Please do Cher Ami, the pigeon that saved the 77th Infantry Division in WW1 despite getting shot. Theres not that many videos on animals so heres another that saved 190+ men
I jumped wrong and twisted my ankle before I finished high school, this guy jumped on two grenades and lived to tell the tale? Some people are just built different
Nic, I cannot believe that you missed this important fact : On October 7, 2023, in Tampa Bay, Florida the US Navy commissioned the destroyer USS Jack H. Lucas DDG-125.
Can we just pause to appreciate the Navy Corpsman, too? The bad ass, without thinking, ran to help a downed Marine that everyone else had passed over, threw a grenade, thinking it was live, and when two Japanese charged at him and Jack, he killed them with brutal efficiency before returning to triage and care for Jack.
I met Jack Lucas back in 2002 during fleet week, he spoke to our company and I took a picture with him, I thanked him for helping write our Marine Corps history and reputation, he told me, “you guys will get your chance to do the same”, which we did, RIP Jack and Semper Fi
I’m imagining a Marine envisioning this Magic safety bubble around Him and just “Nuh uhing” His opposition They can’t scare You if You just don’t care about Their opinion
Man... Getting into the Marines before you're old enough to shave is one thing Fighting on Iwo Jima, tanking a grenade to the chest is one thing Managing to not die from a no-parachute jump like you had Godmode one is one thing Surviving your murderous wife or an angry neighbor is one thing *BUT FIGHTING AGAINST THE IRS AND PRESSURING THEM SO HARD THEY STOP BOTHERING EVERY VETERAN!?* Now THAT'S what showcases you ARE a Protagonist.
Yes he did I was not able to serve (medical) but will always back Veterans. My parents raised me to always show respect to heroes, all Veterans are heroes too me
@BryceLedin it doesn't make one a hero to go to other countries to fight and take resources because your leader told you to. Its really no different than 1930s and 40s in Germany.
@@walkingdeadman4208 You're definitely a child, and you also definitely don't know anything about WW2 with all that fucking yapping. Even modern war is more nuanced than that.
Cool fact, when the keel was laid for the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), Jack Lucas placed his MoH Citation in the keel and, to this day, is still sealed in the Hull of that ship, which transports Marines into battle. So, maybe his plot armor was passed to the ship.
Reaper had to wait until he was old and feeble to take him...wasn't about to mess with him when he was young and spry. " naa, I'll leave that battle for later. " (on Iwo) then later " nope, still too soon, better not get involved in that one yet. " (as both his chutes failed) LOL Semper Fi Jack...say hi to Chesty, an John, an Dan and all the other Marine Heros guarding Heaven's scenes...
Dude........ I'm canadian and this was a heartwarming story!! My grandfather was part of the British wave in France and any war stories hit me right in the feels!! God Bless!
Please do not stop telling these heroes stories. You keep there memories going, and as long as someone remembers, they’re stories will live on. Thank you sir for what you do!!!
Salute, The number of heroes walking among us incredible. My grandfather is one of the few combat Coast Guard veterans, he ran a Higgins boat on several invasions. Eastern North Carolina had many men with amazing stories, and I'm lucky enough to know quite a few. Thank you for your time telling these men's stories.
I wish someone could tell me how that is even physically possible I feel like terminal velocity alone would guarantee a couple of broken bones, right!? Like how is it actually physically possible to jump from 12,000 feet with no parachute just tuck and roll right when you land and be entirely OK!?
Same reason why cats falling out of building die from lower levels but survive either unscathed or with broken legs from higher up. The going theory is that at a certain point they just relax and are able go with the fall. I imagine that having faced death before, Jack just surrendered to the Inevitable, decided to go with his training, and rolled through it. If he had tensed up then he would be splattered all over the place.
@bobbybobbatunday9959 it's probably this along with the tuck and roll dispersing the shock of the fall throughout the rest of his body instead of being focused into his legs
This video was incredibly moving. Lucas's story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. I'm grateful for his service and the lives he saved.
Man... to willing throw yourself on two live grenades knowing it's the only way to save your comrades around you has got to be one of the most selfless and bravest acts imaginable. That is a true man of honor and valor. The world needs so much more like him.
Definitely one of the most selfless and heroic Soldiers in History! That said, there have been Soldiers doing the exact same Thing in pretty much most major Militaries especially during WW2, but sadly there aren't UA-cam Channels that would do a Video like this on let's say, that Austrian Waffen-SS Soldier who threw himself infront of a Grenade not only once, but twice, because he miracously survived the first one and returned to the Front after 1 1/2 Years of Hospital and Therapy. Or that Spanish Blue Legion Soldier of WW2 who saved 5 of his Spanish Comrades by throwing himself on a 3-Grenade Cluster thrown by Soviet Soldiers into their Trench on the Eastern Front And of course that French Soldier on September 3rd who defended a bunch of British Soldiers by throwing himself on a German Grenade. Point being: Channels like this are great and i hope some Day there will be Channels like Fat Electrician who cover Heroes from other Nations besides the US, UK and Canada Prost & Cheers from Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps
Don't forget, those things CAP OUT at 4s timers basically. He didn't even have time to process it being the only way, that was raw primal instinct. 10/10 human
I love how Nic has mastered the art of story telling that educates, is entertaining, is hilarious, and still remains very respectful to those who lived them. Thanks Nic for your content.
My dad joined the Navy during the Vietnam era at 14. He had earned his dolphins before the Navy realized he was a minor. He was forced to start his time in service and rank over again. He retired as a master chief. During his retirement ceremony, for credit for his retirement, the Navy gave him the 3 years that he was a minor back. My brother's and I thought the story was a joke until that happened.
My dad and his brother signed up with the army.... Seams his brother did not sign up for the selective service.. The story goes his brother got a letter in Korea saying he had 30 days to sign up or there would be arrested. My dad's brother wrote back saying "Come get me, jail sounds like a vacation." Shortly after that a fallow up letter got sent to my dad's brother saying "Disregard signing up for the draft, it has been corrected." LOL
That is an amazing story!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing. Jack and all of those men were a Breed Apart, my Dad being one of them. He served in the Navy first, then after finishing his tour and returning home, was unable to find a job, so signed up for the Army and ended up in Macarthur's personal Honor Guard and was stationed at the Emperor's Place during the Occupation of Japan and I have hundreds of pictures from that time. Wonder and horrendous time...
