Frank P. Lucas and Jessie Alice Trout were married on 11 May 1915 in Shelbyville, IN. They were the parents of at least 2 children; John DeWitt and Nancy Lou Lucas. The family lived in Muncie, IN for some years and then about 1932 they moved to Alameda, CA where Nancy was fatally injured when hit by a car while riding her bicycle in 1934. John attended Alameda High School for four years. He participated in various activities included Varsity track. He was the quarter mile champion runner and was awarded the Block "A" letter in athletics. He graduated from Alameda High School in June 1936. He enrolled in UC Berkeley in Sept 1936 where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. During his college years he learned to fly airplanes at the Oakland Airport in Oakland, CA. He graduated from UC Berkeley, College of Commerce, in June 1940 with high honors.
John enlisted in the US Naval Reserve V-5 (NSN:413-61-80) as a Seaman 2c on 7 Apr 1941 in Oakland, CA (He did not join the Marines until near completion of Navy flight school). He arrived at NAS, Jacksonville, FL on 07 July 1941 from the Naval Reserve Air Base (NRAB), Oakland, CA. He was transferred to NAS Corpus Christi, TX on 5 Aug 1941. The next day he was honorably discharged to accept an appointment as an Aviation Cadet.
He received his designation as a Naval Aviation Pilot (Heavier-Than-Air) and opted to become a 2d Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR) upon his commissioning in March 1942. After a leave period to visit his parents, Second Lt Lucas arrived at the Headquarters Squadron, 2nd MAW, NAS, San Diego on 17 Apr 1942 from NAS Corpus Christi, TX. He was on squadron temporary aviation training (STAD) from 21-30 Apr 1942. Lt Lucas then boarded the USS J. Franklin Bell (AP-34) at San Diego, CA on 09 May 1942 and sailed for Pearl Harbor. Lucas, along with a number of pilots and enlisted men were embarked on the aircraft transport ship, USS Kitty Hawk (APV-1) on 23 May. They arrived at Midway on 26 May 1942. The following day 2d Lt John D. Lucas was assigned to Marine Fighting Squadron-221 (VMF-221). For the next week the squadron engaged in familiarization, tactics, gunnery and routine patrol flights.
Beginning on 22 May, MAG-22 had been on alert to expect a large assault on the island by Japanese naval forces at any time. That time came in the early morning of 04 Jun 1942. At 0555 that morning the Midway radar installation and PBY reconnaissance aircraft reported a large group of enemy planes approaching Midway. All Midway aircraft were ordered into the air according to pre-planned directives. Three fighter divisions of VMF-221, Maj. Parks, Capt. Carey, and Capt. Curtin flew from NAS Midway, formed up, and were vectored to intercept the incoming force of over 100 Japanese fighters and bombers.
Two other fighter divisions led by Captains Daniel Hennessy and Kirk Armistead flew to a point 10 miles northwest of Midway and told to orbit. This force was to protect against enemy planes attacking from a different direction. Twenty five minutes later these two divisions, which included 2nd Lt Lucas in Capt Hennessy's division, was directed to join the attack with the other three divisions. Initially successful in shooting down a number of enemy planes, VMF-221 was soon overwhelmed by superior numbers of enemy fighters. In the ensuing melee VMF-221 suffered heavy losses. Four fighters from Capt Hennessy's division of six, Capt Daniel J. Hennessy, and 2d Lts. Ellwood Q. Lindsay, Thomas W. Benson, and John D Lucas, were reported as missing in action on 4 Jun 1942. Their remains were unrecoverable. They were listed as presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943.
2d Lt Lucas was awarded (posthumously) the Navy Cross, Purple Heart and the MAG-22 Presidential Unit Citation.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Navy Cross citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to John DeWitt LUCAS , Second Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Delivering a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Second Lieutenant Lucas aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Second Lieutenant Lucas gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of an excellent airman in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942
-----------------------------------------------------------
Marine Air Group 22 Presidential Unit Citation:
"For conspicuous courage and heroism in combat at Midway Island during June 1942. Outnumbered five to one, Marine Aircraft Group 22 boldly intercepted a heavily escorted enemy bombing force, disrupting their attack and preventing serious damage to island installations. Operating with half of their dive-bomber's obsolete and in poor mechanical conditions, which necessitated vulnerable glide bombing tactics, they succeeded in inflicting heavy damage on Japanese surface units of a large enemy task force. The skill and gallant perseverance of flight and ground personnel of Marine Aircraft Group 22, fighting under tremendously adverse and dangerous conditions were essential factors in the unyielding defense of Midway."
