Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, April 28, 1999

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 2 1 093 3 1 5 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Jill Homan April 28, 1999 202/225-3061 After 55 Years. Local Hero Awarded High Military Honor For Valor WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. (MD) will present World War II veteran and former U.S. Army First Lieutenant, Mr. Lucian L. Lucas, the Silver Star for his gallantry performed in Europe 55 years ago. The Secretary of the Army, on behalf of the President of the United States authorized by an act of Congress, issues this prestigious award to soldiers and sailors for valor in combat. On December 1 1 and 12, 1944, while serving with Company B, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry division, Mr. Lucian Lucas courageously led a platoon to secure a key observation structure, the Merode castle, whose capture would be vital to seizing the entire west bank of Germany’s Ruhr River. Mr. Lucas cunningly staged a ploy to trap the German soldiers defending the surrounding area of the castle. He led one squad which captured the castle along with several German soldiers. When the Germans logically counterattacked, he quickly repositioned his weapons and squad and thwarted their only effort to retake the castle. Afterwards, Mr. Lucas and his platoon secured the area, and thereby accomplished their dangerous and critical mission. (more)