I'm a proudly retired Marine, Air National Guardsman, and Air Force Reservist. I was also a 20 year career Continental Airlines pilot. In 2005, two months before involuntary age dictated my airline retirement at 60, I was honored to captain the first flight of three chartered 737-800s from Guam to Iwo Jima for Military Historical Tours' 60th anniversary "Reunion Of Honor" visit to Iwo Jima. Since the charter flights were operating under Part 91, "general aviation" of the Federal Aviation Regulations instead of the normal Part 121 "air carrier" FARs, I had determined to fly to Iwo and back with the cockpit door open and an invitation to my heroic veteran passengers to visit the flight deck en route. It was after 9/11, so visits to the cockpit were strictly prohibited by the Feds under Part 121, but the rules under Part 91 were vague, and I figured that for a uniquely historic occasion like this, "why the hell not?" Somehow unbeknownst to me word got back to the Guam Chief Pilot who called corporate headquarters in Houston and talked to the Vice President of Operations to discuss my intentions with him, asking if what I was going to do was legal or not. The answer from the VP of Ops was perfect, "I'm not sure if it's legal or not, but I know that if I were flying that trip, that's what I would do too"! So, that settled it. All three crews flew to Iwo and back with the flight deck door open, and many of the ambulatory vets paid us visits, and the History Channel shot footage of me at the controls proudly wearing my bright red USMC ballcap with my Continental uniform. Before departing the gate in Guam, I went back to the cabin and made the announcement of our invitation to visit the cockpit. Addressing the hijackings of 9/11, still fresh in everyone's minds from only four years earlier, I ended my public address message with, "If we have any inflight threats, I think there are about a hundred Marines here on board who can handle the problem!" That brought a huge ovation and bellowed "Oorahs" from the passengers, and off we went! The passengers were mostly Marine, Navy, Coast Guard, and Army Air Force Iwo veterans and their families. On my flight that morning were Medal of Honor recipient, Jack Lucas, Major General Larry Snowden, senior surviving Iwo Marine veteran, Gunnery Sergeant R. Lee Irmey and his History Channel "Mail Call" camera and production crew along to shoot their one hour special documentary, "Return To Iwo", the Territorial Governor of Guam, Felix Comacho, and a full load of America's greatest hero Marines, Sailors, Coasties, and Army Airmen. It was a 7 AM departure from Guam's Agaña International Airport. The air all the way northwards was smooth as glass. When we got near our start of descent, I had the flight attendants bring Jack Lucas back to the flight deck and strap him into the cockpit jump seat so that he would have the best view of the island before we landed. I let down to a thousand feet and began two slow orbits around Iwo Jima, one in each direction, so that everyone on board could get a fantastic view of that God forsaken, sulphurous volcanic rock, and its towering Mt. Suribachi rising upwards from the southwestern shore. Finally, I descended out over the ocean and circled back for a low pass at the Suribachi summit's exact elevation, and close aboard so that Jack and the leftside passengers could get a clear view of the US flag flying at the summit, raised earlier that morning by the contingent of Marines who had sailed down from Okinawa for the occasion. There were few dry eyes on the airplane as we extended the gear and flaps for the approach and landing on the runway that 60 years earlier had cost so much blood to secure. We deplaned on the relatively small parking ramp and those who could walk the short distance down to the base gym did so, while Marines transported those too frail to walk the few hundred yards in Humvees. The narrow road was lined on both sides by 1st Marine Division Honor Guard troops in battle dress who saluted each veteran as he passed. It was a very moving moment to witness. There was a Ceremony Of Honor with a handful of surviving Japanese Iwo battle veterans who had been flown down from Tokyo that morning in a JASDF Mitsubishi transport. Afterwards, we toured the landing beaches where many vials of gritty black volcanic sand were collected by veterans as mementos while others emplaced floral arrangements to commemorate their fallen buddies who had died right there. Then, a load at a time, the Marines of the FirstMarDiv, drove us up the sepentine asphalt road to the summit of Mt. Suribachi where a five man squad of Marine JROTC cadets from Guam's John F. Kennedy High School reenacted the iconic flag raising which has become the world renowned symbol of Marine Corps indominability. I readily admit that the tears streamed freely down my cheeks as I watched our flag unfurl in the brisk currents of the tradewinds atop that volcanic spire. The departure for Guam was into a glowing Pacific Ocean sunset, and the return flight was with a very quiet load of heroes, each silently encapsulated in their sixty year old recollections of Iwo Jima and what they and their long dead comrades did there. One asked me not to refer to him as a hero. He said softly, "The heroes are our buddies who didn't come home." Amen.
Sir, this brought me to emotion, what a beautiful story. As a Marine and fellow pilot, really enjoyed reading it. Thank you. Those men deserve everything.
Remind me not to try to take my blood pressure while reading your story. Wow; the numbers on my machine are blurry. I'll have to try again later. Thank you for your service.
What a great story and very well told, thank for your service and for giving those brave vets a wonderful trip of a lifetime which I'm very sure they never forgot for the rest of their days 🙏
I had the privilege of meeting Jack and speaking with him at an Iwo Jima reenactment for the 60th anniversary of the landings in Fredericksburg, TX. He proudly signed a World War II book that I've had since the 3rd grade that I collect veteran signatures in. Being 12 at the time, I was in awe when they read his citation during the ceremony. I'm so happy that his story is being shared. Semper Fi!
Hold on to that book and pass it down in your family. Each name has a story. If you could find the stories with the names, you could write or edit a great book.
I'm a 20-year Marine veteran. I thought I knew them all. I know the story of Dan Daly. I know the story of Smedley Butler. I know the story of Chesty Puller. I know the story of John Basilone. I know the story of Greg Boyington. I know the story of John Ripley. I know the story of Carlos Hathcock. I know the story of Wesley Fox (He was my CO at OCS). You got me on this one. I had no knowledge of Jack Lucas. Thank you for expanding my knowledge of another hero.
Look up Tony Stein (Basilone 2.0) and Jack Lummus (former NY Giant NFL)......those Marines and their stories on Iwo are just as crazy. Both unbelievable. Problem is the Marines just have too many heroes.......what an incredible organization. SF.
Amazing man. To think this man was the impetus to make vet's disability tax-free -- we all owe him for what he did, during his service and long beyond.
He was a childhood hero of mine. I was part of a Marine color guard in the late 90s for the VFW and they said the VIPs wanted to meet us. We were led into a room full of World War 2 Medal of Honor winners. One of them was Jack Lucas. I got his autograph and a picture taken with him, both of which I've framed along with his Medal of Honor citation. So freaking amazing to chance meet one of your hero's.
I had heard about Jack Lucas surviving two hand grenades on Iwo Jima (and the incident with President Truman) but didn't know that he survived his primary chute failing and then his reserve chute crapping out, a murder plot by his wife, another attempted murder by arson, and the IRS too! Thanks for enlightening and entertaining me, Nick.
I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Jack in Hattiesburg, Ms, many years ago. He was truly a one of a kind individual. He and Mrs. Ruby were very kind people. Mr. Jack truly loved the Marine Corp, and his country. Very witty and funny man. He is truly missed
I was a Hospital Corpsman during the Vietnam Era. When I was going through training, at Great Lakes, IL, one of the instructors was a combat veteran of Vietnam - with a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, PUC. He told us that fear is fleeting. Once you can conquer it, you can make the important decisions you need to without it being in the way. He told us that it was expected that we were going to get shot at, probably hit, and that was a fact of life for us Docs. I took that with me. I didn't end up in combat, but I looked at it through another lens - do your job and do it well, because the Marine you were attending to demands it.
Jack!!! He was a sponsor for my ship and he visited us a few times. Got to meet the man twice. Funny thing, navy ships are supposed to be dry, but somehow a scotch on the rocks kept magically appearing for him during the entire event. 😂❤ ETA: Ship is the USS Iwo Jima LHD7, because really now what other ship would he be a sponsor for?
Of all your videos so far, as an infantry combat Marine Veteran from 2002-2006, this one is my absolute favorite and actually made me cry. No matter the content, your shit is always Grade A and I thank you for that.
I knew Jack Lucas personally. There were actually 4 grenades but only two went off. He couldn't get an MRI and his X-rays always looked like salt-and-pepper because of the shrapnel still in his body. He told me that every couple of years, a piece of shrapnel would work its way to the surface of his skin and either he, or a doctor, would pull it out.
@@Messerschmitt_BF_109G_10 Yeah, no. I am a consulting forester in Southern Mississippi. Jack Lucas moved to Hattiesburg MS and owned quite a bit of timberland. I met him in Columbia, MS, when he gave a presentation at the Columbia Lions Club. After Katrina in 2005 he needed help with all his downed timber and so he contacted me. I went to his house and I got to spend a bunch of time talking with him. HE told me of the four grenades. Have a care before slinging baseless accusations.
Someone I know knew Jack Lucas towards the end of his life (I've borrowed and read his signed autobiography). Apparently, late in life, Mr. Lucas was attending a Medal of Honor Society event that was being held in the same venue as a Navy Chiefs Society event. This person I know had to intervene when Mr. Lucas, who had an oxygen tank, was about to get into a brawl with a retired Navy Chief, also a WWII vet, who had a walker. Apparently this disagreement was all about inter-service rivalry. A Marine's Marine to the end. Semper Fi!
Stories like this humble me. I don't think proud to be an American works because pride is related to your own accomplishment. I'm extremely blessed and humbled to live in a country where people like this man exist
I am a United States Marine Persian Gulf veteran, this was awesome. Thank you. I too forged my mother’s signature to join. We don’t say fox hole , we say fighting hole
I can not thank the veterans of this country enough for the Freedoms I hold sacred. The untold Amount of sacrifices that have entered is astonishing. Thank you to all that have served
in my early Navy days, I had the honor of meeting Jack Lucas and his family in late June 2001 onboard my ship during our Tiger Cruise from the Pascagoula, MS shipyard to Pensacola, FL base for the commissioning of USS Iwo Jima LHD-7, and even though I knew the name and how he saved his brothers by jumping onto those grenades, I didn't know who it was I was helping get back down the hangar bay from the Officers Quarters since I was volun-told to help with visitors who needed a guide. It was only after that day that I seen his picture and realized who it was I helped. i have felt so humbled simply by being in his presence, and he has been a source of inspiration for me ever since.. .. and to hear his complete story still fills me with awe, and pride. Semper Fi, my brother
I agree to an extent, but if that medal of honor recipient ends up making millions they sure as hell should have to pay taxes. The rich should not get a tax break regardless of their background.