----------------------------------------------------------------
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads:
In grateful memory of John DeWitt Lucas who died in the service of his country at Midway Islands on 5 JUNE 1943 (Presumed).* He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
---------------------------------------------------------------
Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) - 17 Jun 1942 - p. 8
Alameda Pilot Reported Lost
Alameda, June 17. -- Word that their son, John, 24, was missing following action near Midway Island, was received today by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lucas, 1500 Fernside Boulevard. A lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, John Lucas learned to fly at Oakland Airport, taking a finishing course as Marine Corps pilot at Corpus Christi, Tex. He left here April 15 after a brief furlough spent with his parents. Lieutenant Lucas was a graduate of the Alameda High School, class of 1936, and was graduated from the University of California in the College of Commerce in 1940. His father, Frank Lucas, is an employee of the State Board of Equalization.
------------------------------------------
Combat Action Ribbon (CR) note:
None of the Navy/Marine flight crews in the Battle of Midway were eligible for or were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST M-1650.1 of 16 Aug 2019, Appendix 2C.1.c (3) Amplifying Guidance). It reads in part, "The CR will not be awarded in connection with aerial flight, . . . " The CR was established in 1969 and made retroactive to 07 Dec 1941. According to the Awards Manual, when deemed appropriate, the award for aerial combat was/is the Air Medal.
[Bio #230 composed by Gerry Lawton (G47)]
Military Hall of Honor ID#96822
Find A Grave Memorial Page #182026720
John enlisted in the US Naval Reserve V-5 (NSN:413-61-80) as a Seaman 2c on 7 Apr 1941 in Oakland, CA (He did not join the Marines until near completion of Navy flight school). He arrived at NAS, Jacksonville, FL on 07 July 1941 from the Naval Reserve Air Base (NRAB), Oakland, CA. He was transferred to NAS Corpus Christi, TX on 5 Aug 1941. The next day he was honorably discharged to accept an appointment as an Aviation Cadet.
He received his designation as a Naval Aviation Pilot (Heavier-Than-Air) and opted to become a 2d Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR) upon his commissioning in March 1942. After a leave period to visit his parents, Second Lt Lucas arrived at the Headquarters Squadron, 2nd MAW, NAS, San Diego on 17 Apr 1942 from NAS Corpus Christi, TX. He was on squadron temporary aviation training (STAD) from 21-30 Apr 1942. Lt Lucas then boarded the USS J. Franklin Bell (AP-34) at San Diego, CA on 09 May 1942 and sailed for Pearl Harbor. Lucas, along with a number of pilots and enlisted men were embarked on the aircraft transport ship, USS Kitty Hawk (APV-1) on 23 May. They arrived at Midway on 26 May 1942. The following day 2d Lt John D. Lucas was assigned to Marine Fighting Squadron-221 (VMF-221). For the next week the squadron engaged in familiarization, tactics, gunnery and routine patrol flights.
Beginning on 22 May, MAG-22 had been on alert to expect a large assault on the island by Japanese naval forces at any time. That time came in the early morning of 04 Jun 1942. At 0555 that morning the Midway radar installation and PBY reconnaissance aircraft reported a large group of enemy planes approaching Midway. All Midway aircraft were ordered into the air according to pre-planned directives. Three fighter divisions of VMF-221, Maj. Parks, Capt. Carey, and Capt. Curtin flew from NAS Midway, formed up, and were vectored to intercept the incoming force of over 100 Japanese fighters and bombers.
Two other fighter divisions led by Captains Daniel Hennessy and Kirk Armistead flew to a point 10 miles northwest of Midway and told to orbit. This force was to protect against enemy planes attacking from a different direction. Twenty five minutes later these two divisions, which included 2nd Lt Lucas in Capt Hennessy's division, was directed to join the attack with the other three divisions. Initially successful in shooting down a number of enemy planes, VMF-221 was soon overwhelmed by superior numbers of enemy fighters. In the ensuing melee VMF-221 suffered heavy losses. Four fighters from Capt Hennessy's division of six, Capt Daniel J. Hennessy, and 2d Lts. Ellwood Q. Lindsay, Thomas W. Benson, and John D Lucas, were reported as missing in action on 4 Jun 1942. Their remains were unrecoverable. They were listed as presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943.
