Indestructible: The Unforgettable Memoir of a Marine Hero at the Battle of Iwo Jima

by Jack H. Lucas, D.K. Drum, Bob Dole (Foreword)

Medal of Honor recipient Jack H. Lucas’s classic memoir of his heroics at the Battle of Iwo Jima—with a foreword by Bob Dole and reissued to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the battle in 2020.

On February 20, 1945, the second day of the assault on Iwo Jima—one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific theater in World War II—Private Jack Lucas, who was only seventeen, and three other Marines engaged in a close-proximity firefight with Japanese soldiers. When two enemy grenades landed in their trench, Lucas jumped on one and pulled the other under his body to save the lives of his comrades. Lucas was blown into the air as his body was torn apart by 250 entrance wounds. He was so severely wounded that his team left him for dead. Miraculously, he survived.

While on the hospital ship Samaritan, his spirit soared to see the American flag flying atop Mount Suribachi—the same flag immortalized in Joe Rosenthal’s iconic photograph, Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima. Lucas endured twenty-one grueling surgeries and carried 200 pieces of shrapnel in his body for the rest of his life. Awarded the Medal of Honor, he became the youngest Marine in U.S. history—and the youngest of all World War II servicemen—to receive the honor.

Indestructible tells the remarkable story of an extraordinary American possessed with a fierce determination to serve his country.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World War II, Biography, Military Fiction, War, Memoir

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

About the author

Jack Lucas enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on August 6, 1942, at the age of fourteen. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division during the Battle of Iwo Jima. He received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman on October 5, 1945. After graduating from college, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1961 and served four years in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was married to Ruby Lucas and they lived in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 80.

Inspired by parents who were part of the "greatest generation" and a brother who received the Bronze Star in Vietnam and later succumbed to his wartime injury, D.K. DRUM collaborated with Jack Lucas to write Indestructible. She is married to thrice-decorated Vietnam veteran Tommy Drum. The price paid for freedom is an important lesson that has been forwarded on to their progeny: Jon, Laura, Isabel, Juliana, and Willa. May the torch burn brightly as it is passed to all future generations.

(source: Amazon)

Reviews

[Terry Cornell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow--so much happened in this man's life. Youngest Medal of Honor recipient. Enlisted in the marines at fourteen. Stowed away on a ship sailing into the battle of Iwo Jima. Survives throwing himself on two live hand grenades. After WWII enlists in the US Army and survives a parachuting accident where the main parachute and reserve chute failed to deploy. Eventually becomes the target of a murder plot involving his then current wife and a step-son. If you met the guy in a bar and he told you all these stories it would seem unbelievable--and I only covered the main points! A quick read, and timely for Veteran's Day.

[Bill Linton · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a former Army officer, I am an avid reader of military history, especially first person narrative. I found Indestructible a disappointing experience. Mr. Lucas' actions on Iwo Jima were indeed heroic and deserving of The Medal. Beyond that there's not that much about this book I find noteworthy.

There were some good things about this book in that I found new news. Despite having read several histories of Iwo, there were some parts that are noteworthy. Lucas' description of how Marines got to the beach is excellently detailed. Further, his descriptions of the construction of the Japanese fortifications was new to me and very informative.

Moving on to the bad, the flow of the narrative is frequently clunky, moving awkwardly back and forth in time. Mr. Lucas' devotion to The Corps begins to get redundant, and to no end. Also, based on the title, I was expecting a whole lot more on the action in Iwo. Instead, only 2 of the 16 chapters are devoted to the battle. Some of it is childhood, ok, but some of the after is an exercise in ego.

Finally, the ugly. Mr. Lucas' revels in his pugnacity and rebellious spirit. Candidly, I think of heroes as those whose actions are worthy of emulation, and I find none of that in his narrative. He professes to have made mistakes in his life -who hasn't- but I don't get any sense of true contrition. Instead, it feels to me he says its with a wink and a smile. Further, what for many are youthful indiscretions are for Mr. Lucas life long behaviors. He paints a picture of a man who thumbed his nose at polite behavior, and knew he could get away with it because of one heroic moment. It is hard for me to respect that.

