22 Facts About Jack Lummus

Jack Lummus fought, and died, at the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II and received the Medal of Honor for his valor.

Jack Lummus was born in Ellis County, Texas on a cotton farm.

Jack Lummus was the youngest child and only son of four born to Andrew Jackson Lummus Sr.

Jack Lummus attended Ennis High School from September 1931 through May 1934, where he was a star in football and track.

Jack Lummus received all-district honors for football in his sophomore and junior years.

Jack Lummus dropped out before the end of his senior year due to the views of his family that the cost of graduating, such as buying a picture and gown, were too wasteful considering the ongoing Depression.

Jack Lummus finished his high school education at Texas Military College on a two-year sports scholarship and won all-conference honors for his participation in football.

Jack Lummus graduated on May 28,1937, receiving scholarship offers from Baylor University and Tulane University.

Those three years, the Bears finished third in baseball, and Jack Lummus was considered to be the best center fielder that had ever played for Baylor.

Jack Lummus reported to Hicks Field, 40 miles northwest of Fort Worth, Texas, to enroll in the flight school there that was licensed by the Army but run by civilians.

Jack Lummus then traveled to the New York Giants' training camp in Superior, Wisconsin.

Jack Lummus had signed on as a free agent and received a $100 monthly salary.

Jack Lummus made the team as a rookie end and played in nine games.

On October 11,2015, the Giants honored Jack Lummus by inducting him into the New York Giants Ring of Honor.

Jack Lummus was sent back to California and was assigned to the elite Marine Raiders at Camp Pendleton.

Jack Lummus was in the first wave of troops to land at Iwo Jima on February 19,1945.

Jack Lummus landed at 9 am on the beach known as Red One.

Jack Lummus's initial duty was a liaison officer for the Second Battalion, spotting targets on the slopes of Mount Suribachi for artillery and air strikes.

Jack Lummus was buried in plot five, row 13, grave 1,244 in the Fifth Division Cemetery.

Jack Lummus had inspired his stouthearted marines to continue the relentless drive northward, thereby contributing materially to the success of his regimental mission.

Jack Lummus gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

The statue is the work of Dan Brook, and according to the university it was created to honor Jack Lummus and remind future generations of the rich tradition of bravery among BU alumni.