Born: October 22, 1915
War: World War II
Rank: First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Location of Action: Iwo Jima
Date of Action: March 8, 1945
Special Note:
Signed as free agent with New York Giants 1941
Played in 1941 NFL Championship Game
One of two National Football League players to win the Medal of Honor.
Official Medal of Honor Citation: 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.
JACK LUMMUS
