William F. Lukes
Landsman, U.S. Navy

William F. Lukes was born on 19 February 1847 in Bohemia, which is now in the Czech Republic.

On 9 and 10 June 1871, Landsman Lukes was serving on the USS Colorado during the Korean Expedition.

The U.S. Expedition to Korea in 1871, also known as Sinmiyangyo (Western Disturbance of the Year Sinmi year), was the first American military action in Korea. It took place predominantly on and around the Korean island of Ganghwa. The reason for the presence of the American military expeditionary force in Korea was to support an American diplomatic delegation sent to establish trade and diplomatic relations with Korea and to ascertain the fate of the General Sherman merchant ship.

On 10 October 1872, Landsman William F. Lukes was a recipient of the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions on 9 and 10 June 1871.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Landsman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1846, Bohemia. Enlisted at: Tientsin, China. G.O. No.: 180, 10 October 1872.

Citation:

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

Death and Burial

Landsman William F. Lukes died on 13 December 1923, in Los Angeles, CA. He is buried at Los Angeles National Cemetery in Los Angeles, CA, in Section 7, Row F, Grave 19.