LUCAS, ANDRE C.

Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division

Place: Fire Support Base Ripcord, Republic of Vietnam

Date: 1 to 23 July

Entered service at: West Point, New York

Born: 2 October 1930, Washington D.C.

Citation:

Lt. Col. Lucas distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism while serving as the commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion.

Although the fire base was constantly subjected to heavy attacks by a numerically superior enemy force throughout this period, Lt. Col. Lucas, forsaking his own safety, performed numerous acts of extraordinary valor in directing the defense of the allied position. On one occasion, he flew in a helicopter at treetop level above an entrenched enemy directing the fire of one of his companies for over 3 hours. Even though his helicopter was heavily damaged by enemy fire, he remained in an exposed position until the company expended its supply of grenades. He then transferred to another helicopter, dropped critically needed grenades to the troops, and resumed his perilous mission of directing fire on the enemy. These courageous actions by Lt. Col. Lucas prevented the company from being encircled and destroyed by a larger enemy force. On another occasion, Lt. Col. Lucas attempted to rescue a crewman trapped in a burning helicopter. As the flames in the aircraft spread, and enemy fire became intense, Lt. Col. Lucas ordered all members of the rescue party to safety. Then, at great personal risk, he continued the rescue effort amid concentrated enemy mortar fire, intense heat, and exploding ammunition until the aircraft was completely engulfed in flames. Lt. Col. Lucas was mortally wounded while directing the successful withdrawal of his battalion from the fire base. His actions throughout this extended period inspired his men to heroic efforts, and were instrumental in saving the lives of many of his fellow soldiers while inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Lt. Col. Lucas' conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action, at the cost of his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit and the U.S. Army.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

--- General / Personal ---

Last name: LUCAS
First name: ANDRE CAVARO
Home of Record (official): SAN DIEGO
State (official): CA
Date of Birth: Thursday, October 2, 1930
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Marital Status: Married

--- Military ---

Branch: Army
Rank: LTC
Serial Number: 552369069
Component: Regular
Pay grade: O5
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 1542

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Monday, October 27, 1969
Date of Casualty: Thursday, July 23, 1970
Age at time of loss: 39
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died
Reason: Artillery, rocket, mortar (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Thua Thien
The Wall: Panel 08W - Row 046

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Back to:Medal Of Honor Recipients