2d Lt Lucas was awarded (posthumously) the Navy Cross, Purple Heart and the MAG-22 Presidential Unit Citation.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Navy Cross citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to John DeWitt LUCAS , Second Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Delivering a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Second Lieutenant Lucas aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Second Lieutenant Lucas gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of an excellent airman in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942
-----------------------------------------------------------
Marine Air Group 22 Presidential Unit Citation:
"For conspicuous courage and heroism in combat at Midway Island during June 1942. Outnumbered five to one, Marine Aircraft Group 22 boldly intercepted a heavily escorted enemy bombing force, disrupting their attack and preventing serious damage to island installations. Operating with half of their dive-bomber's obsolete and in poor mechanical conditions, which necessitated vulnerable glide bombing tactics, they succeeded in inflicting heavy damage on Japanese surface units of a large enemy task force. The skill and gallant perseverance of flight and ground personnel of Marine Aircraft Group 22, fighting under tremendously adverse and dangerous conditions were essential factors in the unyielding defense of Midway."
----------------------------------------------------------------
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads:
In grateful memory of John DeWitt Lucas who died in the service of his country at Midway Islands on 5 JUNE 1943 (Presumed).* He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
---------------------------------------------------------------
Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) - 17 Jun 1942 - p. 8
Alameda Pilot Reported Lost
Alameda, June 17. -- Word that their son, John, 24, was missing following action near Midway Island, was received today by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lucas, 1500 Fernside Boulevard. A lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, John Lucas learned to fly at Oakland Airport, taking a finishing course as Marine Corps pilot at Corpus Christi, Tex. He left here April 15 after a brief furlough spent with his parents. Lieutenant Lucas was a graduate of the Alameda High School, class of 1936, and was graduated from the University of California in the College of Commerce in 1940. His father, Frank Lucas, is an employee of the State Board of Equalization.
------------------------------------------
Combat Action Ribbon (CR) note:
None of the Navy/Marine flight crews in the Battle of Midway were eligible for or were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST M-1650.1 of 16 Aug 2019, Appendix 2C.1.c (3) Amplifying Guidance). It reads in part, "The CR will not be awarded in connection with aerial flight, . . . " The CR was established in 1969 and made retroactive to 07 Dec 1941. According to the Awards Manual, when deemed appropriate, the award for aerial combat was/is the Air Medal.
[Bio #230 composed by Gerry Lawton (G47)]
Military Hall of Honor ID#96822
Find A Grave Memorial Page #182026720
Frank P. Lucas and Jessie Alice Trout were married on 11 May 1915 in Shelbyville, IN. They were the parents of at least 2 children; John DeWitt and Nancy Lou Lucas. The family lived in Muncie, IN for some years and then about 1932 they moved to Alameda, CA where Nancy was fatally injured when hit by a car while riding her bicycle in 1934. John attended Alameda High School for four years. He participated in various activities included Varsity track. He was the quarter mile champion runner and was awarded the Block "A" letter in athletics. He graduated from Alameda High School in June 1936. He enrolled in UC Berkeley in Sept 1936 where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. During his college years he learned to fly airplanes at the Oakland Airport in Oakland, CA. He graduated from UC Berkeley, College of Commerce, in June 1940 with high honors.
John enlisted in the US Naval Reserve V-5 (NSN:413-61-80) as a Seaman 2c on 7 Apr 1941 in Oakland, CA (He did not join the Marines until near completion of Navy flight school). He arrived at NAS, Jacksonville, FL on 07 July 1941 from the Naval Reserve Air Base (NRAB), Oakland, CA. He was transferred to NAS Corpus Christi, TX on 5 Aug 1941. The next day he was honorably discharged to accept an appointment as an Aviation Cadet.
He received his designation as a Naval Aviation Pilot (Heavier-Than-Air) and opted to become a 2d Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR) upon his commissioning in March 1942. After a leave period to visit his parents, Second Lt Lucas arrived at the Headquarters Squadron, 2nd MAW, NAS, San Diego on 17 Apr 1942 from NAS Corpus Christi, TX. He was on squadron temporary aviation training (STAD) from 21-30 Apr 1942. Lt Lucas then boarded the USS J. Franklin Bell (AP-34) at San Diego, CA on 09 May 1942 and sailed for Pearl Harbor. Lucas, along with a number of pilots and enlisted men were embarked on the aircraft transport ship, USS Kitty Hawk (APV-1) on 23 May. They arrived at Midway on 26 May 1942. The following day 2d Lt John D. Lucas was assigned to Marine Fighting Squadron-221 (VMF-221). For the next week the squadron engaged in familiarization, tactics, gunnery and routine patrol flights.
