“I still need Marines who can shoot and salute. But I need Marines who can fix jet engines and man 

sophisticated radar sets, as well. “

 General Robert E. Cushman, Jr., USMC

 Commandant of the Marine Corps, 17 May 1974

 

Sergeant Lucas T. Pyeatt was the epitome of a United States Marine. Raised in Newport News, Virginia, 

Lucas expressed from his earliest moments a keen interest in a wide range of topics and disciplines. Some 

might call him a Renaissance man. Growing up, whether he was pursuing the rank of Eagle Scout or 

expertly playing the stand-up bass, Lucas showed a unique passion and enthusiasm for life. 

In addition to using his many talents to accomplish many things, he lived his life in a way that would 

lead even a casual acquaintance to conclude that he was a person whose every action was characterized 

by kindness and consideration for others. For him, standing up for the little guy was a way of life. 

Among his many acts of benevolence toward his friends and family was taking the time to learn sign 

language in order to better communicate with a close friend who was deaf. 

After high school, he would attend Old Dominion University for a short while, but Lucas was a young 

man in a hurry. He wanted something more out of life. In time he would decide to follow in the footsteps 

of his father, a 30-year veteran of the United States military, and offer his service to his nation by enlisting 

in the United States Marine Corps. 

Lucas put the same drive and devotion into being a Marine that he had exhibited in his formative 

years. He excelled in his studies at the Defense Language Institute, 

becoming fluent in Russian. After training, he was assigned to the 

II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, at Camp Lejeune. 

2011 would find him on the harsh unforgiving battlefields in southern 

Afghanistan. 

The history and legacy of the United States Marine Corps is one of 

supreme courage and sacrifice on the battlefield. But while Marines are 

riflemen first, in order to make a difference in the battle spaces of this 

day and time, Marines must also possess a wide range of other talents 

and abilities. 
While deployed, Pyeatt’s job was to translate, monitor and transcribe 

critical information in real time, with the aim of gaining intelligence on 

enemy insurgent operations and activities. During his brief but significant 

time in Afghanistan, Sergeant Pyeatt’s leadership and technical skills “were 

instrumental in the conduct of direction finding and enemy communications 

in a contested region.” 

Sergeant Pyeatt had only been “in country” for two weeks when he 

volunteered to participate in an important mission. While on his first foot patrol in February 2011, he 

lost his life due to an improvised explosive device. 

During his life Lucas T. Pyeatt was many things to many people. To his family, he was a devoted son. 

To his friends, he was someone they could always look to for help and support. To his nation, Sergeant 

Pyeatt was a loyal and dedicated member of the United States Marine Corps. His father said it best, noting 

his son had “accomplished more in his 24 years of life than most people accomplish in a lifetime.” In 

his service and sacrifice, Sergeant Pyeatt more than lived up to the motto of the Corps by being always 

faithful to his loved ones, his fellow Marines, and most of all to those principles and virtues that for over 

two centuries, have allowed our nation to remain free.

Sgt Lucas T. Pyeatt

U.S. Marine Corps

March 5, 1986 – February 5, 2011

Photos courtesy of the USMC and Pyeatt family

Narrative - Patrick Weadon, Curator, National Cryptologic Museum

Graphics/Layout - NSA Creative Imaging

Visit our web site, http://www.nsa.gov

MEMORIAL 2011