COL FRANK W. LUKAS, for feats of heroism on 3 and 4 September, 1950. At approzimately 2000 hrs. on 3 September 1950 and extimated two companies of enemy infiltrated behind friendly lines and established a strong roadblock overlooking an area in which the command post of reconnaissance in a convoy with approx. 200 Republic of Korea soldiers, was trapped in the roadblock. The sudden attack created confusion among the Korean soldiers and many abandoned their vehicles and fled, enabling the enemy to inflict 20 casualties on the group. Observing the confusion and realizing that the regimental headquarters was faced with possible annihilation, Major Lukas turned his vehicle around and drove down the road to intercept the fleeing troops. Halting them, he dismounted two .50 caliber machine guns from an artillery truck and organized two machine gun squads to return the enemy fire. While engaged in this operation, a part of the enemy force suddenly appeared from the darkness behind his machine gun positions, inflicting additional casualties on the group. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Major Lukas moved through the intense small arms fire to one of the machine guns and turned it on the enemy, killing seven, wounding 15, and causing the remainder to withdraw. He repeatedly exposed himself to sporadic enemy fire throughout the night by moving among the soldiers and encouraging them to maintain their positions. At daylight, despite the incessant mortar and small arms fire, he organized the group of Korean soldiers and personally led the in an attack on the numerically superior enemy. His display of courage, aggressive leadership and devotion to duty so inspired the Republic of Korea soldiers that they zealously assaulted the enemy positions, killing 45, wounding 30, and forcing the remainder to flee in disorder, thereby eliminating the roadblock.

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

View LTC Lukas’ Distinguished Service Cross citation.