Jeff Lucas was born on September 17, 1971, in Corbett, Oregon. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on August 21, 1989, and completed basic training at NTC Orlando, Florida, in October 1989. Lucas next completed Electronics Technician school in November 1990, followed by service with Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, from December 1990 to April 1991. He served with the Branch Medical Clinic at NAS Miramar, California, from May 1991 to June 1993, and then completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at NAB Coronado, California, in January 1994. After completing Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia, Petty Officer Lucas served with SEAL Team ONE at NAB Coronado, California, from February 1994 to May 1999, followed by service with Naval Special Warfare Development Group at Dam Neck, Virginia, from June 1999 to May 2000. His next assignment was with SEAL Team EIGHT at NAB Little Creek, Virginia, from May 2000 to October 2001, and then with Naval Special Warfare Unit TWO at Stuttgart, Germany, from October 2001 to August 2003. His final assignment was with SEAL Team TEN at NAB Little Creek from August 2003 to February 2005, and then deployed with his Team to Afghanistan until he was killed in action during Operation Red Wings when the MH-47 Chinook helicopter he was aboard was shot down by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade on June 28, 2005. Jeff Lucas was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

His Bronze Star Medal w/Valor Citation reads

For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Platoon Petty Officer, SEAL Team TEN, while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 28 June 2005. As part of a Quick Reaction Force, Petty Officer Lucas was sent to reinforce a Navy SEAL Special Reconnaissance element engaged in a fierce firefight against a numerically superior Anti-Coalition Militia near Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. The Special Reconnaissance element was under siege from enemy fire in extremely rugged and unforgiving terrain. Demonstrating exceptional resolve and fully comprehending the ramifications of the mission, Petty Officer Lucas' element launched aboard a helicopter for direct insertion onto an active battlefield, ready to engage and destroy the enemy in order to protect the lives of their fellow SEALs. While airborne Petty Officer Lucas continued working with members of his team to develop the plan of attack to support north a Quick Reaction Force and an urgent execution of the intended deliberate assault. As the helicopter hovered in preparation for a daring fast-rope insertion of the SEALs, the aircraft was struck by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade fired by Anti-Coalition Militia. The resulting explosion and impact caused the tragic and untimely loss of life of all onboard. Petty Officer Lucas' bravery and heroism in the face of severe danger while fighting the Global War on Terrorism was extraordinary. By his courageous actions, zealous initiative, and loyal dedication to duty, Petty Officer Lucas reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.