About this Unit
USS Henry W. Tucker (DD-875) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in March 1945. Named in honor of Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Henry W. Tucker, a World War II Navy medic awarded the Navy Cross posthumously, the ship saw service in the final stages of World War II and extensively during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Throughout her career, Henry W. Tucker participated in numerous combat operations, including naval gunfire support, search and rescue missions, and carrier escort duties. After decades of distinguished service, she was transferred to the Brazilian Navy in 1973, where she served as Marcilio Dias (D-25) until her decommissioning in 1994.
Historical Facts
• Namesake: USS Henry W. Tucker (DD-875) was named after Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Henry W. Tucker, who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for heroic actions during World War II in the Solomon Islands.
• Class: She was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and advanced classes of US Navy destroyers built during and immediately after World War II.
• Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on 12 March 1945, too late to see combat in World War II, but in time for postwar occupation duties in Japan and Korea.
• Korean War Service: USS Henry W. Tucker participated in the Korean War, providing gunfire support and performing escort and patrol duties off the Korean Peninsula.
• Radar Picket Ship: In 1953, she was converted to a radar picket destroyer (DDR-875), equipped with advanced radar and communications gear to provide early warning against air attacks.
• Vietnam War: The ship saw extensive action during the Vietnam War, conducting naval gunfire support missions, search and rescue operations, and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin.
• Notable Incident: In 1965, Henry W. Tucker rescued the crew of a downed US Navy A-1 Skyraider aircraft in the South China Sea, demonstrating the ship’s versatility and bravery under fire.
• Humanitarian Efforts: The destroyer participated in Operation Market Time, interdicting North Vietnamese supply routes by sea, and provided medical assistance to South Vietnamese civilians as part of “People-to-People” programs.
• International Service: In 1973, after nearly three decades of American service, she was transferred to the Brazilian Navy, where she served as Marcilio Dias (D25) until 1994.
• Legacy: USS Henry W. Tucker earned eight battle stars for Korean War service and nine battle stars for Vietnam War service, marking her as one of the most decorated Gearing-class destroyers.
