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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal George F. Lutchkus (MCSN: 271592), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while a member of the Headquarters Company, First Parachute Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on 13 September 1942. In addition to fighting continually for nearly three hours, Corporal Lutchkus, under tremendous hostile fire, repeatedly removed wounded personnel from the scene of battle when medical assistance was unavailable and, on his return trips to the firing line, brought back hand grenades and ammunition. With spontaneous shouts of encouragement and inspiring conduct in the face of great danger, he carried on tirelessly throughout the night until eventually he, himself, was wounded and had to be evacuated. His cool courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    27th Marines

    Division:

    5th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    February 19, 1945
    Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 44965 (November 4, 1948)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal George F. Lutchkus (MCSN: 271592), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 19 February 1945. Learning that a Japanese pillbox which had been by-passed by the assault waves was holding up the advance of reserve units, Sergeant Lutchkus voluntarily moved forward along in the midst of a heavy mortar barrage into a position from which he threw two grenades into the emplacement. Failing to silence the enemy, he returned to the Command Post and, picking up more hand grenades, returned to hurl these into the pillbox. When four of the hostile troops emerged from the emplacement carrying hand grenades, Sergeant Lutchkus killed them with his carbine and, entering the pillbox, completed its destruction, thereby permitting reserved elements to advance at a time vital to the success of the operation. His bold initiative, courage and unselfish devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Lutchkus and the United States Naval Service.