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Photo # NH 79941:  Landsman William F. Lukes

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Seaman William F. Lukes, USN, (1847-1923)

William F. Lukes was born on 19 February 1847 in Niderbergdorf, Bohemia (which is now part of the Czech Republic). He enlisted in the US Navy from Tientsin, China and served onboard USS Colorado in Company D as part of the 1871 Korean Expedition. During the capture of the Han River forts on 11 June 1871, Lukes received a severe cut over his head, but continued to fight. For his bravery on this occasion, Lukes was awarded the Medal of Honor. He later obtained the rank of Seaman. William F. Lukes died on 17 December 1923 at Los Angeles, California.

This page features the only images we have concerning William F. Lukes.


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Photo #: NH 79941

Landsman William F. Lukes, USN


Halftone reproduction of a photograph, published in "Deeds of Valor," Volume II, page 91, by the Perrien-Keydel Company, Detroit, 1907. William F. Lukes received the Medal of Honor for continuing to fight after receiving a head injury during the capture of Korean forts on 11 June 1871.
Note: Lukes' birthplace was not Berlin, Germany, but Niderbergdorf, Bohemia (now in the Czech Republic).

US Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 54KB; 585 x 765 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 79942

Korean Expedition, 1871


Halftone reproduction of an artwork, published in "Deeds of Valor," Volume II, page 89, by the Perrien-Keydel Company, Detroit, 1907. This image shows Sailors William F. Lukes, Seth Allen, and Thomas Murphy battling Koreans while trying to rescue the mortally wounded Lieutenant Hugh W. McKee during the capture of the Han River forts, 11 June 1871. Lukes, the only survivor of the U.S. Navy group, received the Medal of Honor for continuing to fight after receiving a head injury.

US Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 78KB; 570 x 765 pixels

 



Medal of Honor citation of Landsman William F. Lukes (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 60):

"Served with Company D during the capture of the Korean forts, 9 and 10 (sic) June 1871. Fighting the enemy inside the fort, LUKES received a severe cut over the head."


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


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Page made 25 April 2006