- SURNAME
Lutchkus
- FORENAME
George Frank
- UNIT
1st Marine Parachute Battalion
- RANK
Corporal
- NUMBER
271592
- AWARD
Silver Star
- PLACE
Solomon Islands, 13th September 1942
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
born 21.03.1919, Lost Creek, Pennsylvania, USA
1938 graduated Coaldale High School
05.05.1939 entered service Brooklyn, New York
02.1945 awarded Navy Cross (Iwo Jima, Japan)
05.11.1945 discharged
27.04.1946 married Doris (nee Wescott) Lutchkus (1925-2011)
1950 resided 2303 North Park Avenue, Philadelphia
died 07.11.2007 (Aged 88)
Saint Peter and Paul RC Lithuanian Cemetery, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, USA
CITATION:
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal George F. Lutchkus (MCSN: 271592), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while a member of the Headquarters Company, First Parachute Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on 13 September 1942. In addition to fighting continually for nearly three hours, Corporal Lutchkus, under tremendous hostile fire, repeatedly removed wounded personnel from the scene of battle when medical assistance was unavailable and, on his return trips to the firing line, brought back hand grenades and ammunition. With spontaneous shouts of encouragement and inspiring conduct in the face of great danger, he carried on tirelessly throughout the night until eventually he, himself, was wounded and had to be evacuated. His cool courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Navy Cross : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal George F. Lutchkus (MCSN: 271592), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 19 February 1945. Learning that a Japanese pillbox which had been by-passed by the assault waves was holding up the advance of reserve units, Sergeant Lutchkus voluntarily moved forward along in the midst of a heavy mortar barrage into a position from which he threw two grenades into the emplacement. Failing to silence the enemy, he returned to the Command Post and, picking up more hand grenades, returned to hurl these into the pillbox. When four of the hostile troops emerged from the emplacement carrying hand grenades, Sergeant Lutchkus killed them with his carbine and, entering the pillbox, completed its destruction, thereby permitting reserved elements to advance at a time vital to the success of the operation. His bold initiative, courage and unselfish devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Lutchkus and the United States Naval Service.
Navy Cross : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal George F. Lutchkus (MCSN: 271592), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 19 February 1945. Learning that a Japanese pillbox which had been by-passed by the assault waves was holding up the advance of reserve units, Sergeant Lutchkus voluntarily moved forward along in the midst of a heavy mortar barrage into a position from which he threw two grenades into the emplacement. Failing to silence the enemy, he returned to the Command Post and, picking up more hand grenades, returned to hurl these into the pillbox. When four of the hostile troops emerged from the emplacement carrying hand grenades, Sergeant Lutchkus killed them with his carbine and, entering the pillbox, completed its destruction, thereby permitting reserved elements to advance at a time vital to the success of the operation. His bold initiative, courage and unselfish devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Lutchkus and the United States Naval Service.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/7799FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/158613406/george-frank-lutchkus
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