Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
F.
Lukes
February 19, 1847

–

December 17, 1923

Cemetery:

Los Angeles National Cemetery

William Lukes and James Merton (a fellow MOH recipient from this action) spent months recovering from their wounds, hence their awards were presented 6 months after the rest of the heroes of that action. Lukes himself spent 39 days, unconscious in the sick bay of the USS Colorado, before recovering. His wounds made him an invalid for life.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Landsman

    Division:

    U.S.S. Colorado

    Action Date:

    June 09 & 10, 1871
    War Department, General Orders No. 180 (October 10, 1872)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Landsman William F. Lukes, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company D, attached to the U.S.S. Colorado, during the capture of the Korean forts, 9 and 10 June 1871. Fighting the enemy inside the fort, Landsman Lukes received a severe cut over the head.