Beginning on 22 May, MAG-22 had been on alert to expect a large assault on the island by Japanese naval forces at any time. That time came in the early morning of 04 Jun 1942. At 0555 that morning the Midway radar installation and PBY reconnaissance aircraft reported a large group of enemy planes approaching Midway. All Midway aircraft were ordered into the air according to pre-planned directives. Three fighter divisions of VMF-221, Maj. Parks, Capt. Carey, and Capt. Curtin flew from NAS Midway, formed up, and were vectored to intercept the incoming force of over 100 Japanese fighters and bombers.
Two other fighter divisions led by Captains Daniel Hennessy and Kirk Armistead flew to a point 10 miles northwest of Midway and told to orbit. This force was to protect against enemy planes attacking from a different direction. Twenty five minutes later these two divisions, which included 2nd Lt Lucas in Capt Hennessy's division, was directed to join the attack with the other three divisions. Initially successful in shooting down a number of enemy planes, VMF-221 was soon overwhelmed by superior numbers of enemy fighters. In the ensuing melee VMF-221 suffered heavy losses. Four fighters from Capt Hennessy's division of six, Capt Daniel J. Hennessy, and 2d Lts. Ellwood Q. Lindsay, Thomas W. Benson, and John D Lucas, were reported as missing in action on 4 Jun 1942. Their remains were unrecoverable. They were listed as presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943.
2d Lt Lucas was awarded (posthumously) the Navy Cross, Purple Heart and the MAG-22 Presidential Unit Citation.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Navy Cross citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to John DeWitt LUCAS , Second Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Delivering a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Second Lieutenant Lucas aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Second Lieutenant Lucas gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of an excellent airman in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942
-----------------------------------------------------------
Marine Air Group 22 Presidential Unit Citation:
"For conspicuous courage and heroism in combat at Midway Island during June 1942. Outnumbered five to one, Marine Aircraft Group 22 boldly intercepted a heavily escorted enemy bombing force, disrupting their attack and preventing serious damage to island installations. Operating with half of their dive-bomber's obsolete and in poor mechanical conditions, which necessitated vulnerable glide bombing tactics, they succeeded in inflicting heavy damage on Japanese surface units of a large enemy task force. The skill and gallant perseverance of flight and ground personnel of Marine Aircraft Group 22, fighting under tremendously adverse and dangerous conditions were essential factors in the unyielding defense of Midway."
----------------------------------------------------------------
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads:
In grateful memory of John DeWitt Lucas who died in the service of his country at Midway Islands on 5 JUNE 1943 (Presumed).* He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
---------------------------------------------------------------
Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) - 17 Jun 1942 - p. 8
Alameda Pilot Reported Lost
Alameda, June 17. -- Word that their son, John, 24, was missing following action near Midway Island, was received today by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lucas, 1500 Fernside Boulevard. A lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, John Lucas learned to fly at Oakland Airport, taking a finishing course as Marine Corps pilot at Corpus Christi, Tex. He left here April 15 after a brief furlough spent with his parents. Lieutenant Lucas was a graduate of the Alameda High School, class of 1936, and was graduated from the University of California in the College of Commerce in 1940. His father, Frank Lucas, is an employee of the State Board of Equalization.
------------------------------------------
Combat Action Ribbon (CR) note:
None of the Navy/Marine flight crews in the Battle of Midway were eligible for or were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST M-1650.1 of 16 Aug 2019, Appendix 2C.1.c (3) Amplifying Guidance). It reads in part, "The CR will not be awarded in connection with aerial flight, . . . " The CR was established in 1969 and made retroactive to 07 Dec 1941. According to the Awards Manual, when deemed appropriate, the award for aerial combat was/is the Air Medal.
[Bio #230 composed by Gerry Lawton (G47)]
Military Hall of Honor ID#96822
Find A Grave Memorial Page #182026720
John enlisted in the US Naval Reserve V-5 (NSN:413-61-80) as a Seaman 2c on 7 Apr 1941 in Oakland, CA (He did not join the Marines until near completion of Navy flight school). He arrived at NAS, Jacksonville, FL on 07 July 1941 from the Naval Reserve Air Base (NRAB), Oakland, CA. He was transferred to NAS Corpus Christi, TX on 5 Aug 1941. The next day he was honorably discharged to accept an appointment as an Aviation Cadet.
