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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

 

 

 

2000     2002     2004     2006     2008

 

 

 

 

 

Reunion 2008

Renton, Washington

 

Plans are underway for the 2008 reunion to be held in Renton, Washington (near Seattle).  You may make your reservations at any time. 

 

RESERVATION METHOD:

 

INDIVIDUAL RESERVATIONS - Individuals are required to call the Hotel directly at (425) 226-7700 x 7225 to make reservations.

 

Reservations must be made by August 15, 2008.  Individuals must indicate the group name:  USS HENRY TUCKER REUNION.  Should individuals use any other phone numbers and/or book via online internet search engine they may not receive the negotiated rate and our guest room block will not be credited.  All reservation requests must be accompanied with a first night room deposit, or be guaranteed with a major credit card.  Please note that Room Types and Special Request cannot be guaranteed as they are based upon availability.

 

Dates:             October 1-5, 2008

 

Hotel:              Holiday Inn - Renton

                        One South Grady Way

                        Renton, WA 98055

                        Tel:      425-226-7700, ext. 7225

                        Fax:     425-271-2315

                        Online Reservations

 

If you wish to extend your stay outside of these dates, you will need to book a separate reservation on the Web site or contact us directly at Holiday Inn Seattle-Renton 425-226-7700.

 

Please make reservations as soon as possible. The rate will be valid as long as we have rooms available, up to and including 10-Sep-2008.

 

Rate:               $119.00 per night

                        Includes Welcome Buffet and full breakfast buffet

                        in our hospitality room each morning for reunion attendees

                        staying at the hotel.  At a later date, we’ll have pricing

                        information for those not staying at the hotel.

 

The hotel room price is higher than usual, but the fact that it includes a welcome buffet (would probably run $25-$30 per person) and a full breakfast each day makes it very reasonable.

 

We suggest you make your reservations early. You can always cancel if you find you cannot attend.  Also, we suggest you begin looking at airfare prices because there are probably better prices if you book early. 

 

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES: 

 

AIRPORT: The Holiday Inn Seattle-Renton offers complimentary 24-hour Airport shuttle service to and from SeaTac Airport (Seattle/Tacoma International Airport).  We recommend that you make advance arrangement by calling the hotel directly at (425) 226-7700 for pick-up.  OR as you arrive at the baggage claim area, look for Hotel’s courtesy phone and dial #18 and then proceed to the 3rd level of the parking garage.  Shuttle will pick you up at the designated “island.”

 

MALL:  Our local shuttle provides daily schedule services within a five-mile radius including Westfield Shopping town (over 200 retailers including Nordstrom, Macy’s, and numerous restaurants), local parks, and more.

 

As information becomes available on tours and the banquet, it will be posted on this page as well as in newsletters.

 

We hope to have a large number of shipmates at this reunion.  We look forward to seeing you.

 

If you have questions or concerns regarding the hotel or tours, please contact Bill Siler.

 

Tel:      540-483-5727

 

Email: [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

USS Henry W. Tucker
DD 875