"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."
From 1LT Lummus Jr.'s Medal of Honor citation, awarded in 1946.
May you be at peace,
Brian & Mel
The USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus
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