"The award was not given posthumously" I just loved how you set that up. Awesome delivery.

I met Jack Lucas the day he presented my daughter a scholarship from the Medal of Honor Society. His first words to me were, "How is your Marine?" My son had been severely injured in Iraq and was recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center. Despite all the "brass" in the room, Jack was aware of my daughter's brother and that was the thing on his mind at the moment. Semper Fi!

A story that needed retelling, this generation needs role models such as this fine man.

Truth is stranger than fiction every time. A true hero.

"The award was not given posthumously" Jesus Christ he lived, I couldn't imagine an experience like that. "He became a paratrooper" I never realized that I couldn't even be a fraction of another man's shadow.

I met Jack Lucas in May of 2002, during Fleet Week in NYC. What a gentleman, truly humble and praised the Marines left behind. God Bless this man. His story is amazing.

HG is just about the only apolitical thing I can enjoy nowadays. And history is often politicized. Quality work HG.

What an incredible story of a boy with no father who rose to great heights on the strength of his character and determination alone. Amazing. Thank you.

WOW Tears in my eyes. Thank you History Guy for bringing me this man's story. We should never forget.

Destroyer? Hell- they should have named an aircraft carrier after him, replaced the anchors with giant copper and zinc alloy spheres, and called it the USS Brass Balls.

Thus the fascination with history: you just can't make this stuff up. And a paratrooper later??

Well, this story took a surprising turn. Well told Lance.

My dad lied about his age, dropped out of high school and enlisted in the navy at 16. He was in the Pacific, saw action during Korea and Vietnam. Later, he was a drill instructor for new recruits. Then he retired from the navy, and worked for Sea World in San Diego.

There is one important question that wasn’t answered in the video, “Can a stowaway on a Navy ship be considered a pirate?” Because you know every great story......

Yet another reason they're called "the Greatest Generation". Thank you again, THG!! Inspirational.

Thank you so much for doing my request, I knew you'd do a wonderful job presenting it. This is one of my favorite stories of all time, and I'm very glad that so many new people will be introduced to it because of you and this wonderful channel. I try to tell this story whenever I get the chance, but I can never make it through without starting to cry. I know a lot of people want to believe that kids like Jack Lucas no longer exist, but I think they actually still do, there's just not been an opportunity for them to rise up to where we can see them. But I firmly believe that they could again someday, if - god forbid - a moment like WWII ever arose... it's just part of the American spirit. A couple of things I would like to add to the story, though (a few bits of trivia for flavor): First was the fact that, the grenade that actually exploded, Jack had jammed it as deep as he could into the sand with the butt of his rifle before jumping on it. Having that layer of sand between him and the grenade dissipated the energy of the blast... *not by a lot, but just enough that it probably saved his life* (and of course it was a miracle that the second grenade that he had held to his chest didn't go off). Next was that the surviving men in Jack's platoon truly thought he was dead (in the moment, there was no reason to think otherwise - Jack wasn't moving and they couldn't tell he was breathing) so they left him in that foxhole as they moved towards their next objective. It was only later, when another platoon came through and used the same foxhole, that one of them just happened to notice that Jack was moving his fingers. Lastly, besides being listed as a deserter, Jack had been instantly demoted by his commanding officer back in Pearl upon the news that he was missing. He was busted from PFC all the way down to a buck private. So, besides being the youngest Marine to ever be awarded the Medal of Honor, he's also the only U.S. serviceman in American history, whose actions earned him our nation's highest honor... while being listed as a *"demoted deserter".*

Now I'm all teary eyed thinking about how amazing that boys sacrifice was and thankful to hear he was actually able to live a full life after. Absolutely amazing and fascinating story, thank you for sharing it.

There's really not much more that I can add about such a remarkable man - an astonishing story.

Christ, what a story HG. So little we know about the unspoken valor of others. Spielberg, if you are reading this, make this into a movie!

Thank you Mr. The History Guy for finding golden nuggets of history like this one. These "nuggets" add depth to the already know histories, like this one for Iwo Jima.

