The I'm just sayin… Top 421 Books of All-Time Countdown (281-262)

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Lieutenant Colonel Andre C. Lucas (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 1-23, 1970, at Fire Support Base Ripcord, Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

Lt. Col. Lucas distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism while serving as the commanding officer of the 2d 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 1 occasion, he flew in a helicopter at treetop level above an entrenched enemy directing the fire of 1 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.

Private George W. Lucas (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 25, 1864, at Benton, Arkansas. His citation reads:

Pursued and killed Confederate Brig. Gen. George M. Holt, Arkansas Militia, capturing his arms and horse.

Private First Class Jacklyn Harold Lucas (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on February 20, 1945, at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 20 February 1945. While creeping through a treacherous, twisting ravine which ran in close proximity to a fluid and uncertain frontline on D-plus-1 day, Pfc. Lucas and 3 other men were suddenly ambushed by a hostile patrol which savagely attacked with rifle fire and grenades. Quick to act when the lives of the small group were endangered by 2 grenades which landed directly in front of them, Pfc. Lucas unhesitatingly hurled himself over his comrades upon 1 grenade and pulled the other under him, absorbing the whole blasting forces of the explosions in his own body in order to shield his companions from the concussion and murderous flying fragments. By his inspiring action and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice, he not only protected his comrades from certain injury or possible death but also enabled them to rout the Japanese patrol and continue the advance. His exceptionally courageous initiative and loyalty reflect the highest credit upon Pfc. Lucas and the U.S. Naval Service.


The I'm just sayin… Top 421 Books of All-Time Countdown

281 Never Have Your Dog Stuffed: And Other Things I've Learned by: Alan Alda

280 Star Wars: Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader by: James Luceno

279 Great Presidential Wit: A Collection of Humorous Anecdotes and Quotations by: Bob Dole

278 Star Wars: Death Star by: Michael Reaves

277 Dave Barry Is From Mars And Venus by: Dave Barry

276 Madonna by: Andrew Morton

275 Tales of The South Carolina Low Country by: Nancy Rhyne

274 Dave Barry Slept Here: A Sort of History of The United States by: Dave Barry

273 The Bear and The Dragon by: Tom Clancy

272 PSYCH: The Call of the Mild by: William Rabkin  *The TV show is great and so are the books...*

271 The Sicilian by: Mario Puzo

270 Zim: A Baseball Life by: Don Zimmer

269 Thirteen Days: A Memoir Of The Cuban Missile Crisis by: Robert Kennedy *This was a good book and a good movie.*

268 The Last Best League: One Summer, One Season, One Dream by: Jim Collins

267 The Numbers Game: Baseball's Lifelong Fascination With Statistics by: Alan Schwarz

266 Last Dance: Behind the Scenes at the Final Four by: John Feinstein

265 Bobby Bowden's Tales from the Seminole Sidelines by: Bobby Bowden

264 Hate Mail From Cheerleaders: And Other Adventures From The Life of Reilly by: Rick Reilly

263 Star Wars: A Clone Wars Novel- Yoda: Dark Rendezvous by: Sean Stewart

262 Churchill: A Biography by: Roy Jenkins