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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Robert Eugene Tucker (ASN: 0-19938), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 19 March 1945, in the vicinity of Ensheim, Germany. Colonel Tucker was directing the attack of his battalion on the Siegfried Line from a forward observation point when an enemy shell set fire to a vital dump of white phosphorous ammunition close by. Without regard for his personal safety, he dashed across the fire-swept hill top to fight the fire. Although he was painfully burned by the exploding ammunition, he did not seek medical aid until he had extinguished the fire and saved much of the important ammunition. Such gallantry under conditions of great danger merits the highest respect for Colonel Tucker. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Tucker, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    July 1957 – July 1965
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 29 (August 27, 1965)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Robert Eugene Tucker (ASN: 0-19938), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from July 1957 to July 1965.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    254th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    63d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 23, 1945
    Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 263 (June 4, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Robert Eugene Tucker (ASN: 0-19938), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 23 January 1945, in France. On that date, in the vicinity of Benwihr, France, the 1st Battalion attacked a strongly defended enemy-held hill, under the command of Colonel Tucker. As the battalion was moving up under heavy artillery, mortar, machine gun and rifle fire the center company encountered an anti-personnel minefield and was pinned down. Colonel Tucker, realizing the hopelessness of further advance acted quickly. With dauntless courage, he moved through anti-personnel minefields under intense enemy fire, from one company to another, organizing and bringing the battalion under his personal control. Through his cool, calm and deliberate action, Colonel Tucker was successful in reorganizing his battalion and continuing the attack which resulted in the capture and occupation of the strongly fortified hill. Major Tucker’s 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 63d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.