Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on October 25, 2004:

Edward Page Lukert, Jr Born January 5, 1927 - Died August 5, 2004 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 his 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 with 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 he 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. Ed died of a heart attack doing what he loved, riding his bicycle. The May 1995 Assembly notes that son Ed III was promoted to LTC in February 1994. Two other Lukert sons are graduates of West Point. Cullum 34830 is Edward Page Lukert, III. Remarks from Sam T. Dickens on 10-25-2004 follow: Service of Remembrance for Classmate Edward Page Lukert, Jr. Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2004 Edward Page Lukert, Jr. Colonel USA (Ret.) USMA 1951 Cullum Number 18082 was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery today after services were held at the Ft. Meyer Chapel at 1100 on October 25, 2004. Ed was born January 5, 1927 and passed away on August 5, 2004. In attendance were Ed's widow, Carol, and as listed in the program Ed3 and wife Mimi, Dave and wife Cindy, John, Paul, Mary and husband Charlie, Grandchildren Sarah and David Lukert, Lauren, Diana, Kirsten and Shannon Peek and sister Alma Kloss. There was a good turnout of Ed's classmates and wives living in the DC area. We were privileged to have presiding over the services our classmate, Chaplain Kermit Johnson, MG Ret., former Army Chief of Chaplains. The chapel service included the hymns Lead On, O King Eternal, and A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. Selections from the Bible were from Psalms 46 and 23 and Romans 8 and John 14. An old friend of Ed's, Adalbert E. Toepel, Jr. recalled times together with Ed and two of his sons spoke as well; Edward P. Lukert III and Paul Thomas Lukert. (Incidentally, three of Ed's sons are West Point graduates). Honorary Pallbearers were Col (Ret) Adalbert E. Toepel, Jr and Mrs. Toepel, LTC (Ret) Henry John Dethlefs III and Mrs. Dethlefs and LTC (Ret) Norman A. Mattmuller and Mrs. Mattmuller. Following the chapel services Ed's remains were placed on the caisson drawn by six white horses, led by a mounted NCO. A platoon of 3rd Infantry led the way to the gravesite with a beautiful black, riderless stallion following behind, with the reversed boots in the stirrups and sabre attached to the English saddle. A convoy of private vehicles followed; proceeding to the burial site. It was a day when early drizzle had fallen and the clouds were low. There was no rain and the temperatures were not so low to require raincoats. The ceremony was brief, but eloquent. The seven riflemen fired three volleys each; the accompanying band played two West Point selections including Army Blue, the lonely notes of taps were played, our nation's flag was folded by eight tall infantrymen of the Old Guard, and brief but appropriate remarks were said by an Army Lieutenant Colonel officiating at the gravesite. Kermit offered a prayer, the flag was presented to Carol. Following the services all adjourned to the nearby Sheraton Hotel where a buffet lunch was served and good fellowship followed. Personally I discovered that Carol was a member of the 1953 Vasser class and was a classmate of, and knew my first cousin, Geraldine Gesell. Gerry's father was my mother's brother, from La Crosse, Wisconsin. From the program, "Ed had a varied career in the Army with infantry, aviation, staff, and research assignments. He was a master aviator, qualified on fixed-wing planes, helicopters, and jets. He served as a pilot in the Korean War and in Vietnam, he was Commander of the 52nd Combat Aviation Battalion. His other significant assignments included Project Manager for the Black Hawk helicopter and instructor at the Army War College. The program lists under "Memorials," the following: Should friends desire, please make memorial contributions in Ed's names to: Meals on Wheels Inc. 320 South Freeway, Fort Worth, Texas, 76104. Tel. (817) 336-0912

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