Loal George Tucker

Private 1st Class, U. S. Army

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 173 (July 5, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Loal G. Tucker (ASN: 38472073), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands.
When a large group of Japanese launched a night attack and penetrated his unit's command post area on 23 February 1945, Private Tucker, a machine gunner in a quarter-ton vehicle, detected the enemy and immediately began raking their positions with a heavy concentration of fire. Then he was wounded in the leg by grenade fragments, and another grenade set his vehicle on fire. Still, Private Tucker held his position, keeping the Japanese in check until friendly troops could take up effective positions. He remained with his gun until, because of loss of blood, he fell unconscious to the ground. Private Tucker's tenacity and courage served to turn the element of surprise against the enemy, who were eventually forced to withdraw, leaving many dead behind.
His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.