As a corpsman it always makes me happy to hear someone calls us corpsman instead of medics. Thank you for this !

How many other of these brave men have such stories that we will never know. Isaiah 6: 8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” JOHN 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Thank you for bringing us this incredible story. I am a better person for knowing Jack!

I don't know if I'm more shocked that he lived or that he had a fear of something.

“You cannot exaggerate about the Marines. They are convinced to the point of arrogance, that they are the most ferocious fighters on earth - and the amusing thing about it is that they are.” Kevin Keaney

Naming a ship after this man is beyond well deserved! Just amazing! And as always made better by the awesome narrative from the History Guy! Thank you!

Just when I was thinking, "Too young to die at 17 years and 6 days.." The man was clearly made of North Carolinian Blue Ridge Granite!

I read his book years ago and it truly is nothing short of incredible and unbelieving what he went through. A true American hero for sure who knew the true idea of sacrifice.

Thanks for this narrative of a brave Marine. My uncle was the Chief of Staff of the 5th Amphibious division. I now know what a heart Ache it was for him to send men into battle. Later he was consulted in the matter of returning Iwo Jima to the Japanese. His comment was return that terrible island. I heard from a former MARINE he was known as "Grumpy".

My Great Uncle is Ira Hayes. It's crazy what those guys went through. Just goes to show how IMPORTANT what they had to do was.

Thank you for this story. My cousin, James E. Hagstrom, Cpl, USMC, was in the 3rd Platoon, Company E, 2/28 Marines, 5th Marine Division on Iwo Jima. It was this platoon, commanded by the Company XO, Lt Harold Schrier, that raised the first US flag on Mt Suribachi. This was one of the most highly decorated platoons in the Marine Corps with at least 1 MOH and 3 Navy Crosses. Joe Rosenthal's iconic picture was of the second flag raising. James was later killed on 1 March on Hill 362A at almost the same time and place as Sgt Mike Strank. Strank is one of the six Marines in the famous picture. James' two older brothers also served in the Marine Corps during WWII. Perhaps the story of the first flag raising would make a good topic for you to cover.

The veracity of some of our bravest soldiers like Jack Lucas is the reason our military was so tenacious. We owe a debt of gratitude to all these fearless men and they deserve to be remembered. Thank you for your always wonderful history lessons!

Awesome story of true heroism and honor. I fear to say that most of the youth in the United States today have almost nothing in common with Mr. Lucas. The veterans of WWII are truly America's Greatest Generation. Bravo Mr. Lucas!!!

My uncle was killed on Iwo Jima on the tenth day of the battle. He was eighteen years old. Freedom is not free.

What a ripping story . Damn funny too. And the 17 yr old Marine survived to live to 80 no less. From an admiring Aussie.

His story brought tears to this veteran's eyes.

The M1 Garrand was not a "carbine". The Garrand was a full sized battle rifle. Great story!

My father was one of the Marines on Iwo Jima fortunately he survived. My war was 3 tours in Vietnam as a Seabee. Through my life it seems the only people who have heard of Seabees were combat Marines from Vietnam. Thanks for mentioning Seabees.

“Take me to the Brig. I want to see the ‘real Marines.’” - Chesty Puller

History Guy, I gotta tell you: that was wonderful. I knew a lot about this particular hero but not all of it. Expert research, important details combined with excellent delivery makes for compelling History that Deserves to be Remembered. Thank God for Jack Lucas and other people like him! May we never forget the cost of our freedom paid for by the likes of Jack Lucas.

I was actually starting to tear up when you said the award was not given posthumously. What a guy! What a hero!

5:50 “I noticed marines being sent into combat areas for getting into trouble or otherwise cause problems. And I thought “l could do that. It is a skill for which I am truly gifted”” I let out a good laugh at that

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived". Gen. George S. Patton, U.S. Army. Wise words indeed!