[Stefania Dzhanamova · Rating 4 out of 5]

When he decided to march on Japan, Jack Lucas was only thirteen. Yet, he had already passed from boy to man.
His journey into manhood began on a bleak October afternoon when his beloved father passed away, succumbing to cancer. Jack was eleven years old.
Afterwards, he pushed away any man the lovely widow, Margaret Lucas, attempted to bring into their lives because he felt he was a man himself. The young Jack Lucas was also a tough, rebellious kid who often got into fights.

As his inner turmoil headed up so did world events, and with the bombing of Pearl Harbor, both boiled over. Since he often lived by his wits and rules, it was not that much of a stretch on his part when he found a way to outwit the U.S Marine Corps at the age of fourteen. He forged his enlistment papers and joined the Corps. If he was shrewd enough to impose his will on the U.S Marine Corps, Jack reasoned, the Japanese would give him little trouble.

After his rifle qualification in the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in South Carolina and his time in the Marine Barracks in Florida, he was transferred to North Carolina and subsequently to the 6th Base Depot of V Amphibious Corps at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. During his quest to get himself into combat and kill Japanese, Lucas disobeyed orders, brawled, drank, and overall appeared hell-bent on becoming the most trlublesome roughneck in the Corps. Eventually, the Marine Corps found out about his age and restricted his adventures to Hawaii. Unable to get away from the islands legitimately, Lucas stowed away on a Navy transport carrying Marines from Pearl Harbor to the battlegrounds of Iwo Jima. Eventually, he turned himself in to the authorities and was assigned to one of the infantry units set to invade the island.
Having already experienced his life's biggest loss, writes Jack, he was not afraid to face whatever awaited him in Iwo Jima. He had no way to know that in the matter of a few short hours he would make the most important decision in his life and the lives of three members of his fire team.

In the terrible battle of Iwo Jima, America lost 6,821 men. But for the hand of God, Jack Lucas would have been one of them. During some of the most intense fighting on the island, on D day plus one, two grenades rolled into Lucas' trench. Without hesitation, he threw himself on one and pulled the second underneath his body, absorbing a deadly blast with his own flesh and bone. Though he saved the three Marines who were with him, Jack did much more than that – he showed with his own blood the spirit of sacrifice that won the war in the Pacific.

Jack Lucas' short memoir is a story that everyone must know, a gruesome memory of the darkness that is death and of the ghastliness that is war. It is also a memory to honor those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom and for their fellow soldiers in the foxholes. A graphically written and honest memoir.

[Richard Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of the Youngest United States Marine, to receive the Medal of Honor, a true war hero at the Battle Of Iro Jima.

This book is a page turner, and it held my interest for an afternoon, as I read its 205 pages. I am a Vietnam Veteran - United States Marine, so I may have found this book's content to be of more interest, than an individual who has not been an active duty combat Marine.

It is an exceptional book, which affords the reader real human details leading up to, during, and after the Battle of Iro Jima, rather than just the military details of those days and their events.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting tale of a very young man determined to serve his country in the Marines and fight the Japanese during WWII. Not the best written memoir and it could have used a tighter hand in avoiding repetition and excessive "patriotism", but it was still a good look at events during this period and many of the remarkable incidents in his life. An amazing amount of courage for men who particiapted in our invasions---in Africa, Europe and the Far East. And he is right to note that many extemely brave and medal-of-honor worthy acts are unknown to anyone but the heavens.

[Kathleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first half of the book was interesting but the second half I really did not have any interest in reading. Nothing exciting.

[Erica Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you know, I don't typically rate nonfiction, but I really enjoyed this one. I loved reading from his perspective. He went through so much and yet still managed to keep going.

Favorite Quotes & Passages:
In addition, my pride in the Corps had more deeply rooted itself in my heart and I knew it would remain with me forever.

I wondered how many other extraordinary acts of heroism went unseen and thus unreported. I was honored, yet humbled. Other Americans' acts of bravery would go unsung, while mine would not. I made up my mind, right then and there; I would not only wear the medal to represent my action, but also to honor the spirit of those other brave men who were not as fortunate as I.

