In the name of the President of the United States, the Commanding General, F1eet Marine Force Pacific takes pleasure in presenting the

BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

LANCE CORPORAL JOSEPH TUCKER

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

        “For heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Fire Team leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division on 9 December l966.  While participating in a company size search and clear mission on Hill 200 Lance Corporal TUCKER displayed uncommon initiative and courage when his platoon came under intense automatic rifle and Machine gun fire from a well entrenched enemy force. In the initial moments of the firefight, a member of his fire team had been wounded and was lying in an area exposed to hostile fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal TUCKER maneuvered to the side of his wounded companion. While continuing to fire his weapon, he picked up that wounded Marine and carried him to a place of relative safety. Although he was wounded during the daring rescue, Lance Corporal TUCKER refused medical evacuation and remained with his squad until the mission was completed.  By his daring and courageous actions, he undoubtedly saved the life of a fellow Marine, inspired all those who observed him and contributed significantly to the successful accomplishment of the unit’s mission. Lance Corporal Tucker’s extraordinary courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.”

Lance Corporal TUCKER is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.

For the President

V. H. KRULAK

LIEUTENANT GENERAL. U. S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING