COL FRANK W. LUKAS (then Captain), was cited for extraordinary heroism as a member of the United States Military Advisory Group to the Republic of Korea in teh vicinity of Kangnung, Korea on 6 February 1951. On that day, the 2d Battalion, 26th Republic of Korea Regiment, was given the mission of attacking as estimated three battalions of Korean communist soldiers who had held up the 2d Battalion advance for three days in the vicinity of Mosan Hill, a dominating terrain feature commanding the approaches to Kangnung. Capt. Lukas, equipped with a backpack Air Force control radio, advanced with the lead company to attack the enemy. The Company was immediately placed under a heavy barrage of enemy mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire, during which time the company commander was killed and 15 friendly soldiers wounded. Capt. Lukas crawled through the enemy fire to another position within 100 years of the enemy positions, and for two hours while under heavy constant enemy small arms fire, directed devastating air strikes by friendly fighter aircraft. These planes knocked out four machine guns, two mortars, caused 50 enemy casualties and partially disorganized the enemy in the entrenchments. At the completion of the air strikes Capt. Lukas again exposed himself to enemy fire, and firing a submachine gun, led the company in assaulting the enemy positions. Inspired by the daring and courage of Capt. Lukas, the company assaulted the enemy position so aggressively and effectively with rifles, grenades, and submachine guns that 93 of the enemy were killed, an unknown number wounded, and 16 captured, and the remainder forced to withdraw. The capture of Mosan Hill enabled the remainder of the battalion to advance successfully on the city of Kangnung. The intrepid actions and courageous leadership of Capt. Lukas reflect great credit on himself and the military service.

COL Lukas resided in Maryland, and joined the Legion of Valor in 1981.

View COL Lukas’ Oak Leaf Cluster citation.