One of the best of the best storyteller's tales yet! Thank Mr. HG

Awesome piece History Guy! I'm a big fan of your channel, and appreciate all the work that you do. Jack Lucas' story is something that should be required for every young person in America to know. Also, his book "Indestructible" should be required reading as well. When I was a producer for Mississippi Public Broadcasting back in 2007, I had the high honor of meeting, interviewing, and editing a piece about Jack Lucas for the "Mississippi Roads" program. He was retired, and lived near Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He was a true hero, and yes, he deserves to be remembered.

13:08 “The award was not given posthumously” Wait what???? 🙄😯

I would love to see a whole series on the Medal of Honor Winners.

One of your best videos. My father fought with Australian forces and US Marines in New Britain and I did the same alongside Marines in Vietnam. They were a cut above the usual soldier. My nephew is an officer in HM Marines in the UK. There is something special about them too.

In May 1999, I attended the dedication of the Medal of Honor Memorial in Indianapolis. There were 93 of the then-living MOH recipients there. I had the privilege of meeting several of them, but my only regret from that day was not having the chance to speak with Jack Lucas. He was treated like a rockstar by the crowd after the ceremony concluded. There were so many people surrounding him that I never could get closer than 15 feet. It was so wonderful to see those heroes receiving the respect they deserved.

Outstanding episode, thank you!

"Uncommon valor was a common virtue."

Thank you, History Guy. Retired Marine here, and passionate historian.

My Dad was drafted and sent to Vietnam in 1968. He became a Sargeant and was assigned to the 101st airborne division. I wouldn't ever take anything away from the heroic subject of this video, but anytime Dad hears a story of diving in a grenade, he will say that it is a nice gesture but that you can only do it once. He picked up a grenade and threw it back on two occasions.

Wow, you leave me speechless almost every episode

Holy shit, didnt see him staying alive. Great story. Semper Fi.

Mr. Lucus' remarkable story is just one of many from this vicious battle for Iwo Jima. More Medals of Honor were awarded for this one battle than any other battles in the history of the award. CINCPAC Admiral Chester Nimitz would later describe the struggle for the island as being a place where "uncommon valor was a common virtue". Thanks for retelling this story of a very brave American.

History that deserves to be remembered? This is history that needs to be taught in school!!!

As the kids say, this one got me in the feels. The epitome of the Greatest Generation. The father of my best friend while growing up was in the fourth wave on Iwo Jima. That's all I know, and as far as I know, that's all his children know as well.

17 year olds these days are eating Tide Pods and running to Safe spaces when their feelings get hurt. We need more like Jack!

Jack's story is truly amazing. I once used it in giving a short sermon in the church I attend. It is a story with an unexpected twist and a lesson in sacrifice for others. We can all learn from Jack's actions.

I am so happy he survived.. what a guy. Thanks for the memory.

Damn I cried at the end of this one.

An amazing story and an even more amazing man.

I tell everyone... The History Guy is better than anything on the so-called "History Channel."

One of the best HG episodes. Very well written and superbly delivered. I think we all agree this is why we come to this channel.

Ok liquid nitrogen for blood, 2 bowling balls for balls, a double dose of "I don't care" and a triple dose of courage so strong as to make Chobham armor about as strong as tissue paper. Great story!

This must shock the hell out of Millennials who think sacrifice is skipping Starbucks for a day

Thank you again for the videos. I have ordered Mr. Lucas' book. History is indeed worth remembering.

Thank you for the reminder. I'm pretty sure I've heard of Lucas' sacrifice before, though I don't clearly remember. It's a powerful story, and the only excuse I can give is the brain injury that jumbled most of my memories that were not obliterated. I am grateful to this man and to others like him.

My great uncle jack moore died on iwo jima with the 5th marine

And we have 17 year olds that need emotional animals. RIP Sir, you were a true hero.

Yes, history that deserves to be remembered!!! If only America was filled with men like him now. Thank you for this bit of history. The human side of war.

