Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Landsman William F. Lukes received the Medal of Honor for his actions on June 11, 1871 in Korean Forts, Korea during the 1871 Korean expedition. At the time he was serving with Ship's Company D, U.S.S. Colorado. Lukes was 24 years old.
11 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. He later rose to the rank of Seaman.
Lukes was born on February 19, 1847 in Niderbergdorf, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) — one of 1 recipient born in Bohemia. His Medal of Honor is credited to Tientsin, China. Lukes died on December 13, 1923 in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 76. He is buried at Los Angeles National Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.
Lukes is one of 15 Medal of Honor recipients from the 1871 Korean expedition.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Served with Company D during the capture of the Korean forts, 11 June 1871. Fighting the enemy inside the fort, Lukes received a severe cut over the head.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Places
Timeline
- February 19, 1847Born in Niderbergdorf, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic)
- June 11, 1871Act of valor — Korean Forts, KoreaAge 24. Ship's Company D, U.S.S. Colorado
- December 13, 1923Died in Los Angeles, CaliforniaAge 76.
- Resting placeLos Angeles National CemeteryLos Angeles, California
Biography
William F. Lukes (February 19, 1847 – December 13, 1923) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration of the United States, for his actions during the Korean Expedition of 1871. During the Korean Expedition of 1871, Lukes served aboard USS Colorado and participated in the Battle of Ganghwa. He was among the U.S. Navy personnel recognized for their actions during the expedition and was later awarded the Medal of Honor.
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