[Beanjamin Schrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me when I genuinely forget goodreads is an app for several weeks 🤭
The book was fine, ain’t gonna say much because it was kinda boring, anyways

[Chris Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read…

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm surprised this guy didn't get booted out of the Marines before he took part in the battle at Iwo Jima. His life failures were his own doings. He wanted the spotlight and seemed to want every once of publicity that he could get. Yes, he was a Proud Marine and did his Marine service but it seems he wants everybody to KNOW about his crazy life and above all that he was a Medal of Honor Recipient.
Alright, it is an interesting book about someones' life. Want a good read on Jack H Lucas? Get the book.

[Zachary Velasquez]

SPOILER WARNING



This book is about a former Marine Veteran who served in World War II and fought on the Island of Iwo Jima. He fought on this Island at the age of seventeen and showed great acts of heroism. He had saved the lives of his fellow marines and even survived a 3,500 foot drop, after his parachute failed to deploy. This hero was Jack H. Lucas.
In the beginning of the book it switches back and forth from his childhood and his school life. He attended the Edwards Military Institute, in Salemburg North Carolina, as a cadet captain. He talks about his hatred towards the Japanese and he was just so anxious to get out of military school and go fight them. He felt this way because not too long ago the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour. He attempts several times to get his mother to sign off on a waiver allowing him to join the Marines. She wouldn't sign it, because she didn't want to lose him and her husband. Eventually he got his step father to sign it because they never really got along. So Lucas joined the marines at the age of 15, even though you had to be seventeen to even join. He managed to get in because he was 5,8 and weighed 150 pounds.
In the middle of the book it talks about his life in the marine life as well as him traveling from different bases. Him talking about his childhood is a constant theme that happens throughout the book. At one point he talks about when he was a child he was gifted a puppy and they were the best of friends. On one fateful day he let his dog out to play and a mail truck didn't see the dog and ran it over. He felt guilty for his lack in protecting his buddy. He took this mentality to the battlefield, stating that the marines all have each other's back.
One recurring literary device that shows in this book is the literary device of Epigraph. This is when the author inserts a famous quote, poem, or song at the beginning of a larger text. With this book, at the beginning of every chapter there is a quote from some popular figure whether that be a president, military leader, or one of the Apostles. For example in the beginning of Chapter 8 he quotes John 15:13. This is for every chapter, and the main people he quotes are mostly presidents. Whether that be Kennedy or Jefferson. I feel like these quotes help the storyline because it somehow relates to the chapter. In chapter 8 the title of it is “God, Please Save Me.” This is the chapter after he has just jumped on the two grenades and is on the ground slowly dying. He pleaded to God asking his maker to save him. He stated that he didnt think about his mom, but knew he had to call on God.
In order for him to get on a ship to go to battle he tried several things. One was to constantly get in trouble and maybe eventually they would just send him out to fight because he was a nuisance. He eventually decided to just become a stow away and boarded a ship without any orders. The day finally came for him and the thousands of other marines to attack the beaches of Iwo Jima. He witnessed many lives lost that day. He took cover right next to a fallen marine no older than him. Thinking about the fact that all that marines mother was getting was a medal for the loss of her son. A son for a piece of medal. Night finally came and he talked about how the Japanese would come out at night and tempt them. They would come out and ask if anyone has seen John or something like that, trying to get the marines to give up their positions.
This is when his act of heroism happens. When he and his platoon rushed up Iwo Jima they came into close combat with some Japanese soldiers. They opened fire on the Japanese, but Lucas’s rifle jammed. When he looked down he noticed two grenades at his feet with the pins pulled. He immediately jumped on them and pushed them deep beneath the ash and waited for them to go off. One went off and propelled him into the air. When he was in the air he stated it to be in slow motion. He saw his brothers in arms finish off the Japanese that had thrown the grenades. You may think this was the end of Jack H. Lucas, but no he survived. He clearly suffered hundreds of shrapnel wounds and had severe nerve damage, but survived. He later received the Medal of Honor for his acts of heroism.
Towards the end of the book it talks about his family life and the several wifes he had as well as children. In one of his marriages, towards the end of it, his wife no longer loved him. She disliked him so mch that she plotted to kill him and make it look like a suicide. Thankfully the police found out about her plot and had a sting operation and arrested her and her accomplices. Jack later married another woman and lived a happy life with her for the rest of his life. He passed away on June 5, 2008.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of the Youngest United States Marine, to receive the Medal of Honor, a true war hero at the Battle Of Iwo Jima. He lied about his age to get in the Marines and later just did what he wanted to do after sneaking away to get out to see and being found out how old he really was.

