On 18 July 1957, Captain Eric James Tucker was in command of ‘B’ Company of the 2nd battalion of Maratha Light Infantry operating in the Naga Hills. He was assigned the task of opening the lineS of communication. Captain Eric James Tucker outmaneuvered a large hostile body of militants and inflicted heavy casualties on them. Again on 2nd August 1957, while proceeding from Khuzami to Kivikhu with a platoon, he was ambushed in the thick undergrowth of the jungle near Milestone 70 by militants which had collected advance information about his movement.
Captain Eric James Tucker was hit on the face and legs but he stood his ground and engaged the militants till the last round. Finally he charged at the militants before being hit by a burst of automatic fire killing him on the spot.
Captain James Tucker was awarded posthumously the Ashok Chakra for displaying exemplary valour, great devotion to duty and exceptional leadership.
