Henry W. Tucker (DD-875)

• 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.