John P. Lucas

John P. "Old Luke" Lucas (January 14, 1890 - December 24, 1949) was a General and the commander of the US VI Corps during World War II.

Related Topics:
January 14 - 1890 - December 24 - 1949 - General - US VI Corps - World War II

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On January 22, 1944, from the deck of the cruiser USS Biscayne, Lucas oversaw Operation Shingle. Lucas was a graduate of West Point and had served, during World War I, as a battalion commander.

Related Topics:
January 22 - 1944 - Cruiser - USS Biscayne - Operation Shingle - West Point - World War I - Battalion

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He was replaced by General Lucian Truscott as the commander at Anzio as a result of his unwillingness to fully engage the enemy. Instead of advancing inland to secure higher ground, Lucas waited for the German army to surround the beach-head. This was summarised by Winston Churchill's comment:

Related Topics:
Lucian Truscott - Anzio - Winston Churchill

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:"we hurled a wildcat on the shores of Anzio - all we have is a stranded whale"

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