TUCKER-HENRY

Henry Warren Tucker PHM3 USNR enlisted in the Naval Reserve on June 24, 1941 and entered active duty in July, 1941. After Corpsman training at Navy Hospital, Pensacola Fl., he was assigned to the USS Neosho AO-23, home ported at Pearl Harbor. The Neosho survived the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941 even though she was berthed in Battle Ship row.

On May 7, 1942, in company with USS Sims DD-409, Neosho was in the Coral Sea waiting to refuel a Carrier Task Force for the Battle of Coral Sea, a major combat action in the South Pacific.

A Japanese Task Force believed it had pin-pointed the American Task Force location, attacked the two ships with 60 aircraft. The Simms exploded and sank immediately and the Neosho survived for a period with burning aviation gas, fuel oil and combat debris surrounding her. After many bomb strikes, she heeled over and the Commanding Officer ordered abandon ship. Dozens of men entered the fouled water and were covered with the dangerous, sticky material. Some made it through this debris to life rafts. Tucker entered this water with tannic acid to treat burns and helped shipmates. He swam between rafts to help the burned and injured men. When relief finally arrived, some time later, Henry Warren Tucker was among those lost. His Navy Cross Citation:

For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his professionalism following the attack on 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 missing in action and it is believe he lost his life in his loyal and courageous devotion to duty. His valorous actions enhance and sustain the finest traditions of the United Satiates Naval Service.

The USS HENRY W. TUCKER DD-875 (DDR-875) was named for him.

Submitted by Doug Bewall RMCM USN Ret.