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Veteran Educational and Transition Services
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Baylor BU Veteran Educational and Transition Services Veterans of Baylor (VoB) Student Organization Battle of the Branches 1st Lieutenant Jack Lummus (MOH Recipient)
  • Battle of the Branches
    • 1st Lieutenant Jack Lummus (MOH Recipient)
    • Col. John R. Kane - Baylor BA '28 - Immortal 10 Survivor
  • VETS End of Year Banquet

1st Lieutenant Jack Lummus (MOH Citation)

1st Lt. Jack Lummus excelled in football, basketball, and baseball at Baylor University, though his journey to Baylor nearly faced obstacles (read more about that here). After his time at Baylor, Lummus joined the New York Giants. It’s fitting that we honor him with flag football competitions around Veterans Day, competing for a trophy in his name. Lummus embodied the core values of service, leadership, and community that our Baylor Veterans represent. Below is his Medal of Honor citation:

Lummus statue

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Leader of a Rifle Platoon attached to the Second Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. Resuming his assault tactics with bold decision after fighting without respite for two days and nights, First Lieutenant Lummus slowly advanced his platoon against an enemy deeply entrenched in a network of mutually supporting positions. Suddenly halted by a terrific concentration of hostile fire, he unhesitatingly moved forward of his front lines in an effort to neutralize the Japanese position. Although knocked to the ground when an enemy grenade exploded close by, he immediately recovered himself and, again moving forward despite the intensified barrage, quickly located, attacked and destroyed the occupied emplacement. Instantly taken under fire by the garrison of a supporting pillbox and further assailed by the slashing fury of hostile rifle fire, he fell under the impact of a second enemy grenade but, courageously disregarding painful shoulder wounds, staunchly continued his heroic one-man assault and charged the second pillbox, annihilating all the occupants. Subsequently returning to his platoon position, he fearlessly traversed his lines under fire, encouraging his men to advance and directing the fire of supporting tanks against other stubbornly holding Japanese emplacements. Held up again by a devastating barrage, he again moved into the open, rushed a third heavily fortified installation and killed the defending troops. Determined to crush all resistance, he led his men indomitably, personally attacking foxholes and spider traps with his carbine and systematically reducing the fanatic opposition, until, stepping on a land mine, he sustained fatal wounds. By his outstanding valor, skilled tactics and tenacious perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, First Lieutenant Lummus had inspired his stouthearted Marines to continue the relentless drive northward, thereby contributing materially to the success of his regimental mission. His dauntless leadership and unwavering devotion to duty throughout sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

Veteran Educational and Transition Services

Sid Richardson, Room 011

One Bear Place #97072
Waco, TX 76798

Kevin_Davis1@baylor.edu
(254) 710-7264
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Baylor BU Veteran Educational and Transition Services Veterans of Baylor (VoB) Student Organization Battle of the Branches 1st Lieutenant Jack Lummus (MOH Recipient)
  • About Us
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    • VETS Contacts
    • Events
    • Veteran/Reserve Policies and Benefits
    • Baylor's Military Legacy and Tradition
    • Berserker Student Veteran of the Year Award
    • Dr. Janet Bagby Military Dependent of the Year Award
    • Excalibur Leadership Award
    • SALUTE Honor Society
    • Winnipeg Community Award
    • Wojtek Service Award
  • Prospective Student
    Back
    • Transferring College Credit
    • Transferring Military Credit
  • New Student
    Back
    • On-Boarding Checklist
    • VETS Transition Class
    • VETS Orientation
    • Schedule A Tour
  • Student Support
    Back
    • Career Planning
      Back
      • Add to Your Tool Belt
      • Network
      • Prepare for the Hiring Process
      • Seek Opportunities
      • Set Your Career Goal
    • Academic Support
    • Disability Accomodations
    • Grad School Prep
    • On-Campus VA Services
    • VA Internship Opportunity
    • Textbook Lending Library
      Back
      • Textbook Checkout Instructions
      • Book Return Instructions
      • Our Namesake - Edith Walter (Baylor B.A. 2024)
  • Veterans of Baylor (VoB) Student Organization
    Back
    • Battle of the Branches
      Back
      • 1st Lieutenant Jack Lummus (MOH Recipient)
      • Col. John R. Kane - Baylor BA '28 - Immortal 10 Survivor
    • VETS End of Year Banquet
  • Partner/Support VETS
    Back
    • Green Zone Training (veteran engagement)
    • Who are our vets?
    • Referral Points of Contact
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