Dude, I was born and raised about an hour and a half from Hattiesburg. Knowing that such a badass man like Jack lived there is awesome to know. I just wish I could have met him. Love these videos, man.
I grew up in Hattiesburg and visited the camp shelby military museum in grade school. I remember an Iwo Jima veteran tell his story of jumping on a grenade, surviving, and getting the MOH. 30 years later this story jogged my memory. I'm proud this man hails from my hometown. They named an Arliegh Burke destroyer in his honor a few years ago.
Had a young Marine in Iraq in Ramadi the same time his brother was in the Army in Ramadi. Marines unit was on its way home. Long story short the Marine sneaks away from his unit and attempts (actually got on a convoy back to Ramadi. Convoy commander found out and turned the kid over to his unit). SO........Marines still do pretty crazy stuff, or try to. We did an anniversay amphib operation on Iwo. What most dont know is the shore actually drops off immediately after about 15 -20 from shore and goes nearly straight down. We ran up the beach over the terraces and I can tell you it was exhausting. Sand up nearly to your knees and trying to run. We all immediately thought of those Marines in WWII. Holy Fxxx
I dont know what else to say right now other then im crying, laughter and sadness all in one bunch. “The real heros are the ones who didnt make back home” for him to downplay what he did as if he wasnt a hero the same way is so humble.
When I was stationed in Camp Shelby, MS. I was dating his daughter. Yep, we had oysters every Wednesday. I had to ask him why he jumped on 2 grenades. Hell, I already jumped one...no shit the guy was fucking crazy.
You know the old saying "Don't half ass a job, do it all the way..." Guys like that are amazing.. Back in 91 I got to meet one of the gunners from the USS Ward, she shot 3 shells with the 3rd one hitting a IJN Mini sub that was sneaking in to attack with the air craft on Dec 7th at Pearl..... Hearing him talk about it, then shortly after the air raid... WOW!!!
neat, just refreshed youtube for this to pop up, what a wild story Edit: Just finished watching it, what an amazing tale. For anyone else that was wondering because I was, he passed away at the age of 80 and was buried in Hattiesburg, Mississippi June 5th, 2008.
Wow, what a story! Jack Lucas is a true American hero. His bravery and determination are inspiring. It's incredible to think about what he went through at such a young age.
Hi there. Thank you again for a wonderful bedtime story. I am that 70 year old widow of a retired Navy man and your story telling is perfect. I love and respect the military and the most important document I have is my spouseal ID card. You made me happy tonight and I will sleep well after that story. May those who have given their all rest in pease and be heald in the palm of our good Lord. Stay safe out there. Take care and God bless
@@codycampbell3562 Actually, Dopey, a REALIST whose been around the world of (non-propaganda) bullshit more times than I can count. I come from a Slavic AND GERMAN line of ancestors which go back a documented 2700 years and have inherited the best genes from both sides of that mix. I speak FIVE languages and have learnt the histories of both sides:including from the people who LIVED part of that history. Beyond that, I have studied ALL Euro-Slavic histories in English and from assorted 'English' historic bases. DO TELL: WTF are YOUR 'qualifications'?
A little history about my grandfather and his brother. I may have already posted some but I have learned more today I would like to share. He ( Max V Thomas ) was in Belgium while in the 319 INF 80 DIV of the army. On January 8th 1945 his troop was sent to the front line to protect a flank during the battle of the bulge. They met over whelming forces with artillery fire. When he was on his way to the front my grandfather passed him. When my grandfather dropped someone off at a meeting he asked permission to see his brother.. By the time he got to the front Max Thomas was already dead. He is currently buried in Luxembourg Belgium. He was a Private first class when he was killed in action but the flank was held.
@@jacksonforman9560 You can look it up if you know his full name. It won't be easy but there is information to be found. Your dad or grandfather might know some info they can tell you like branch and dates.
@@jacksonforman9560my great uncle was in the airborne glider infantry, and was attached to the 12th armored. He was KIA on Jan 18th 1944. I look identical to him so I’m going airborne
My God why has there not been a movie made about this guy??? I’m not even done the video yet and I am blown away. What an incredible life. What a hateful wife. What a brave individual. I think the men from the 40s and 50s stole all the courage, and masculinity from the rest of us…. OK, let me watch the rest now.
Absolutely love your stories. I am a practicing physician at the VA in SLC. I can tell you that is is a huge honor to care for veterans. Even a larger honor to be called ‘doc’ by these people.
I can't say thank you enough you know every one of us has learned or been taught some history, but we were never taught the real history of this nation until you came along thank you I would also like to add that in a large way you are turning people that thought they were not very patriotic into patriots, and single-handedly teaching people through history and humor what it means to sacrifice and to be part of something much larger than yourself
I'm from the UK and we sent 16 year olds to war without birth certificates and if a boy walked in and said I'm 15 they were told to walk around the block and come back when they were 16
A child groomed to kill and people love it. The only difference between the British and the Nazis is that the British were better at slavery and genocide. The victors write history.
Great thing to watch on thanksgiving weekend at midnight after making sure my parents got back after drinking cuz they didn’t have any fuel. Perfection
So theres a theme I'm seeing for American War-Hero Badasses: Be born in bumfuck-nowhere See something military related at like 9 years old Be too young to join that military branch they like Have to deal with recruitment BS Lie to the recruiter about BS Get into military Learn vital lesson about becoming wall-paper in basic training after volunteering for something Get fucking *_hammered_* at a bar Get embarresed Go to War Get shot Live (like a true American) Do some hyper-heroic shit Get shot Live, again Not want to leave the war, but forced to any way Make it home Live happily ever after [optional]
Then you remember that 99.999999999999% of people born in Jack's situation don't do any of what he did. The circumstances of your birth etc mean nothing.
@@anzaca1 When you realize that 10% of the population in the US, fought in World War II... And while they may not have done what Jack did specifically, there are many untold stories that may put Jack to shame.
Recently it occurred that a suicidal (in a not gung ho badass way, like in an actual bad way no one should go through) West Point graduate 2nd LT, Lawrence Franks went AWOL to join the French Foreign Legion; served as a legionnaire, was bodyguard to a French general during their recent Mali campaign and when he surrendered to the U.S. Army MPs in Germany…he was sentenced to be dismissed from the army and to military prison. Oh and as soon you said Tijuana, as a Mexican I just thought “welp there goes Jack Lucas into, TJ”.
Hearing him tell it at the end literally brought tears to my eyes. I pray GOD helps me to be half the man these MEN where that came before. So many take for granted the these wonderful MEN did for our country.
I’ve lived 20mins from Plymouth my whole life and work there for 9years how have I never heard of this. Thanks for bringing this man’s story to back to life.
What an incredible story. Once assigned to a new aircraft carrier a crew member was found to have been onboard for over a year without a job assignment or a department he reported to. He managed to avoid any responsibility by spending his days eating, sleeping, and reading. He had several commons areas he would rotate through. When questioned he had a list of answers in his head. He’d tell daytime people he worked nights and night folks he worked days. “I’m TAD to laundry, messing, or indoc division.” This prompted a ship wide personnel verification during which my division found an E5 that had spent almost 2 years working on the mess decks when it was a 90 day assignment. Turns out he was a lot smoking dirt bag that was admin separated shortly thereafter.
i wish to express my appreciation and gratitude for jack and all our vets for their service and sacrifice if which provide the rest of us our freedoms. God bless all of you from the bottom of heart.
He came to my house in Petal Mississippi when I was a really little kid. My grandfather was a navy WW2 vet and they were buddies. I remember him and his wife came over for coffee and my grandpa trying to explain to me what the medal of honor was.
When my command went to Iwoto, I made a report on every CMOH recipient and hero in the Battle of Iwo Jima. There were a lot of badass heroes there, but "Lawless Jack" Lucas was the biggest badass on the entire island.
