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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)

Veteran Information

New Page

Veteran Information from Jim Alvarez (GMG1, 69-70)

Jim Alvarez is a VFW Post Commander (Hemet, CA) as well as a VFW State Field Officer in California. His particular interest is Vietnam era vets’ exposure to Agent Orange and the difficulty in getting VA disability benefits for related illnesses.

We feel that the information Jim sends is important enough to create a separate page. Please click here and check back often for updates.

Military.com

Military.com is a website where you can post your name and search for shipmates. The site also has lots of news of interest to veterans. They have email newsletters that you can sign up for. It’s a membership site, but membership is free. We encourage you to visit the website by clicking on the link below.

http://www.military.com

Replacement DD 214

If you are applying for VA benefits or other benefits that require your DD 214 and you’ve misplaced it, here is a form for acquiring a replacement DD 214. Just fill out the information on the form. On the last page is a list of types of service with a code after it. The codes match addresses at the bottom of the page where to send the form.

Replacement DD 214 Request

Information on Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

Asbestos Locator

http://www.waterskraus.com/index.aspx?id=asbestoslocator&s=SEA

Mesothelioma Information

http://www.mesothel.com/Ships/ships_guided.htm

RAO Bulletin Updates

These bulletins are compiled by James Tichacek, USN (Ret)

Director, Retiree Assistance Office, U.S. Embassy Warden & VITA Baguio City RP (used with permission). He does an excellent job of finding information on veterans’ benefits and other issues of importance to veterans. He encourages veterans to contact their legislators about bills before congress that will affect veterans and their benefits.

RAO Bulletin Update 15 January 2006

RAO Bulletin Update 15 February 2006

RAO Bulletin Update 1 March 2006

RAO Bulletin Update 15 March 2006

RAO Bulletin Update 1 April 2006

RAO Bulletin Update 15 April 2006

RAO Bulletin Update 1 June 2006

RAO Bulletin Update 15 June 2006

RAO Bulletin Update 1 July 2006

RAO Bulletin Update 15 July 2006

RAO Bulletin Update 1 August 2006

RAO Bulletin Update 15 August 2006