Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, 2d Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division
Place and date: Fire Support Base Ripcord, Republic of Vietnam, 1 to 23 July 1970
Citation:
LTC Lucas distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism while serving as the commanding officer of the 2d Battalion.
Although the fire base was constantly subjected to heavy attacks by a numerically superior enemy force throughout this period,
LTC Lucas, forsaking his own safety, performed numerous acts of extraordinary valor in directing the defense of the allied
position. On 1 occasion, he flew in a helicopter at treetop level above an entrenched enemy directing the fire of 1 of his
companies for over 3 hours. Even though his helicopter was heavily damaged by enemy fire, he remained in an exposed
position until the company expended its supply of grenades. He then transferred to another helicopter, dropped critically
needed grenades to the troops, and resumed his perilous mission of directing fire on the enemy. These courageous actions by
LTC Lucas prevented the company from being encircled and destroyed by a larger enemy force. On another occasion, Lt.
Col. Lucas attempted to rescue a crewman trapped in a burning helicopter. As the flames in the. aircraft spread, and enemy
fire became intense, LTC Lucas ordered all members of the rescue party to safety. Then, at great personal risk, he
continued the rescue effort amid concentrated enemy mortar fire, intense heat, and exploding ammunition until the aircraft was
completely engulfed in flames. LTC Lucas was mortally wounded while directing the successful withdrawal of his battalion
from the fire base. His actions throughout this extended period inspired his men to heroic efforts, and were instrumental in
saving the lives of many of his fellow soldiers while inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. LTC Lucas' conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action, at the cost of his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflect great credit on him, his unit and the U.S. Army.
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