Maj General John P. Lucas during World War Two. Lucas, as a lieutenant, would react heroically to the Villista attack.
0415-0445 to 0730. A pitched battle between Villistas against cavalrymen of the 13th U.S. Cavalry ensues. While caught by surprise, the US forces had some inkling that Villistas may have been on the move prior to the raid and reacted very quickly. Local Columbus New Mexico residents also took part in the battle, defending their homes. While the battle started in darkness, the fact that a hotel caught fire soon aided US. forces in being able to pick out Villista targets.
The early minutes of the action featured a heroic reaction by Lt. John P. Lucas who fought his way alone from his tent to the guard shack in spite of lacking shoes and shirt. Lucas who commanded a machinegun troop, organized a single machinegun in defense until the remainder of his unit could come up. He then organized them and worked to repel the Villistas. Lucas made a career of the Army and died after World War Two at age 59 while still serving in the Army.
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