As a retired Marine, I know Jack Lucas's story well. It is required knowledge. It is because of the history of our Corps, that the Marines the "The worlds finest fighting force." As a combat veteran of 2 wars, I know a few men who selfishly sacrificed there lives to save their fellow Marines. It is because of PFC Leroy Sandoval's sacrifice, I am still here. The real truth about combat is, once the bullets start flying, why you are there takes on a whole new meaning. It is no longer about why you were sent, it is about the Marines next to you. The fear of letting down your fellow Marine far out weighs your fear of death. This video and others like it still bring tears to my eyes. Every time they play The National Anthem at an event, I still cry, think about all the Marines I know who laid down there lives, so others may live. Thank You.

Solved the mystery of why he didn't look like a teenager in that photo. I was thinking he sure looked rugged for his age. Great story!

Went to war at 17. Threw himself onto a grenade and survived. I wouldn't even have the guts to do that in a video game. Men truly were made of tough stuff back then.

Thanks L.G. great watch! This is so important for folks to remember.

Fighting for their country, and for the man next to them. That line, Mr. History Guy, could move men. Well done sir.

He actually was a tough Marine, even at 15.

I understand something about this, when you know what your destiny is, you will be obsessed with doing it.

Fantastic story. I have heard of many men who committed this act, but never any survivors. Thank you Marine Lucas, for making me feel proud to be an American today. We need more heroes like you.

I met Mr. Lucas twice at the Trail of Honor in Jackson, MS. He was a short, gregarious, quick witted, barrel chested Marine in his mid-seventies, with a grip that could probably crush a tennis ball. I (and everyone around) was in awe of this guy, at the annual 3-day military appreciation event. It was truly an honor to have been in his presence.

Jack Lucas was a member of the Old Breed! Never forget!

This is the brand of “salt” that makes me proud to be an American.

This relating of Jacks epic makes me so proud of the exceptional and misfit pluck that runs through the backbone of this country. Iwo Jima has many stories and they should all be better known. For telling this one I thank you!

I spent 53 weeks on the island of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, Japan back in 1976-77. When I had time away from my duties I spent many hours walking the island, discovering caves and human remains. It was deeply moving. I did bring back a few items of interest from the battle fields and caves (with permission for those of you may object). I even recovered a 40 mm anti-aircraft round and a replacement propeller for a landing craft from a sunken American vessel though the vessel was too deteriorated to determine which ship it was. This was an interesting sojourn in my life. Thanks for covering this important story of sacrifice and courage.

I have an above average knowledge of history ( I know, that's not saying much) and I did know this one. However, I'd estimate that I've known about less than 10% of THG's output beforehand. You won't find that to be the case on many YouBend history shows. Thank you THG.

Who needs films with John Wayne when there are stories such as this?

This video brought me to tears. Thank you for sharing this part of history that deserves to be remembered.

Once more THG left me speechless and with wet eyes. You definitely know how to tell a story. Thank you so much.

"Walking Fire!"

They were called The Greatest Generation for a reason.

Of all the things I’ve read about WWII, I’ve never heard this story. This is definitely one that deserves to be remembered! Thanks for sharing!

I am totally shell shocked. My nose is running and I have tears running down my cheek. What an awesome bit of history. Thank you HG.

Can a upcoming video be : "challenge coins", I have several battle buddies who would be istatoc on the true meaning and original story

Now that’s tough no soy in that boy.... a true spartan🤠👍

I pray that we are never again at war...but if we are I hope there are enough Jack Lucas to see us through. Thanks for so eloquently sharing this amazing man's legacy with us HG.

Thank you for sharing this story. I will never forget this heroes story.

16 year olds in the 1940's...lie about their age to go fight in a war. Then jump on a grenade to save their buddies. 16 year olds today...whine about everything to get out of doing anything. How times have changed.

12:30 @TheHisoryGuy. Err, wrong Medal Of Honor. There's an Army and a Navy/Marine Corps version of the medal. The one shown is not the Naval one. Just a FYI.

Got me again! Glad he lived a full life, love your delivery.

What an incredible story....to think that some can be so selfless, while others are so selfish, is a lesson from which we would all do well to learn. Godspeed, sir.