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View Full Version : U.S. Andre Lucas , Medal of Honor, Vietnam



bobdina
08-04-2009, 12:03 PM
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed on a member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes him- or herself "conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his [or her] life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States."[1] Because of the nature of its criteria, the medal is often awarded posthumously.

Members of all branches of the U.S. military are eligible to receive the medal, and each service has a unique design with the exception of the Marine Corps and Coast Guard, which both use the Navy's medal. The Medal of Honor is often presented personally to the recipient or, in the case of posthumous awards, to next of kin, by the President of the United States. Due to its honored status, the medal has special protection under U.S. law.[4]

The Medal of Honor is one of two military neck order awards issued by the United States Armed Forces, but is the sole neck order awarded to its members. The other is the Commander's Degree of the Legion of Merit, which is only authorized for issue to foreign dignitaries.[5]

The medal is frequently called the Congressional Medal of Honor, stemming from its award by the Department of Defense "in the name of Congress" though the official and correct title is Medal of Honor


*
Andre Cavaro Lucas
* Date of birth: 2 Oct. 1930
* Place of birth: Washington, D.C.
* Home of record: West Point, N.Y.ndre
*

Andre Lucas graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1954.

Awards and Citations

1.
Medal of Honor

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Fire Support Base Ripcord, Republic of Vietnam, from 1 - 23 July 1970. Although the fire base was constantly subjected to heavy attacks by a numerically superior enemy force throughout this period, Lieutenant Colonel Lucas, forsaking his own safety, performed numerous acts of extraordinary valor in directing the defense of the allied position. On one occasion, he flew in a helicopter at treetop level above an entrenched enemy directing the fire of one of his companies for over three 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 Lieutenant Colonel Lucas prevented the company from being encircled and destroyed by a larger enemy force. On another occasion, Lieutenant Colonel Lucas 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 mortar fire, intense heat, and exploding ammunition until the aircraft was completely engulfed in flames. Lieutenant Colonel 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. Lieutenant Colonel 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 United States Army. Andre Cavaro Lucas

Service: Army

Rank: Lieutenant Colonel

General Orders No. 33, September 6, 1974

bobdina
08-04-2009, 12:04 PM
Before coming to West Point in 1950, Lucas served in the 26th Infantry Regiment, the same company his father had served in. After graduation from West Point, he attended infantry, airborne and ranger schools and served as an armored infantry platoon leader in Munich, Germany, and as a leader of a Special Forces A Team in the 10th Special Forces Group at Bad Toelz, Germany. He served as a tactical officer at West Point before going to Vietnam on his first tour of duty. Through his leadership, he earned the first of two Silver Stars.

When he returned to the States, as a decorated combat veteran, he had several excellent jobs and was twice promoted ahead of his year group. He was considered one of the most promising infantry officers in the Army. Although he was not slated to return to Vietnam, he volunteered — a fateful decision. He performed brilliantly and is believed to have known his fate was sealed. Preparing to depart a fire base on the last helicopter out, Lucas was hit by rocket fire and lost a leg. He died July 23, 1970, at Fire Base Ripcord. The Battle of Ripcord was the last large-scale combat involving U.S. forces in Vietnam. Lucas left a wife, Madeleine, whom he met in this third year at West Point. They had two sons, John and William. John's two sons, Andre Cavaro Lucas II and Ian Lucas, would have made their grandfather proud.





There's always plenty going on at West Point, and last week was no different. Among the highlights was the opening of the Lucas Military Heritage Center at the West Point Museum, which was donated by the Class of 1954 in honor of classmate Andre Cavaro Lucas, a Medal of Honor recipient who was killed in Vietnam, and in memory of other classmates killed in action.

nastyleg
08-04-2009, 03:33 PM
Wow amazing guy.