Reuben H. Tucker

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Reuben H. Tucker (0-19894), Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 20 September 1944, near Nijmegen, Holland. Completely disregarding his own safety, Colonel Tucker personally directed the successful operation which enabled the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment to successfully cross the treacherous Waal River, and by his continuous presence with the forward elements, as well as his exemplary judgment and brilliant leadership, inspired his command to the early establishment of the vital Nijmegen bridgehead. Colonel Tucker’s contact with the assault units was maintained in the face of intense artillery, mortar, and small arms fire, and he repeatedly exposed himself to this enemy fire in order to confer with the officers leading the attack and to keep them informed to the enemy’s situation. After all assigned objectives had been overrun and seized and when certain elements of his battalions were badly split up and intermingled as a result of the bitter and piecemeal fighting, Colonel Tucker calmly and courageously assumed personal command and effected prompt reorganization, thereby insuring an adequate perimeter defense which repelled all subsequent counterattacks. By his intrepid direction, heroic leadership, and superior professional ability, Colonel Tucker set an inspiring example for his command and his gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Reuben H. Tucker (0-19894), Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 17 September 1943, about one-half mile northeast of Altavilla, Italy. Colonel Tucker observed that the enemy was digging in on Hill 424, Army objective of the 1st Battalion of his regiment, the advance of which had been delayed by terrain, organized a small group of twenty-three men, and with utter disregard for his own safety, Colonel Tucker led this small group through heavy enemy artillery fire, attacked and drove the enemy from Hill 424. In this action five of the men became casualties, but Colonel Tucker and the remaining eighteen men held Hill 424 against enemy counterattacks and against enemy forces that were retreating in front of the 1st Battalion, until the 1st Battalion was able to occupy and hold the hill. By his heroic actions, Colonel Tucker enabled the 1st Battalion to attain its important Army objective. His gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.