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Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Birth: 22 October 1915, Ennie, Tex. Appointed from: Texas. Citation: 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 2d
Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th 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 2 days and
nights, 1st Lt. 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 1-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, 1st Lt. 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 U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of
his country.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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