This book is hard to really rate actually. It is basically an autobiography of him, with great details of what he his fellow men experienced on shore. It then went on to talk about his life afterwards and his (failed) marriages with his bad behavior and how he was set up to be killed by one of his wife's (he talked about it right in the beginning, so this is not a spoiler). His co-author did not do him any favors in the shaping of his life. There are a lot of gaps and it made it hard to actually like him because he didn't seem to regret most of it leaving wives and children and focusing on himself. He talked a lot about his faith and while we are all sinners it makes me wonder what he was thinking leaving multiple wives for others.

Overall, it was OK to good. I am glad I did read about what happened and he referenced other Hero's and Medal Award winners in the book, so it was great to hear how they overlapped at different events.

[Alyssa Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, and the only reason I gave it a 3 is because the book advertises the battle of Iwo Jima, but it was maybe 2 chapters in the whole book. It does talk about his pre-Iwo Jima military duties, which I actually enjoyed a lot and laughed out loud at some points.

After the battle, it was a little bit droning until it got to the assassination attempt on his life, which was pretty cool to read about.

This guy certainly had an amazing life, but I would have rephrased the title as Indestructible: Life story of Jack Lucas, or something like that.

Regardless, this guy pulled no punches when talking about some of the things he'd done in his life (shameful and otherwise), which I appreciate, because it was honest. It was a great biography.

[AJS · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a complicated book to review. The author had demons, before he ever set foot in a marine camp or went to battle. He seemed like a guy you would enjoy having a beer with and become fast friends, or conversely someone you'd dislike forever after a brief meeting. All depending on the weekend you ran into him. The narrative captured about his time as a soldier is excellent, and you can put yourself in his scenes. His battle action was pure heroism, and I do believe it was a selfless act, not one intended to impress with medals. Though he struck me as a different type of guy than those captured in other WW2 memoirs (silent greatest generations). All that said, heroism when the time mattered, amazing that he lived.

[noreast_bookreviewsnh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indestructible by Jack Lucas .
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The story of the youngest Medal of Honor recipient in USA history. The life story of Jack Lucas, who joined the Marines at the age of 14 by forging his birth date saying he was much older than he was to serve his country during the Second World War. Awarded the Medal of Honor, the nations most prestigious award for heroism and courage, for saving the lives of his brothers in arms at the Battle of Iwo Jima; selflessly jumping on two Japanese grenades which exploded and threw Jack into the air and left him with a body full of shrapnel. After the war Jack settled into his life back in the states and again re-enlisted, this time with the Army for four years with the paratroopers. A true story of an American Hero who loved his country and was ready to give his life for the men he served with and his country. No one has to wonder why these men were called the greatest generation. -Logan .
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#america #worldwartwo #history #medalofhonor #read #readersofinstagram #book #books #bookstagram #iwojima #remember

[Michael Linton · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was...simple to read, fully of cliches and common statements in a war book. Except, it's NOT a war book. With a 100 pages, left he was in the hospital after his heroic act. After that it was his life after WWII.

Spoilers: he gets married, leaves her for another women and the new women he got married to ended up getting a hit on his life, and his house burns down. He attends President Clinton's State of the Union address in 1995. He gets into ALOT of fights.

This guy received the Medal of Honor which seemed to change his life but his life seemed to be miserable until he married his last wife in which he said he finally reached happiness.

