Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private Joseph Lukaz (Lukas) (ASN: 2338585), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company D, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Cunel, France, 13 October 1918. While defending an outpost, after all his comrades had been wounded, Private Lukaz was attacked by a group of eight Germans, one an officer. With his automatic rifle, he disabled all but the officer and two men, who took cover in a shell hole. Running to their hiding place, he killed all the enemy with hand grenades, and returned to hold his portion of the line intact.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    4th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 13, 1918
    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Joseph Lukaz (Lukas) (ASN: 2338585), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with Company D, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Private Lukaz displayed exceptional courage in the northern edge of the Bois de Foret northeast of Cunel during the German count attack on 13 October 1918. Private Lukaz was alone on outpost, his comrades having been wounded when a party of Germans consisting of one officer and seven men, charged toward him. He fired on them with his Browning, disabling all but the officer and two men who took cover in a shell hole. Private Lukaz left his shelter, ran toward the Germans and threw grenades at them, killing them all and keeping intact that portion of the line. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]