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US Military Academy Cemetery
  7-C-160  

Born:  October 02, 1930 at Washington, DC

Entered Service in the US Army from West Point, NY

Earned The Medal of Honor During the Vietnam War For heroism July 01 - 23, 1970 at FSB Ripcord, Vietnam

Lieutenant Colonel Lucas performed numerous acts of extraordinary valor in directing the defense of Fire Support Base Ripcord. He flew in a helicopter at treetop level above an entrenched enemy directing the fire of one of his companies for over three hours. 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 prevented the company from being encircled and destroyed. On another occasion he attempted to rescue a crewman trapped in a burning helicopter. As the flames in the. Aircraft spread, and enemy fire became intense, Lieutenant Colonel Lucas ordered all members of the rescue party to safety. Then, at great personal risk, he continued the rescue effort amid concentrated enemy fire, intense heat, and exploding ammunition. He was mortally wounded while directing the successful withdrawal of his battalion from the fire base. His actions throughout this period inspired his men to heroic efforts, and saved the lives of many of his fellow soldiers while inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.