[Chaison Leavitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

PFC Jack Lucas became a Marine at age 14, and fought and was injured at Iwo Jima at 17. That alone is an insane thing to think about. The Medal of Honor has extremely strict requirements for the award to be given, and in my opinion that makes this book about the youngest recipient of that Medal in WWII worth reading.

Lucas’s account of the strategic importance of Iwo Jima and the account of the battle is super interesting. That being said, this account covers maybe 2 chapters in the entire book. The rest of his writings are a little clunky and disorganized, with a couple interesting points sprinkled in between.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won an advanced copy of this book on Goodreads. The book is about the amazing life of Jack Lucas. I am surprised that the Marines didn't boot him out with all the ruckus he raised being put in the brig numerous times but he was a brave Marine for sure and did some brave things. Some parts of the book are a little disjointed with short choppy sentences making the book seem to verge on differing topics, especially in the first half but overall this book is an engaging read. Never forget our veterans!

[Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received an ARC to review via a goodreads giveaway.

I was excited to pick this one up. However I was quickly reminded that combat memoirs are hard to write and too often are hard to read. The author clearly had a story that was worth reading, but cutting through the rough language (and the ARCs missing maps and pictures) made it fall more into the later category. I’d recommend it for a fan of combat memoirs, but probably not for someone looking to learn much about the war in the pacific. 3 stars.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how to rate this. I appreciate his patriotism and bravery. While I read a lot about WW 2, very little of what I read is about the Pacific theatre. This gave me more insight to what these young men faced. However the narrator created me, he seemed too cocky. I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I really missed not having the 16 pages of pictures that will be in the finished book.

[Evan DeShais · Rating 5 out of 5]

PFC/Captain Lucas was featured as badass of the week. While they got a few of his feats wrong, the basic history is just as amazing. Blown up by a grenade, falling 1200 feet to a tuck and roll, Surviving a murder hit by second wife, being surrounded by fire when 9, nearly shot when 4, ect ect. The list goes on for a man who never quit, and started over in life as many times as he was nearly killed. Iwo Jima's vendetta.

[Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fair book and story. I got lost in all the Lucas relatives and the violence his faMILY LIVED WITH. THE KID SHOOTING THE GIRL WITH THe 44 cal pistol, etc. It seems as if he was his own worst enemy in his life after the war. Chasing women whenever he could sounded like he never really grew up. He seems to have lost touch with the rest of his fire team after he was wounded and never mentioned them after the wounding. Very odd for Marines.

[Courtney Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

I go back and forth on how I feel about this memoir. There are sections that are beautifully written such as the ending and the battle scenes but his life outside the marines baffled me and made me think he was a bit of a charlatan; yet, he is a true patriot and war hero. Not many people would sacrifice as he has done.

[Mitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very easy read primarily about the life of the author and his heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima and life after the war. Very little action of the battle if you are wanting to read about the same. More details into the author’s life than what was anticipated but it was interesting. Could have skipped some of the tales of his sexual exploits.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great biography about a man who led a very unconventional life in both the Marine Corps and as a civilian! While I initially expected more details about the Battle of Iwo Jima, I determined the aftermath of the battle and its imprint on the author’s life and how it shaped him was arguably more interesting.

[Anthony Angell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Model American

I had the pleasure of supplying the U.S.S Jack H. Lucas for its voyage to it’s home port! What an honor after reading the memoir! I would recommend this book to past, present, and future military members as well as ALL of our politicians! It is a true testament of what it means to be a model American!!!

[Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Lucas had always been my go to story for motivation and sharing of Marine Corps legacy. He remains a glaring example of what we NEED in our Marines. His story in this book superbly displays his love of country and corps along with his divine protection. A well written and easy to read book that everyone should dedicate time for.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of a true hero. Tells the story of his life...not just the time at Iwo Jima...and what an interesting life he led. God was definately watching over him more than once.
This was a Goodreads Giveaway win.

[Savanah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was never board with this book, I laughed, and cried reading some of the stories within it! As I was reading this I truly felt as though I was experiencing it, something few memoirs do for me. A brilliant and well written work!

[KayG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting life story of a local hero who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Iwo Jima. I look forward to meeting his wife at our book club next week.