Indestructible: The Unforgettable Story of a Marine Hero at the Battle of Iwo Jima - Hardcover

Lucas, Jack; Drum, D. K.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0306814706 ISBN 13: 9780306814709

Publisher: Da Capo Press, 2006

Synopsis

Here is an eloquent, plainspoken combat memoir of a young soldier who belongs in a class with World War II combat hero Audie Murphy. At the height of the Battle of Iwo Jima, Jack Lucas and three other Marines attacked a Japanese pillbox. When two enemy grenades landed in their midst, Private Lucas jumped on both grenades, just as they were exploding. His buddies were saved, but Lucas was torn apart. Miraculously, he survived-but just barely. For this brave action seventeen year- old Jack Lucas from North Carolina became the youngest soldier in the twentieth century, and the youngest Marine in history to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. In Indestructible, we learn of the rocky road that led Jack Lucas to Iwo Jima-from his lying about his age to join the Marines to his going AWOL in order to join the action in the Pacific-and his arduous, frightening recovery following his heroic sacrifice. Today, wherever Jack Lucas speaks crowds gather to honor him and pay tribute to Marine heritage and pride as well as to pay their respects to one of America's greatest generations.

About this title

About the Author:

Jacklyn Jack” Harold Lucas received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman. He lives in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. D.K. Drum collaborated with Jack Lucas and lives in North Carolina.

From School Library Journal:

Adult/High School–Fourteen-year-old Lucas joined the Marines in 1942 by forging his mothers signature on his enlistment papers. At age 15, he stowed away on a troopship destined for Iwo Jima, and a few days after his 17th birthday he threw himself on top of two grenades to save three fellow Marines and become the youngest soldier ever to receive the Medal of Honor. Indestructible is more than a wartime memoir, although the detailed recounting of the Battle of Iwo Jima and Lucass recovery from his wounds are the strongest parts of the book. Reading this straightforward narrative is like sitting down with ones World War II veteran grandfather and hearing his stories. Despite meeting four U.S. presidents and being honored for his heroism, Lucas remains humble. His voice is proud and patriotic, but he also recognizes his own shortcomings and mistakes. Black-and-white photos from the National Archives and his family are included. This very readable volume would be a good complement to a curriculum on the war.–Sondra VanderPloeg, Tracy Memorial Library, New London, NH
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About this edition

• Publisher: Da Capo Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0306814706
• ISBN 13: 9780306814709
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 240