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| PERSONALIA |
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| Name: |
Tucker, Reuben Henry, III |
| Date of birth: | January 29th, 1911 (Ansonia/Connecticut, United States)
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| Date of death: |
January 6th, 1970 (Charleston/South Carolina, United States)
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| Nationality: |
American |
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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS (DSC)
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Rank:
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Colonel
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Unit:
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504th Parachute Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division "All-American" U.S. Army (504th Parachute Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division "All-American" U.S. Army)
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Action:
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On 17 September 1943, about one-half mile northeast of Altavilla, Italy, Colonel Tucker, Commanding Officer of the 504th Parachute Infantry, 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.
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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS (DSC)
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Rank:
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Colonel
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Unit:
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504th Parachute Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division "All-American" U.S. Army (504th Parachute Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division "All-American" U.S. Army)
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Action:
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For extraordinary heroism in action on 20 September 1944 near Nijmegen, Holland. Completely disregarding his own safety, he personally directed the successful operation which anabled 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 interpid direction, heroic leadership, and superior professional ability, Colonel Tucker set an inspiring example for his command, thereby reflecting the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.
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Details:
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Received this second DSC as his first Oak Leaf Cluster to be worn on the ribbon of the first.
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RIDDER VIERDE KLASSE DER MILITAIRE WILLEMS ORDE (MWO.4)
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Rank:
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Colonel
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Unit:
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504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All-American" U.S. Army (504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All-American" U.S. Army)
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Awarded on:
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February 22nd, 1946
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Action:
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For having distinguished himself by eminent actions of courage, tact and loyalty during the fighting of the 82nd Airborne in the vicinity of the city of Nijmegen, Holland in September and October of 1944, thereby having repeatedly shown an extraordinary sense of duty and great perseverance; in all respects setting a praiseworthy example and an inspiration to all in those illustrious days.
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Details:
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Royal decree no.11, dated Februari 22nd, 1946
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Provide alterations or additional information |
| Picture source: |
- Wikipedia
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| Information source(s): |
- LYNCH, T., Operation Market Garden, Spellmount Publishers, Stroud, Great Britain, 2011.
- NORDYKE, P., More Than Courage, Zenith Press, St. Paul, United States, 2008.
- onderscheidingen.nl
- the-dispatch.com
- allamerican82nd.com
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