2021 Hall of Fame Inductee
Washington State University in St. Louis (1979)
Growing up in Granite City, Illinois, Capt. Keith Lucas was known for his love of helicopters and sports and was voted “The Friendliest” by his classmates. In 1975, he accepted a four-year ROTC scholarship with the Gateway Battalion at Washington University-St. Louis. Upon graduating in 1979, he began his military career as a Military Intelligence Officer and shortly after completed the Initial Entry Rotary Wing Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Afterwards, he and his wife moved to Fort Campbell, Kentucky where he was assigned as a Blackhawk Pilot to Task Force 160 which is now known as the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.
On Oct. 25, 1983 Lucas became the first Nightstalker combat fatality while piloting his Blackhawk in an attempt to insert troops at the Richmond Hill prison in support of Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada. In his short, yet distinguished military career he has earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Army Service Ribbon, Army Aviator Badge and Air Assault Badge. The 160th SOAR’s motto, “Nightstalkers don’t quit” is attributed to Lucas.
Today, the Gateway Battalion stands on the shoulders of a giant and it is our duty to ensure that his sacrifices are recognized and we wholeheartedly believe that Capt. Keith Lucas’ actions undoubtedly reflect the Army Values that we impart on Cadets in our program.
About the Army ROTC Hall of Fame
The ROTC Hall of Fame was established in 2016 as part of the ROTC Centennial celebration. The first class (2016) inducted 326 former ROTC Cadets who had distinguished themselves in their military or civilian career.
The Hall of Fame honors graduates of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps who have distinguished themselves in military or civilian pursuits. It provides a prestigious and tangible means of recognizing and honoring Army ROTC Alumni who have made lasting, significant contributions to the Nation, the Army and the history and traditions of the Army ROTC Program.
Social Sharing