The Medal of Honor

DDG 125 (U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer) is named for Pfc. Jack Lucas, who served in the U.S. Marines during World War II, earning the Medal of Honor for his heroism at Iwo Jima, when he was just 17 years old. He is the youngest marine, and the youngest service member in World War II, to be awarded the United States highest military decoration for valor. In 1961 he returned to military service as a captain in the U.S. Army and trained younger troops headed for Vietnam. Lucas passed away on June 5, 2008, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

During the October 2023 commissioning ceremony, guest speaker Under Secretary of the Navy, The Honorable Erik Raven wished the crew of Jack H. Lucas fair winds and following seas as the ship began its commissioned service. On behalf of the President of the United States and for the Secretary of the Navy, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz, USMC, placed the USS Jack H. Lucas into commission.

The ship's motto "Indestructible" is a reflection of Lucas' survival, first on Iwo Jima and later from several other traumatic evets after the war that rivaled his exploits as a Marine. Capt. Brett Oster, Jack H. Lucas' commanding officer, recognized the driving force behinds the ship's namesake, and how his crew reflects that memory.

In the words of Brian Hinaman (High Point, Delta Omega 1996): I was honored and privileged to attend the Commissioning of the USS Jack H. Lucas in Tampa, FL on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Here is some history about this incredible "indestructible" Pike. Jack Lucas was the youngest Marine recipient of the Congressonal Medal of Honor. While serving with the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 6th Marine Division, during World War II action against enemy fources on Iwo Jima, February 20, 1945, Jack Lucas was only 17 years old.