Edward P. Lukert, Jr. – Colonel, United States Army

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Edward P. Lukert, Jr., Colonel
Born January 5, 1927 – Died August 5, 2004

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Edward Page “Ed” Lukert, Jr. was born in Nebraska on 5 January 1927 but was appointed to West Point from the State of West Virginia on a Senatorial appointment. His West Point classmates recall: “Army Brat, Infantry Veteran, Academic Engineer; from Fort Benning to West Point, through medicine and mortars, the spirit to do right and the will to do best, combined with the intelligence and ability have helped Ed win his place in the Long Grey Line. Despite harmonica serenading and running a home photo lab, his keen insight and quick humor have gathered him a host of friends.”

During his cadet days Ed was a Chapel Chimer and a Sunday School Teacher all four years, he was with the Radio Club his plebe year, and also with the German, Camera and Model Railroad Clubs during this time. Ed was a Cadet Lieutenant his first class year.

On graduation Ed went in the Infantry, however, he was named to the USMA Pentathlon Team and competed during 1951 and 1952 then he completed the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Ed next reported to the Far Eastern Command and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy on completion of his tour in 1954.

Next Ed was named Company Commander with the 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, 1st Battle Group at Fort Riley, Kansas where he served from 1957 to 1958.

Ed next went back to school and earned a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Georgia Tech in 1961. On completion he was assigned to the Army Combat Development Command, (Aviation) Fort Belvoir, Virginia where he served until 1964. He was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service on completion of his tour.

Next he went on Temporary Duty the North Atlantic Treaty Organization from 1962 to 1963. Ed was awarded a second Commendation Medal for distinguished service on completion of his temporary duty assignment. During 1965 Ed attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and then was assigned to the 3rd Division and served from 1965 1966. His next assignment was to Headquarters, 7th Army and served there from 1966 to 1967.

Ed’s next step in his career was being named Commanding Officer of the 52nd Combat Aviation Battalion & Headquarters, 1st Field Force Republic of Vietnam where he served until 1968. On completion of this tour Ed was decorated with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services, 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses for distinguished heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy, and 10 Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight.

Returning to stateside Ed was selected to be the Project Manager for the Army Materiel Command, Washington, D.C where he served from 1968 to 1969. On completion of this duty was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation.

In 1970 Ed attended the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. Next Ed was assigned to the Office, Assistant Vice Chief of Staff United States Army where he served from 1970 to 1972 and was awarded a second Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services on completion of this tour.

Ed’s next assignment was as Commanding Officer of the 101st Aviation Group and he served in that capacity from 1972 to 1973. Returning to school Ed earned a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from Spbg State University in 1976 and on completion was assigned to the Staff & Faculty at the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. On completion of this tour Ed was awarded a third Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. This was Ed’s last military assignment and he retired in 1978 as a Colonel.

On retirement Ed accepted a position with Employer’s Insurance in 1978 and in 1980 went with Gearhartinds. Ed was appointed Senior Vice President of Kaneb Metering Inc. in 1989.

Ed and his wife Carol made their home in Arlington, Texas.

The May 1995 Assembly notes that son, Ed III, was promoted to LTC in February 1994.

Cullum 34830 is Edward Page Lukert, III.

LUKERT, EDWARD P JR
COL   US ARMY
WORLD WAR II, KOREA, VIETNAM
DATE OF BIRTH: 01/05/1927
DATE OF DEATH: 08/05/2004
BURIED AT: SECTION 66  SITE 4368
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

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