Pfc Jacklyn H. Lucas
U.S. Marine Corps, Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division

Background
Jacklyn Harrell Lucas was born February 14, 1928 to parents Lewis H. Lucas and Margaret Viola Edwards Harris in Plymouth, North Carolina. Nicknamed "Jack".

Medal of Honor
For his actions on February 20, 1945 he earned the Medal of Honor. On October 5, 1945 bestowed the Medal of Honor by U.S. President Harry S. Truman in a ceremony outside The White House.

Medal of Honor (February 20, 1945) Citation: "The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private First Class Jacklyn Harold Lucas, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 20 February 1945. While creeping through a treacherous, twisting ravine which ran in close proximity to a fluid and uncertain frontline on D-plus-1 day, Private First Class Lucas and three other men were suddenly ambushed by a hostile patrol which savagely attacked with rifle fire and grenades. Quick to act when the lives of the small group were endangered by two grenades which landed directly in front of them, Private First Class Lucas unhesitatingly hurled himself over his comrades upon one grenade and pulled the other under him, absorbing the whole blasting forces of the explosions in his own body in order to shield his companions from the concussion and murderous flying fragments. By his inspiring action and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice, he not only protected his comrades from certain injury or possible death but also enabled them to rout the Japanese patrol and continue the advance. His exceptionally courageous initiative and loyalty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Lucas and the United States Naval Service."

Memorials
Lucas passed died June 5, 2008 at age 80 in Hattiesburg, MS. He is buried at Highland Cemetery in Hattiesburg, MS.

References
Congressional Medal of Honor Society - Jacklyn Harold Lucas (MOH citation)
Hall of Vallor - Jacklyn Harold Lucas (full MOH citation)
FindAGrave - PFC Jacklyn Harold “Jack” Lucas (photo, grave photo)