I’ve always loved the pic of Jack shaking hands with a recent commandant of the marines. Man still had fire in his eyes when he shook that officer’s hand
THANK YOU SO MUCH! As a daughter and granddaughter of Veterans I appreciate you telling the stories of our countries True Hero’s! God Bless you and yours!
Absolutely pionant, funny story of guts, youthful courage, resilience and worthy of superlatives ad infinitum. I want to know more about this All American come from nowhere Jack Lucas. A man with instincts, heart and the incredible ability to forgive. You did well telling as much as you could in less then 53minutes. What an American success story!!!
8:00 My grandfather was a marine in Vietnam. Recently, on a trip, he told me the story of how if somebody was looking for a certain skill. You didn't have that skill. Forget a high school education. You didn't have an elementary level education. You can't count to 7 on your 10 fingers. The best example he had was they were looking for somebody with computer skills. "The poor bastard raised his hand." And apparently after that he had to carry computers which this was the Vietnam era, so computers are very large to the 3rd floor of a building. Basically, had the guy moving refrigerators.
Always worth the wait. I yelled, "Jack Lucas!!!" Immediately. Pops was 'Nam Tanker. We're Jewish, but I was allowed to revere two things in life. HaShem and the Corps haha. G-d Bless the USMC, dog treats, and America.
“Are you sure this is service related?” Bro was practically bump firing an M1 Garand, Got blown up, GOT THE MEDAL OF HONOR FOR IT, and you question if it is service related.
You are the very best story teller on all social media. Your entertaining, informative, with a great sense of humor. Recently I told my dad that if DNR got into our Flood Service Area like they did in '13, I was gonna pull a Samual Whitmore on them. He did't get it so I told him about your You Tube channel. Now he gets it and you have a new fan my father who is now 93 great job
Sorry for the delay on this one hopefully it was worth the wait!
Seven seconds ago is actually crazy
Please do Cher Ami, the pigeon that saved the 77th Infantry Division in WW1 despite getting shot. Theres not that many videos on animals so heres another that saved 190+ men
Day 13
Also it’s always worth the wait
always worth it
Nic your contents always worth the wait. Outta curiosity can you do a video on the only Coast Guardsman who’s earned the Medal of Honor?
I jumped wrong and twisted my ankle before I finished high school, this guy jumped on two grenades and lived to tell the tale?
Some people are just built different
He made another jump lol
Shit I've pulled a back muscles just coughing walking into work when I was like 20 lmfao
@@the_fat_electricianmain character energy
Y'all need to hydrate and stretch daily
Ngl, I need to do both of those too.
Nic, I cannot believe that you missed this important fact : On October 7, 2023, in Tampa Bay, Florida the US Navy commissioned the destroyer USS Jack H. Lucas DDG-125.
♥️♥️♥️♥️
His Medal of Honor (or maybe just the certificate, not 100% sure) is also in the keel of USS Iwo Jima
Ooh Rah
@@davehicks6836 I had a good laugh at google adding a link "Translate to English" for that!
I visited her when she was commissioned. Lots of fun
Can we just pause to appreciate the Navy Corpsman, too? The bad ass, without thinking, ran to help a downed Marine that everyone else had passed over, threw a grenade, thinking it was live, and when two Japanese charged at him and Jack, he killed them with brutal efficiency before returning to triage and care for Jack.
Agreed. That guy had his own plot armor. Just to a different story.
That's why you don't f*ck with Doc.
Hooyah, doc!
Youre half right; doc being a badass is a given. This was the marines worst moment. For doc, it was Tuesday
This was added laugh I had with this story. Just amazing what medics do in the field. You just think WOW! That was a cool medic…
I met Jack Lucas back in 2002 during fleet week, he spoke to our company and I took a picture with him, I thanked him for helping write our Marine Corps history and reputation, he told me, “you guys will get your chance to do the same”, which we did, RIP Jack and Semper Fi
"If i hear the explosion its already missed me" is the single most marine corp quote i think i have ever heard.
Some of the books I read, the marines are quoted as saying the round you dont hear is the one with your name on it.
"retreat hell we just got here"
proceeds to charge german lines for days, outmanned, out gunned, and the german army nopes the fuck out...
@@beefy1212Belleau woods , ww1
Where the whole 4th marine brigade won the French Croix de Guerre
I’m imagining a Marine envisioning this Magic safety bubble around Him and just “Nuh uhing” His opposition
They can’t scare You if You just don’t care about Their opinion
@@beefy1212 and thus the nickname Devil Dogs was born
Man...
Getting into the Marines before you're old enough to shave is one thing
Fighting on Iwo Jima, tanking a grenade to the chest is one thing
Managing to not die from a no-parachute jump like you had Godmode one is one thing
Surviving your murderous wife or an angry neighbor is one thing
*BUT FIGHTING AGAINST THE IRS AND PRESSURING THEM SO HARD THEY STOP BOTHERING EVERY VETERAN!?* Now THAT'S what showcases you ARE a Protagonist.
Only American to ever take on the IRS and win, and then some
His guardian angel was definitely requesting a transfer after all that
@@Reapergator Who said he had one? Feel like he had a squad on him
@@dasji2 and they all requesting a transfer🤣
@@Reapergator my Guardian Angel’s in
Anger Management now.
So Jack Lucas is reason why my VA disability is untouchable. Not only is he a hero, he protected millions of veterans.
Yes he did
I was not able to serve (medical) but will always back Veterans. My parents raised me to always show respect to heroes, all Veterans are heroes too me
@BryceLedin it doesn't make one a hero to go to other countries to fight and take resources because your leader told you to. Its really no different than 1930s and 40s in Germany.
@@walkingdeadman4208you're like 12 years old aren't you
@@walkingdeadman4208 You're definitely a child, and you also definitely don't know anything about WW2 with all that fucking yapping. Even modern war is more nuanced than that.
@@walkingdeadman4208 correct, unfortunately wars are rarely that simple and such a war has not been waged by the US since before world War 1
I was lucky enough to have met Mr Lucas about 15 yrs ago in Reading Pa. What an honor.
Cool fact, when the keel was laid for the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), Jack Lucas placed his MoH Citation in the keel and, to this day, is still sealed in the Hull of that ship, which transports Marines into battle. So, maybe his plot armor was passed to the ship.
Very cool fact - Thanks!
I never knew that. That's fcking awesome.
I served aboard that ship
The flight deck is named after him, too. Jack Lucas Airfield.
@@fredk.2001Clearly he's right then. The plot armor saw you through it, and here you are!
Seriously though, thanks for your service.
Jack Lucas passed on June 5, 2008 at the age of 80. May he rest in peace.
Amen.
RIP Sir🇺🇸
Reaper had to wait until he was old and feeble to take him...wasn't about to mess with him when he was young and spry. " naa, I'll leave that battle for later. " (on Iwo) then later " nope, still too soon, better not get involved in that one yet. " (as both his chutes failed) LOL
Semper Fi Jack...say hi to Chesty, an John, an Dan and all the other Marine Heros guarding Heaven's scenes...
What an inspiration to young men today. Never say die.
Til Valhalla!!
Jack Lucas is just Captain America just without all the super soldier serum
And somehow more amazing, damn imagine the shit the guy would pull off if he had that serum
He's got the jaw line to be a comic book hero.
i dissagree ... considering the amount of alcohol and medical drugs ...that qualifies as "serum"
@@DeadReckon At least it's not just me who saw that Buzz Lightyear jaw line lol
@@projectdeveloper9311 You'd have to have a jawline like that to fool anyone that you were 17 at the age of 14
Dude........ I'm canadian and this was a heartwarming story!! My grandfather was part of the British wave in France and any war stories hit me right in the feels!!
God Bless!
Please do not stop telling these heroes stories. You keep there memories going, and as long as someone remembers, they’re stories will live on. Thank you sir for what you do!!!
Aye!
@@dtaylor10chuckufarle Their !
Thank you, Riverrat! 👍🙏🐻🇺🇲
The hour long vida are getting more and more often and I refuse to let anyone dislike them
Hell yeah love these as a trucker
I am all for these videos. Quack bangs ability to tell a story is like none other
I’d rather the longer videos that go all in on the minor details of their early lives and what not.
