Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Airman’s Medal to First Lieutenant John E. Tucker, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 12 April 1967. General Security Control was notified at 2002 hours of a phone call received by the base Dispensary from an unidentified individual who had stated that he was between the 19th and 309th Air command Squadron hangers and would shoot someone within the next thirty minutes. First Lieutenant Tucker was briefed on the situation and dispatches. Upon his arrival he recognized that firm leadership was necessary to prevent the careless loss of life; he directed and led the Security Police in securing the safety of a number of men including the Doctor at the scene. He deployed Security Police to seal off the area and clear it of all personnel. He then went to he building in which the disturbed Air Force noncommissioned officer, armed with an over/under .22/410, had barricaded himself and tried to persuade the individual to throw his weapon out and surrender himself to medical care. After the individual fired one shot, First Lieutenant Tucker was successful in persuading the individual to throw his weapon out and surrender. The man was then turned over to Base Police and Medical Personnel on the scene. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Frist Lieutenant Tucker reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

Awards Received