Jack Lummus
| Jack Lummus | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 22, 1915 Ennis, Texas |
| Died | March 8, 1945 Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands |
| Status | KIA |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps Reserve |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Rank | First Lieutenant |
| Service number | |
| Unit | 2nd Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division |
| Commands held | |
| Battles / wars | Battle of Iwo Jima |
| Awards | Medal of Honor, Purple Heart |
| Relations | |
| Later work | |
Andrew Jackson "Jack" Lummus Jr. (October 22, 1915 – March 8, 1945) was a United States Marine and former professional football player who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest decoration for valor, for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
A Texas athlete, Lummus played for the New York Giants of the National Football League before the war. Commissioned in the Marine Corps Reserve, he served as a rifle platoon leader with the 2nd Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division.
Medal of Honor
[edit]On March 8, 1945, after fighting without respite for two days and nights, Lummus single-handedly destroyed three Japanese emplacements despite being twice knocked down by grenades, before stepping on a land mine that inflicted fatal wounds. He continued to urge his men forward even after being mortally wounded, and died the same day.
Citation
[edit]For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as leader of a Rifle Platoon attached to the 2d Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. Resuming his assault tactics with bold decision after fighting without respite for 2 days and nights, 1st Lt. Lummus slowly advanced his platoon against an enemy deeply entrenched in a network of mutually supporting positions. Suddenly halted by a terrific concentration of hostile fire, he unhesitatingly moved forward of his front lines in an effort to neutralize the Japanese position. Although knocked to the ground when an enemy grenade exploded close by, he immediately recovered himself and, again moving forward despite the intensified barrage, quickly located, attacked, and destroyed the occupied emplacement. Instantly taken under fire by the garrison of a supporting pillbox and further assailed by the slashing fury of hostile rifle fire, he fell under the impact of a second enemy grenade but, courageously disregarding painful shoulder wounds, staunchly continued his heroic 1-man assault and charged the second pillbox, annihilating all the occupants. Subsequently returning to his platoon position, he fearlessly traversed his lines under fire, encouraging his men to advance and directing the fire of supporting tanks against other stubbornly holding Japanese emplacements. Held up again by a devastating barrage, he again moved into the open, rushed a third heavily fortified installation and killed the defending troops. Determined to crush all resistance, he led his men indomitably, personally attacking foxholes and spider traps with his carbine and systematically reducing the fanatic opposition until, stepping on a land mine, he sustained fatal wounds. By his outstanding valor, skilled tactics, and tenacious perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, 1st Lt. Lummus had inspired his stouthearted marines to continue the relentless drive northward, thereby contributing materially to the success of his regimental mission. His dauntless leadership and unwavering devotion to duty throughout sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.