And ……. ?
You’re still watching right?
Most entertaining hour of my week, honestly
Doc is the scariest guy on the field, he has chosen two groups to fight at once, the enemy and death itself.
Well said.
As a corpsman, I have found it easier to feed the beast and make him my friend… less likely that he’ll come after my guys then.
@@Sandsquid21 doc:"listen here fucker, I give you the fuckers life and you let me save my dudes life. Deal?"
And the scarier one is the enemy, doc already told death to go fuck off
@@Sandsquid21 "I can dispence two things, lead and mortvin." - Doc
Salute,
The number of heroes walking among us incredible. My grandfather is one of the few combat Coast Guard veterans, he ran a Higgins boat on several invasions. Eastern North Carolina had many men with amazing stories, and I'm lucky enough to know quite a few. Thank you for your time telling these men's stories.
This man jumped out of a plane, lost BOTH his chutes, and didn't even bother to aim for the bushes. Dude was, in fact, built different.
I wish someone could tell me how that is even physically possible I feel like terminal velocity alone would guarantee a couple of broken bones, right!? Like how is it actually physically possible to jump from 12,000 feet with no parachute just tuck and roll right when you land and be entirely OK!?
@@theomnidegenerate5236 1200 feet I believe, but still. Should not be possible
this fucking stud was the OG Drop Shock Trooper
Same reason why cats falling out of building die from lower levels but survive either unscathed or with broken legs from higher up. The going theory is that at a certain point they just relax and are able go with the fall. I imagine that having faced death before, Jack just surrendered to the Inevitable, decided to go with his training, and rolled through it. If he had tensed up then he would be splattered all over the place.
@bobbybobbatunday9959 it's probably this along with the tuck and roll dispersing the shock of the fall throughout the rest of his body instead of being focused into his legs
"Rules are rules"
Meanwhile basically every US medal of honor recipient "Agree to disagree"
Rules? Too bad I can't read them.
"More like guidelines"
Hell, Med board didn't even want 90% to enlist in the first place
As the Brits would say; "He who dares, wins."
Most underrated yet perfectly true comment ever...
Marines are built differently:
- dumb
- strong as hell
- they can swim
And the ones that can’t swim we teach to hold their breath real good.
And crayons... we love crayons.
@undercover7923 if they can't swim they make the water flee from them as they walk to they're target
We don't swim, we yell "Gang way" and push the water as it makes a hole for us to maneuver through. It's just basic science.
And they are INCREDIBLE at Grunts and Crafts
This video was incredibly moving. Lucas's story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. I'm grateful for his service and the lives he saved.
Man... to willing throw yourself on two live grenades knowing it's the only way to save your comrades around you has got to be one of the most selfless and bravest acts imaginable. That is a true man of honor and valor. The world needs so much more like him.
Indeed sir
Agreed. But believe it or not a huge majority of Soldiers and Marines would do the same if the need arises
Definitely one of the most selfless and heroic Soldiers in History!
That said, there have been Soldiers doing the exact same Thing in pretty much most major Militaries especially during WW2, but sadly there aren't UA-cam Channels that would do a Video like this on let's say, that Austrian Waffen-SS Soldier who threw himself infront of a Grenade not only once, but twice, because he miracously survived the first one and returned to the Front after 1 1/2 Years of Hospital and Therapy.
Or that Spanish Blue Legion Soldier of WW2 who saved 5 of his Spanish Comrades by throwing himself on a 3-Grenade Cluster thrown by Soviet Soldiers into their Trench on the Eastern Front
And of course that French Soldier on September 3rd who defended a bunch of British Soldiers by throwing himself on a German Grenade.
Point being:
Channels like this are great and i hope some Day there will be Channels like Fat Electrician who cover Heroes from other Nations besides the US, UK and Canada
Prost & Cheers from Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps
Don't forget, those things CAP OUT at 4s timers basically. He didn't even have time to process it being the only way, that was raw primal instinct. 10/10 human
@@Aryasvitkona According to my dad...Uncle Jackie jumped on the first one and then raked the 2nd under him with his arm.
I love how Nic has mastered the art of story telling that educates, is entertaining, is hilarious, and still remains very respectful to those who lived them. Thanks Nic for your content.
My dad joined the Navy during the Vietnam era at 14. He had earned his dolphins before the Navy realized he was a minor.
He was forced to start his time in service and rank over again. He retired as a master chief.
During his retirement ceremony, for credit for his retirement, the Navy gave him the 3 years that he was a minor back.
My brother's and I thought the story was a joke until that happened.
That's funny as hell.
My dad and his brother signed up with the army.... Seams his brother did not sign up for the selective service.. The story goes his brother got a letter in Korea saying he had 30 days to sign up or there would be arrested. My dad's brother wrote back saying "Come get me, jail sounds like a vacation." Shortly after that a fallow up letter got sent to my dad's brother saying "Disregard signing up for the draft, it has been corrected." LOL
That is an amazing story!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing. Jack and all of those men were a Breed Apart, my Dad being one of them. He served in the Navy first, then after finishing his tour and returning home, was unable to find a job, so signed up for the Army and ended up in Macarthur's personal Honor Guard and was stationed at the Emperor's Place during the Occupation of Japan and I have hundreds of pictures from that time. Wonder and horrendous time...
Two things:
1. Probably your best ad read yet.
2. Damn. This is an insane story.
That ad read was flawless
The ad was pretty great!
No best one was the home gym one
Everyone's favorite history teacher.
Facts!!💯
I'm a proudly retired Marine, Air National Guardsman, and Air Force Reservist. I was also a 20 year career Continental Airlines pilot. In 2005, two months before involuntary age dictated my airline retirement at 60, I was honored to captain the first flight of three chartered 737-800s from Guam to Iwo Jima for Military Historical Tours' 60th anniversary "Reunion Of Honor" visit to Iwo Jima. Since the charter flights were operating under Part 91, "general aviation" of the Federal Aviation Regulations instead of the normal Part 121 "air carrier" FARs, I had determined to fly to Iwo and back with the cockpit door open and an invitation to my heroic veteran passengers to visit the flight deck en route. It was after 9/11, so visits to the cockpit were strictly prohibited by the Feds under Part 121, but the rules under Part 91 were vague, and I figured that for a uniquely historic occasion like this, "why the hell not?" Somehow unbeknownst to me word got back to the Guam Chief Pilot who called corporate headquarters in Houston and talked to the Vice President of Operations to discuss my intentions with him, asking if what I was going to do was legal or not. The answer from the VP of Ops was perfect, "I'm not sure if it's legal or not, but I know that if I were flying that trip, that's what I would do too"! So, that settled it. All three crews flew to Iwo and back with the flight deck door open, and many of the ambulatory vets paid us visits, and the History Channel shot footage of me at the controls proudly wearing my bright red USMC ballcap with my Continental uniform. Before departing the gate in Guam, I went back to the cabin and made the announcement of our invitation to visit the cockpit. Addressing the hijackings of 9/11, still fresh in everyone's minds from only four years earlier, I ended my public address message with, "If we have any inflight threats, I think there are about a hundred Marines here on board who can handle the problem!" That brought a huge ovation and bellowed "Oorahs" from the passengers, and off we went!
The passengers were mostly Marine, Navy, Coast Guard, and Army Air Force Iwo veterans and their families. On my flight that morning were Medal of Honor recipient, Jack Lucas, Major General Larry Snowden, senior surviving Iwo Marine veteran, Gunnery Sergeant R. Lee Irmey and his History Channel "Mail Call" camera and production crew along to shoot their one hour special documentary, "Return To Iwo", the Territorial Governor of Guam, Felix Comacho, and a full load of America's greatest hero Marines, Sailors, Coasties, and Army Airmen.