He received his designation as a Naval Aviation Pilot (Heavier-Than-Air) and opted to become a 2d Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR) upon his commissioning in March 1942. After a leave period to visit his parents, Second Lt Lucas arrived at the Headquarters Squadron, 2nd MAW, NAS, San Diego on 17 Apr 1942 from NAS Corpus Christi, TX. He was on squadron temporary aviation training (STAD) from 21-30 Apr 1942. Lt Lucas then boarded the USS J. Franklin Bell (AP-34) at San Diego, CA on 09 May 1942 and sailed for Pearl Harbor. Lucas, along with a number of pilots and enlisted men were embarked on the aircraft transport ship, USS Kitty Hawk (APV-1) on 23 May. They arrived at Midway on 26 May 1942. The following day 2d Lt John D. Lucas was assigned to Marine Fighting Squadron-221 (VMF-221). For the next week the squadron engaged in familiarization, tactics, gunnery and routine patrol flights.
Beginning on 22 May, MAG-22 had been on alert to expect a large assault on the island by Japanese naval forces at any time. That time came in the early morning of 04 Jun 1942. At 0555 that morning the Midway radar installation and PBY reconnaissance aircraft reported a large group of enemy planes approaching Midway. All Midway aircraft were ordered into the air according to pre-planned directives. Three fighter divisions of VMF-221, Maj. Parks, Capt. Carey, and Capt. Curtin flew from NAS Midway, formed up, and were vectored to intercept the incoming force of over 100 Japanese fighters and bombers.
Two other fighter divisions led by Captains Daniel Hennessy and Kirk Armistead flew to a point 10 miles northwest of Midway and told to orbit. This force was to protect against enemy planes attacking from a different direction. Twenty five minutes later these two divisions, which included 2nd Lt Lucas in Capt Hennessy's division, was directed to join the attack with the other three divisions. Initially successful in shooting down a number of enemy planes, VMF-221 was soon overwhelmed by superior numbers of enemy fighters. In the ensuing melee VMF-221 suffered heavy losses. Four fighters from Capt Hennessy's division of six, Capt Daniel J. Hennessy, and 2d Lts. Ellwood Q. Lindsay, Thomas W. Benson, and John D Lucas, were reported as missing in action on 4 Jun 1942. Their remains were unrecoverable. They were listed as presumed dead on 5 Jun 1943.
2d Lt Lucas was awarded (posthumously) the Navy Cross, Purple Heart and the MAG-22 Presidential Unit Citation.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Navy Cross citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to John DeWitt LUCAS , Second Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Delivering a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Second Lieutenant Lucas aided in disrupting the plans of the enemy and lessening the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Second Lieutenant Lucas gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of an excellent airman in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942
-----------------------------------------------------------
Marine Air Group 22 Presidential Unit Citation:
"For conspicuous courage and heroism in combat at Midway Island during June 1942. Outnumbered five to one, Marine Aircraft Group 22 boldly intercepted a heavily escorted enemy bombing force, disrupting their attack and preventing serious damage to island installations. Operating with half of their dive-bomber's obsolete and in poor mechanical conditions, which necessitated vulnerable glide bombing tactics, they succeeded in inflicting heavy damage on Japanese surface units of a large enemy task force. The skill and gallant perseverance of flight and ground personnel of Marine Aircraft Group 22, fighting under tremendously adverse and dangerous conditions were essential factors in the unyielding defense of Midway."
----------------------------------------------------------------
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads:
In grateful memory of John DeWitt Lucas who died in the service of his country at Midway Islands on 5 JUNE 1943 (Presumed).* He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
---------------------------------------------------------------
Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) - 17 Jun 1942 - p. 8
Alameda Pilot Reported Lost
Alameda, June 17. -- Word that their son, John, 24, was missing following action near Midway Island, was received today by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lucas, 1500 Fernside Boulevard. A lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, John Lucas learned to fly at Oakland Airport, taking a finishing course as Marine Corps pilot at Corpus Christi, Tex. He left here April 15 after a brief furlough spent with his parents. Lieutenant Lucas was a graduate of the Alameda High School, class of 1936, and was graduated from the University of California in the College of Commerce in 1940. His father, Frank Lucas, is an employee of the State Board of Equalization.
------------------------------------------
Combat Action Ribbon (CR) note:
None of the Navy/Marine flight crews in the Battle of Midway were eligible for or were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST M-1650.1 of 16 Aug 2019, Appendix 2C.1.c (3) Amplifying Guidance). It reads in part, "The CR will not be awarded in connection with aerial flight, . . . " The CR was established in 1969 and made retroactive to 07 Dec 1941. According to the Awards Manual, when deemed appropriate, the award for aerial combat was/is the Air Medal.
[Bio #230 composed by Gerry Lawton (G47)]
Military Hall of Honor ID#96822
Find A Grave Memorial Page #182026720
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