meaning. It is no longer about why you were sent, it is about the Marines next to you. The fear of letting down your fellow Marine far out weighs your fear of death. This video and others like it still bring tears to my eyes. Every time they play The National Anthem at an event, I still cry, think about all the Marines I know who laid down there lives, so others may live. Thank You.
I was deeply fortunate to have met Mister Lucas twice when he came to my ship for some special presentations; the ship, USS Iwo Jima LHD-7, second of her name.
Can a upcoming video be : "challenge coins", I have several battle buddies who would be istatoc on the true meaning and original story
If this happened again I don't think we would send our babies of so quickly.
This heroic young man did not wait to be sent, he persevered, to the benefit of this grateful Nation.
Yes we would and we must. Fighting is best done by young men, and no matter where you stand politically; if you have no brave young men ready to do extreme violence to any national enemy, someone will take what is yours. I wish it wasn't so, but it is; freedom is Not free, and all we can do is hope we have taught our young well enough the values they are fighting for that they perform as the western allies did in WW2; very few war crimes.
They were banned from combat until at least 17, if the military knew. That's part of why Lucas was not shipped out with his unit but had to stow away.
An amazing story! For clarification, the M1 Garand is a Rifle it fires the same 30.06 round fired by the BAR, the M1 Carbine fires an Intermediate Powered round called the U.S. .30 Caliber Carbine that is in the same power range as the .357 Magnum Pistol round.
One of the most amazing story I've ever heard!! Thank you.
Amazing he was able to jump at all on those grenades with the sheer weight and size of his balls.
14:30 we should all be that lucky or blessed!
This video brought me to tears. Thank you for sharing this part of history that deserves to be remembered.
A fitting tribute to a man who embodied the Marine Corps spirit. Having a ship named after him seems a fitting tribute for such a pugilistic Marine, as those ships are designed to take the battle to enemy, hand-to-hand if necessary. That he lived to the ripe age of 80 also seems a fitting recompense for his actions. Semper Fi, brother.
What an American used to be. GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS.
I , like many others watching this video, thought how sad he got that far, finally got the the fighting, only to die so soon. But no. That was not to be. The gods of war looked down and decided it was not his time yet.
So taking that as a challenge he joined the army to become a paratrooper. Because he has a fear of heights. And the gods of war looked down once more upon him and said, no. Leave him a bit longer. Still too feisty. Am I the only one who thinks that when the gods of war finally took him the first thing he did was he started a fight.
Knowing his reputation for getting into trouble fighting you have to think that when he got back there someone in Hawaii looked at him and wondered what the other guy looked like.
I am pleased they are naming a ship after him. Well deserved.
Once more THG left me speechless and with wet eyes. You definitely know how to tell a story. Thank you so much.
This story should be told in every high school history class. It should always be remembered. BZ Marine