It was a 7 AM departure from Guam's Agaña International Airport. The air all the way northwards was smooth as glass. When we got near our start of descent, I had the flight attendants bring Jack Lucas back to the flight deck and strap him into the cockpit jump seat so that he would have the best view of the island before we landed. I let down to a thousand feet and began two slow orbits around Iwo Jima, one in each direction, so that everyone on board could get a fantastic view of that God forsaken, sulphurous volcanic rock, and its towering Mt. Suribachi rising upwards from the southwestern shore. Finally, I descended out over the ocean and circled back for a low pass at the Suribachi summit's exact elevation, and close aboard so that Jack and the leftside passengers could get a clear view of the US flag flying at the summit, raised earlier that morning by the contingent of Marines who had sailed down from Okinawa for the occasion. There were few dry eyes on the airplane as we extended the gear and flaps for the approach and landing on the runway that 60 years earlier had cost so much blood to secure.
We deplaned on the relatively small parking ramp and those who could walk the short distance down to the base gym did so, while Marines transported those too frail to walk the few hundred yards in Humvees. The narrow road was lined on both sides by 1st Marine Division Honor Guard troops in battle dress who saluted each veteran as he passed. It was a very moving moment to witness. There was a Ceremony Of Honor with a handful of surviving Japanese Iwo battle veterans who had been flown down from Tokyo that morning in a JASDF Mitsubishi transport. Afterwards, we toured the landing beaches where many vials of gritty black volcanic sand were collected by veterans as mementos while others emplaced floral arrangements to commemorate their fallen buddies who had died right there. Then, a load at a time, the Marines of the FirstMarDiv, drove us up the sepentine asphalt road to the summit of Mt. Suribachi where a five man squad of Marine JROTC cadets from Guam's John F. Kennedy High School reenacted the iconic flag raising which has become the world renowned symbol of Marine Corps indominability. I readily admit that the tears streamed freely down my cheeks as I watched our flag unfurl in the brisk currents of the tradewinds atop that volcanic spire.
The departure for Guam was into a glowing Pacific Ocean sunset, and the return flight was with a very quiet load of heroes, each silently encapsulated in their sixty year old recollections of Iwo Jima and what they and their long dead comrades did there. One asked me not to refer to him as a hero. He said softly, "The heroes are our buddies who didn't come home." Amen.
Sir, this brought me to emotion, what a beautiful story. As a Marine and fellow pilot, really enjoyed reading it. Thank you.
Those men deserve everything.
Remind me not to try to take my blood pressure while reading your story.
Wow; the numbers on my machine are blurry.
I'll have to try again later.
Thank you for your service.
VERRY COMMENDERABLE AND U ALL R HERO'S GOD BLESS AND TKS.
@@skipduld3630 Thank you, Skip. I appreciate your kind words very much. 👍🐻🇺🇲
What a great story and very well told, thank for your service and for giving those brave vets a wonderful trip of a lifetime which I'm very sure they never forgot for the rest of their days 🙏
This one actually bought a tear to my eye. And I'm not even American. What an amazing man. We can only hope we are a fraction of what he stood for.
I had the privilege of meeting Jack and speaking with him at an Iwo Jima reenactment for the 60th anniversary of the landings in Fredericksburg, TX. He proudly signed a World War II book that I've had since the 3rd grade that I collect veteran signatures in. Being 12 at the time, I was in awe when they read his citation during the ceremony. I'm so happy that his story is being shared. Semper Fi!
Oh, yay! So this one actually lived, that's awesome!! I was worried he'd be tragically dead by the end of the video. Woohoo!
I also had the Privlige of meeting Jack and a few others that were passing thru Guam on the way to Iwo Jima. He could tell a story!
Hold on to that book and pass it down in your family. Each name has a story. If you could find the stories with the names, you could write or edit a great book.
I'm a 20-year Marine veteran. I thought I knew them all. I know the story of Dan Daly. I know the story of Smedley Butler. I know the story of Chesty Puller. I know the story of John Basilone. I know the story of Greg Boyington. I know the story of John Ripley. I know the story of Carlos Hathcock. I know the story of Wesley Fox (He was my CO at OCS). You got me on this one. I had no knowledge of Jack Lucas. Thank you for expanding my knowledge of another hero.
Lucas has an autobiography entitled Indestructible…very good read!
Go back and start over. 😆
[[[TEUFLEHUNDEN ĴŮĞĠĜËŖŊĄÜŦ]]]
OooFriggginRah
SFMF's 🦅🌎⚓
There are so many. It is forgivable that you do not know them all.
For example, have you heard of O. P. Smith, I believe is his name?
Look up Tony Stein (Basilone 2.0) and Jack Lummus (former NY Giant NFL)......those Marines and their stories on Iwo are just as crazy. Both unbelievable. Problem is the Marines just have too many heroes.......what an incredible organization. SF.
Amazing man. To think this man was the impetus to make vet's disability tax-free -- we all owe him for what he did, during his service and long beyond.
"This 17 Year old doesn't have Tinnitus... He's got Eleven-itis"... I almost choked! Love the war stories buddy! you got a sub.
He was a childhood hero of mine. I was part of a Marine color guard in the late 90s for the VFW and they said the VIPs wanted to meet us. We were led into a room full of World War 2 Medal of Honor winners. One of them was Jack Lucas. I got his autograph and a picture taken with him, both of which I've framed along with his Medal of Honor citation. So freaking amazing to chance meet one of your hero's.
Thats awesome man.
Good for you.
I had heard about Jack Lucas surviving two hand grenades on Iwo Jima (and the incident with President Truman) but didn't know that he survived his primary chute failing and then his reserve chute crapping out, a murder plot by his wife, another attempted murder by arson, and the IRS too!
Thanks for enlightening and entertaining me, Nick.
Doncha know the IRS was the scariest!
@@appaloosa42 Yup. The Department of Justice couldn't touch Scarface (Al Capone) but the taxman laid him low.
Heaven didn't want him yet, and Hell, thought he'd take over!!..lol.. from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸👋🤠
Guy beat death and taxes
IRS was the most dangerous in my view.
I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Jack in Hattiesburg, Ms, many years ago. He was truly a one of a kind individual. He and Mrs. Ruby were very kind people. Mr. Jack truly loved the Marine Corp, and his country. Very witty and funny man. He is truly missed
Lmao. "Who wants to drive a truck" is how they got my grandpa to use a wheelbarrow while working as an engineer.
I was a Hospital Corpsman during the Vietnam Era. When I was going through training, at Great Lakes, IL, one of the instructors was a combat veteran of Vietnam - with a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, PUC. He told us that fear is fleeting. Once you can conquer it, you can make the important decisions you need to without it being in the way. He told us that it was expected that we were going to get shot at, probably hit, and that was a fact of life for us Docs. I took that with me. I didn't end up in combat, but I looked at it through another lens - do your job and do it well, because the Marine you were attending to demands it.
It would be super cool if Nick did a video about Adrian Carton de Wiart.
Dude was a badass.
Yes!
I’d like to add Leo major, Francis pegmagabow and Tommy prince to that list
Chuck Mawhinney
@@paulschauer6273 Canada: We don't start the fight, but we'll fucking finish it.
@@AtholAnderson Also Canada: If you ain't cheatin' you ain't tryin' !!
Coming from an 03 God bless our Corpsman. They really are a Marine’s best friend.
Coming from a Navy Chief, they're a Sailors too. IDC and FMF corpsman are special breed.
Jack!!! He was a sponsor for my ship and he visited us a few times. Got to meet the man twice. Funny thing, navy ships are supposed to be dry, but somehow a scotch on the rocks kept magically appearing for him during the entire event. 😂❤
ETA: Ship is the USS Iwo Jima LHD7, because really now what other ship would he be a sponsor for?
Jack Lucas the most heartburn proof man of all time. High explosive might as well be habaneros to that man
This man’s guardian angel was working OVERTIME!!!
Totally! He probably had one on each side of him
@@LadyBoru i can see the sketch for a t-shirt design of Jack Lucas being slightly slowed (by those two angels) in free-fall with aww shute 😂
His guardian angel must have been a marine
Sounds like St. Michael and St. Raphael were both watching over him a lot.
Wym Angel singular? Man had half of heaven watching over him
Of all your videos so far, as an infantry combat Marine Veteran from 2002-2006, this one is my absolute favorite and actually made me cry. No matter the content, your shit is always Grade A and I thank you for that.
I knew Jack Lucas personally. There were actually 4 grenades but only two went off. He couldn't get an MRI and his X-rays always looked like salt-and-pepper because of the shrapnel still in his body. He told me that every couple of years, a piece of shrapnel would work its way to the surface of his skin and either he, or a doctor, would pull it out.
