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PM3 Henry Warren Tucker
1919 - 1942

Our ship was named in honor of  PM3 Henry Warren Tucker of York, Alabama, USNR. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for heroism during the Battle of the Coral Sea, 7 May 1942.

Tucker was called to active duty in July, 1941, and reported to the Naval Hospital at Pensacola, Florida.

On 15 January 1942, Tucker reported aboard the tanker USS Neosho (AO-23) for duty. The Neosho had survived the Pearl Harbor attack despite being berthed on "Battleship Row."

During the opening phase of the Battle of the Coral Sea, Japanese naval forces launched an all-out aerial attack on what they believed was the main U.S. battle force. What the Japanese found instead was the Neosho and destroyer USS Sims (DD-409) waiting at a refueling rendezvous.

Facing a 60-plane attack, the fate of the two American ships was never in doubt. The Sims exploded and sank immediately with a loss of almost the entire crew. Despite its cargo of burning aviation gas and fuel oil. the Neosho managed to remain afloat for awhile.

For his actions during the sinking of the Neosho, Tucker was awarded the Navy Cross. The citation reads as follows:

"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of  his professionalism following the attack on the USS Neosho by enemy Japanese aerial forces on 7 May 1942.

"With complete disregard for his own life, Tucker swam between the various life rafts carrying tannic acid in his hands to treat the burns of the injured men.

"He hazarded the dangers of exposure and exhaustion to continue his task, helping the injured to boats but refusing a place for himself.

"Tucker was subsequently reported as missing in action and it is believed he lost his life in his loyal and courageous devotion to duty.

His valorous actions enhance and sustain the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

U.S. Department of the Navy
(1942)

Reunions

USS Henry W. Tucker Reunion 2012

October 9-14, 2012

Nashville, TN

Your Hosts: Ronald & Jerry Ann Holt

Events for our Nashville Reunion 2012 are almost finalized. The dates are October 9-14, 2012.  We have chosen a centrally located hotel on Music Valley Drive within walking distance of several attractions & restaurants.  Our activities this year will be a little different.  Since we will be in the Heart of Country Music, we didn't want to miss out.  So all of our activities, except the Saturday morning memorial service & business meeting, will be held in the evening.  We will, of course, be attending a Grand Ole Opry on Friday evening after a meal at the Hermitage House. We will also be attending the Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theatre on Thursday evening.  Our banquet will be held at the hotel on Saturday evening, with a farewell breakfast on Sunday morning.  The hotel will host a wine & cheese party for us on Wednesday evening, October 10.

We will be staying at the Guest House International Inn & Suites, 2420 Music Valley Drive, Nashville, TN  37214.  Their phone number is 615-885-4030.  The hotel is totally non smoking -- so smokers be sure to ask for a first floor room.  They also allow well behaved dogs on their 5th floor.  Be sure to mention that you are with the USS Henry W. Tucker Reunion group. Here are some other points:

• The hotel offers a free expanded breakfast

• The room rates are:

  • 1-4 people (all inclusive) $88.94 per night

  • Family suite rooms – two queen beds, hide-a-bed & kitchen - $139.65 (all inclusive)

  • King suites – two rooms, kitchen, $151.17 (all inclusive) per night

• We will have the hotel ballroom all week for our hospitality suite & raffle items

• They offer complimentary airport shuttle

• All rooms have refrigerators

• Rooms rates are good three days before/after our reunion

• The hotel has a lounge with live music

• Free underground parking

• Free business area so you can check emails, surf the web

The Opry Mills (outlet shopping at it’s finest!) is only a stone’s throw away and the ladies will have plenty of time to shop since our daytime hours will be “free”.

We hope everyone will join us. It seems like each reunion is more fun than the last (if that’s possible). If you need any more information, please either send an email (jerryannholt@aol.com) or call – 256-571-0428.

Anyway, we hope you will make your plans to be with us in Music City USA!!

Ronald & Jerry Ann Holt

BT2, ‘63-‘65

USS Henry W. Tucker
DD 875