We adjourn tonight’s meeting in memory of Santa Clarita resident and veteran, Tom Tucker.
Tom grew up in South Pasadena. At the age of 17, he joined the Navy’s Underwater Demolition team- a team that predated the Navy Seals.
As a demolition diver during World War II, Tom served in San Pedro, Maui, the South Pacific and the Ulithi (YOU-LEE-THIY) Atoll in the Caroline Islands of the western Pacific Ocean.
The atoll was a staging point for operations against various Japanese occupied islands.
The time Tom spent stationed during the war was life-changing, and filled with marine assaults, friends lost and courageous night recons.
After the war ended, Tom was honorably discharged on May 16, 1946.
For his service, he received awards including Asiatic-Pacific Medal with 2 Stars, Philippine Liberation Medal, Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation Badge, WWII Victory Medal, and Naval Combat Badge.
After discharge, Tom went to live with his mother in Los Angeles.
He moved through various jobs including working at a gas station, May Company and Howard Automobile Company.
On his free time Tom enjoyed dancing and socializing. He even mingled with celebrities due to his father, Charles Howard, owning the infamous race horse Seabiscuit.
Tom leaves behind his wife, 7 children, 15 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Tom loved attending Santa Clarita’s Veterans Day, Memorial Day and July 4th celebrations and was a friendly face in our community.
Tom passed away in January. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, as they mourn their loss. He will be greatly missed by all.