Underrated comment.
You're lying.
@@Messerschmitt_BF_109G_10 Yeah, no. I am a consulting forester in Southern Mississippi. Jack Lucas moved to Hattiesburg MS and owned quite a bit of timberland. I met him in Columbia, MS, when he gave a presentation at the Columbia Lions Club. After Katrina in 2005 he needed help with all his downed timber and so he contacted me. I went to his house and I got to spend a bunch of time talking with him. HE told me of the four grenades. Have a care before slinging baseless accusations.
Wow, that is a great follow up to the story. I totally believe you, unlike some... Well, you know what I mean.
I imagine that he would get some extra care if he would take a plane. How would they search him? Do they get a "do not scan" card?
Someone I know knew Jack Lucas towards the end of his life (I've borrowed and read his signed autobiography). Apparently, late in life, Mr. Lucas was attending a Medal of Honor Society event that was being held in the same venue as a Navy Chiefs Society event. This person I know had to intervene when Mr. Lucas, who had an oxygen tank, was about to get into a brawl with a retired Navy Chief, also a WWII vet, who had a walker. Apparently this disagreement was all about inter-service rivalry.
A Marine's Marine to the end. Semper Fi!
Oh my goodness.... I am not surprised that with an oxygen tank he would still be a fighter LOL.
sounds about right, its not about how old you are its about how old you feel, and man he felt like he was still 18
That's hilarious
Stories like this humble me. I don't think proud to be an American works because pride is related to your own accomplishment. I'm extremely blessed and humbled to live in a country where people like this man exist
Well said!
I am a United States Marine Persian Gulf veteran, this was awesome. Thank you. I too forged my mother’s signature to join. We don’t say fox hole , we say fighting hole
I can not thank the veterans of this country enough for the Freedoms I hold sacred. The untold Amount of sacrifices that have entered is astonishing. Thank you to all that have served
in my early Navy days, I had the honor of meeting Jack Lucas and his family in late June 2001 onboard my ship during our Tiger Cruise from the Pascagoula, MS shipyard to Pensacola, FL base for the commissioning of USS Iwo Jima LHD-7, and even though I knew the name and how he saved his brothers by jumping onto those grenades, I didn't know who it was I was helping get back down the hangar bay from the Officers Quarters since I was volun-told to help with visitors who needed a guide. It was only after that day that I seen his picture and realized who it was I helped. i have felt so humbled simply by being in his presence, and he has been a source of inspiration for me ever since..
.. and to hear his complete story still fills me with awe, and pride.
Semper Fi, my brother
The fact that medal of honor recipients have to pay any taxes at all is fucking absurd.
Apparently risking your life for your country isnt enough payment for the US government.
Because politicians don't care about people, politicians care about money. Plain and simple.
I agree to an extent, but if that medal of honor recipient ends up making millions they sure as hell should have to pay taxes. The rich should not get a tax break regardless of their background.
@deezkhajiit184 have you served? Have you seen actual combat (not Waltzing Tim Walz "combat")? Until then, STFU.
@@deezkhajiit184That's the dumbest fucking thing I've ever read.
Dude, I was born and raised about an hour and a half from Hattiesburg. Knowing that such a badass man like Jack lived there is awesome to know. I just wish I could have met him. Love these videos, man.
I grew up in Hattiesburg and visited the camp shelby military museum in grade school. I remember an Iwo Jima veteran tell his story of jumping on a grenade, surviving, and getting the MOH. 30 years later this story jogged my memory. I'm proud this man hails from my hometown. They named an Arliegh Burke destroyer in his honor a few years ago.
Hattiesburg is a great town spent most of my weekends in my 20s there. It was better than partying in jackson.
Had a young Marine in Iraq in Ramadi the same time his brother was in the Army in Ramadi. Marines unit was on its way home. Long story short the Marine sneaks away from his unit and attempts (actually got on a convoy back to Ramadi. Convoy commander found out and turned the kid over to his unit). SO........Marines still do pretty crazy stuff, or try to. We did an anniversay amphib operation on Iwo. What most dont know is the shore actually drops off immediately after about 15 -20 from shore and goes nearly straight down. We ran up the beach over the terraces and I can tell you it was exhausting. Sand up nearly to your knees and trying to run. We all immediately thought of those Marines in WWII. Holy Fxxx
I dont know what else to say right now other then im crying, laughter and sadness all in one bunch.
“The real heros are the ones who didnt make back home” for him to downplay what he did as if he wasnt a hero the same way is so humble.
when i thought Jack couldnt be More of a Badass, He Keeps being MORE of a BADASS
When I was stationed in Camp Shelby, MS. I was dating his daughter. Yep, we had oysters every Wednesday. I had to ask him why he jumped on 2 grenades. Hell, I already jumped one...no shit the guy was fucking crazy.
You can't argue with that kind of logic.😂😂
You know the old saying "Don't half ass a job, do it all the way..." Guys like that are amazing.. Back in 91 I got to meet one of the gunners from the USS Ward, she shot 3 shells with the 3rd one hitting a IJN Mini sub that was sneaking in to attack with the air craft on Dec 7th at Pearl..... Hearing him talk about it, then shortly after the air raid... WOW!!!
Crazy bro, curious to hear how that worked out, seems like he’d be an interesting dad
Every time I think that TFE has told every interesting lost piece of history there is he finds a new one AND MAKES AN HOUR LONG VIDEO ON IT
neat, just refreshed youtube for this to pop up, what a wild story
Edit: Just finished watching it, what an amazing tale.
For anyone else that was wondering because I was, he passed away at the age of 80 and was buried in Hattiesburg, Mississippi June 5th, 2008.
Wow, what a story! Jack Lucas is a true American hero. His bravery and determination are inspiring. It's incredible to think about what he went through at such a young age.
Hi there. Thank you again for a wonderful bedtime story. I am that 70 year old widow of a retired Navy man and your story telling is perfect. I love and respect the military and the most important document I have is my spouseal ID card. You made me happy tonight and I will sleep well after that story. May those who have given their all rest in pease and be heald in the palm of our good Lord. Stay safe out there. Take care and God bless
"You look like Napoleon."
*Knocks him out*
"I fight like Napoleon too."
Dude shoulda known it was coming
Ain’t no way bro said that
Do you mean: "Hide in the bushes and tell other idiots to get themselves killed"???? It almost makes it sound like Napoleon was an Hamerican!
@@dabbbles Look, everyone! A Russian Bot.
@@codycampbell3562 Actually, Dopey, a REALIST whose been around the world of (non-propaganda) bullshit more times than I can count. I come from a Slavic AND GERMAN line of ancestors which go back a documented 2700 years and have inherited the best genes from both sides of that mix. I speak FIVE languages and have learnt the histories of both sides:including from the people who LIVED part of that history. Beyond that, I have studied ALL Euro-Slavic histories in English and from assorted 'English' historic bases. DO TELL: WTF are YOUR 'qualifications'?
A little history about my grandfather and his brother. I may have already posted some but I have learned more today I would like to share. He ( Max V Thomas ) was in Belgium while in the 319 INF 80 DIV of the army. On January 8th 1945 his troop was sent to the front line to protect a flank during the battle of the bulge. They met over whelming forces with artillery fire. When he was on his way to the front my grandfather passed him. When my grandfather dropped someone off at a meeting he asked permission to see his brother.. By the time he got to the front Max Thomas was already dead. He is currently buried in Luxembourg Belgium. He was a Private first class when he was killed in action but the flank was held.
my late great grandpa was also in the battle of the bulge I'm not sure what all he did but some day I hope to learn all about it
@@jacksonforman9560 You can look it up if you know his full name. It won't be easy but there is information to be found. Your dad or grandfather might know some info they can tell you like branch and dates.
@@jacksonforman9560my great uncle was in the airborne glider infantry, and was attached to the 12th armored. He was KIA on Jan 18th 1944. I look identical to him so I’m going airborne
My great grandfather was also in the battle of the buldge,I'll have to talk to my dad,he knows a lot more about him
@@themeadman It's good information to know. Even if it does you no good to know. At least you can take pride in what he did.
Immaculate Comfort
Incredible Freedom
There is such a thing as a Good Man
This is that Medium
This is a Good Man
My God why has there not been a movie made about this guy??? I’m not even done the video yet and I am blown away. What an incredible life. What a hateful wife. What a brave individual. I think the men from the 40s and 50s stole all the courage, and masculinity from the rest of us…. OK, let me watch the rest now.
Absolutely love your stories. I am a practicing physician at the VA in SLC. I can tell you that is is a huge honor to care for veterans. Even a larger honor to be called ‘doc’ by these people.
Man really wanted to get rid of his stepson. Damn.
It was about now that I deployed. Those bodies still bounce around in my head. Love you, Bro. Best-
I had the privilege of meeting him in Fredericksburg, TX. Hell of a humble man! Semper Fi from an Army guy!
Clicked on this as soon as I saw it, I needed some random American vet to autism dump on me today.
This is one of only three channels that I actually watch the ads, they're either short and to the point or funny or both.
What's the other 2😅
@@keithb2223 Internet Historian and Tomatoanus because they have entertaining ad reads
I can't say thank you enough you know every one of us has learned or been taught some history, but we were never taught the real history of this nation until you came along thank you I would also like to add that in a large way you are turning people that thought they were not very patriotic into patriots, and single-handedly teaching people through history and humor what it means to sacrifice and to be part of something much larger than yourself
I'm from the UK and we sent 16 year olds to war without birth certificates and if a boy walked in and said I'm 15 they were told to walk around the block and come back when they were 16
The americans had the luxury of an intact industrial base and two effectively impassable oceans between them and the enemies.
@@jonsimpson6240that fact definitely worked a lot in the Allies favor lol
A child groomed to kill and people love it. The only difference between the British and the Nazis is that the British were better at slavery and genocide. The victors write history.
@jonsimpson6240 yea, thing is though without us you would have failed undoubtedly.
Wow
Not even 30 seconds in and this is some of the maddest shit I have ever heard. TWO GRENADES??
My guy was simply built different.
Are we sure he's not a Terminator?
Nah. He's just from North Carolina.@@ninjabearpress2574
Just shy of 53 minutes but it felt like 20 - at most. That’s the sign of a great teacher. Thank you Nic(k).
Great thing to watch on thanksgiving weekend at midnight after making sure my parents got back after drinking cuz they didn’t have any fuel. Perfection
That man's guardian angel drank.... A lot! Thank you for your service and your sacrifices!
So theres a theme I'm seeing for American War-Hero Badasses:
Be born in bumfuck-nowhere
See something military related at like 9 years old
Be too young to join that military branch they like
Have to deal with recruitment BS
Lie to the recruiter about BS
Get into military
Learn vital lesson about becoming wall-paper in basic training after volunteering for something
Get fucking *_hammered_* at a bar
Get embarresed
Go to War
Get shot
Live (like a true American)
Do some hyper-heroic shit
Get shot
Live, again
Not want to leave the war, but forced to any way
Make it home
Live happily ever after [optional]
Sounds about right
Then you remember that 99.999999999999% of people born in Jack's situation don't do any of what he did. The circumstances of your birth etc mean nothing.
@@anzaca1 bulshit
Cheating on your eye exam doesn't hurt your chances either. D-E-F-P-O-T-E-C. "Def-po-tec". Pretty easy to remember.
@@anzaca1 When you realize that 10% of the population in the US, fought in World War II...
And while they may not have done what Jack did specifically, there are many untold stories that may put Jack to shame.
Recently it occurred that a suicidal (in a not gung ho badass way, like in an actual bad way no one should go through) West Point graduate 2nd LT, Lawrence Franks went AWOL to join the French Foreign Legion; served as a legionnaire, was bodyguard to a French general during their recent Mali campaign and when he surrendered to the U.S. Army MPs in Germany…he was sentenced to be dismissed from the army and to military prison.
Oh and as soon you said Tijuana, as a Mexican I just thought “welp there goes Jack Lucas into, TJ”.
Hearing him tell it at the end literally brought tears to my eyes. I pray GOD helps me to be half the man these MEN where that came before. So many take for granted the these wonderful MEN did for our country.
I’ve lived 20mins from Plymouth my whole life and work there for 9years how have I never heard of this. Thanks for bringing this man’s story to back to life.
Same, just down the road in Bath.
There is a road named after him on the way to Nags Head off 64.
Your dog is living like how we all wish we can live
He's living the life that I wish I can live that is the luckiest dog ever ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
You tried dog food as a kid. Come on, try Sundays ... it's gotta be more tasty than kibble.
What an incredible story. Once assigned to a new aircraft carrier a crew member was found to have been onboard for over a year without a job assignment or a department he reported to. He managed to avoid any responsibility by spending his days eating, sleeping, and reading. He had several commons areas he would rotate through. When questioned he had a list of answers in his head. He’d tell daytime people he worked nights and night folks he worked days. “I’m TAD to laundry, messing, or indoc division.”
This prompted a ship wide personnel verification during which my division found an E5 that had spent almost 2 years working on the mess decks when it was a 90 day assignment. Turns out he was a lot smoking dirt bag that was admin separated shortly thereafter.
i wish to express my appreciation and gratitude for jack and all our vets for their service and sacrifice if which provide the rest of us our freedoms. God bless all of you from the bottom of heart.
He came to my house in Petal Mississippi when I was a really little kid. My grandfather was a navy WW2 vet and they were buddies. I remember him and his wife came over for coffee and my grandpa trying to explain to me what the medal of honor was.
When my command went to Iwoto, I made a report on every CMOH recipient and hero in the Battle of Iwo Jima. There were a lot of badass heroes there, but "Lawless Jack" Lucas was the biggest badass on the entire island.
"And now its time for grunterrific stories with Uncle Nic: the part of the show where Uncle Nic comes out and tells a grunterrific story."
That takes me back.
Wasn't expecting a Veggietales reference in a TFE video comments section, but here we are.
Just watching and older video of yours. You were a medic!!!! I was a civilian paramedic for years. Love the Chanel never knew we were brothers. ❤
Thank you for bringing these stories to a modern platform. We forget what was sacrificed by the previous generations.
I’ve always loved the pic of Jack shaking hands with a recent commandant of the marines. Man still had fire in his eyes when he shook that officer’s hand
THANK YOU SO MUCH! As a daughter and granddaughter of Veterans I appreciate you telling the stories of our countries True Hero’s! God Bless you and yours!
Absolutely pionant, funny story of guts, youthful courage, resilience and worthy of superlatives ad infinitum. I want to know more about this All American come from nowhere Jack Lucas. A man with instincts, heart and the incredible ability to forgive. You did well telling as much as you could in less then 53minutes. What an American success story!!!
I met him when I was in Recruiters Assistance in 2003 where I escorted him to speak at the traveling Vietnam Wall. He was just an impressive man.
Wow, that must have been a great honor.
8:00 My grandfather was a marine in Vietnam. Recently, on a trip, he told me the story of how if somebody was looking for a certain skill. You didn't have that skill. Forget a high school education. You didn't have an elementary level education. You can't count to 7 on your 10 fingers.
The best example he had was they were looking for somebody with computer skills. "The poor bastard raised his hand." And apparently after that he had to carry computers which this was the Vietnam era, so computers are very large to the 3rd floor of a building. Basically, had the guy moving refrigerators.
Always worth the wait. I yelled, "Jack Lucas!!!" Immediately. Pops was 'Nam Tanker. We're Jewish, but I was allowed to revere two things in life. HaShem and the Corps haha. G-d Bless the USMC, dog treats, and America.
From Taylorsville Mississippi thank you to all those who have served in the military
They still speak of this man in Marine Corps boot camp. At least as of 2008 when I went through.
“Are you sure this is service related?” Bro was practically bump firing an M1 Garand, Got blown up, GOT THE MEDAL OF HONOR FOR IT, and you question if it is service related.
I lost count of how many times I teared up watching this. The "... living happily ever after." part is what got me, though.
You are the very best story teller on all social media. Your entertaining, informative, with a great sense of humor. Recently I told my dad that if DNR got into our Flood Service Area like they did in '13, I was gonna pull a Samual Whitmore on them. He did't get it so I told him about your You Tube channel. Now he gets it and you have a new fan my father who is now 93 great job