Honouring A Hero: Captain Eric James Tucker’s Bust Unveiled At Tucker AWHO Enclave In Pune
Honouring A Hero: Captain Eric James Tucker's Bust Unveiled At Tucker AWHO Enclave In Pune
Pune, Maharashtra; The Tucker AWHO Enclave at Pune is home to nearly 672 veterans of Indian Armed Forces and their families. This society was named after Capt Eric James Tucker, Ashok Chakra (Posthumous), who laid down his life in the service of the nation while fighting insurgents in the Naga Hills in 1957. Born on 21 Oct 1927 in Cuttack in the state of Odisha, Capt Eric James Tucker joined the 2nd Battalion of THE MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY (popularly known as ‘KALI PANCHWIN’) in Jul 1947 at the mere age of 20 years.
During his tenure at Naga hills with his unit, he conducted many operations against the insurgents and proved his courage and mettle. On 02 Aug 1957, Capt Eric James Tucker while moving with his platoon was ambushed by insurgents in thick jungles. During the fierce firefight, the officer rallied his soldiers and led from the front. While the enemy was beaten back, Capt Tucker was grievously injured and during his final dash to eliminate the enemy he was hit on the chest and collapsed on the spot. He made the supreme sacrifice for the nation that any Indian Army soldier can dream of.
In remembrance of the fallen hero, the officer’s unit 2nd MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY (KALI PANCHWIN) presented a Bust of Capt Eric James Tucker to Tucker AWHO Enclave. The bust, skilfully crafted at Pune, reflects the values of courage, honour, and dedication to duty that Capt Tucker exemplified. The society and the unit, constructed a memorial at a befitting location in the Society premises to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of Capt Eric James Tucker.
A ceremony was held on 02 Aug 2024 at 1030hrs at the Central Park of Tucker AWHO Enclave, Pune, wherein the Bust was unveiled by Lt Gen Ashok Ambre, PVSM, AVSM**, (Retd) of the MARATHA Regt. The event was attended by Armed Forces Officers and Veterans including veterans of 2nd MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY, members and residents of Tucker AWHO Enclave.
The memorial was aesthetically constructed and the event successfully conducted due to the dedicated efforts of Col A K Soni (retd) Lt Col BN Thorat(retd), Col A Swain(retd), Brig S U Dashrath (retd) Nb Sub P Ghorpade (retd) and support of MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY units. The tribute to Capt Eric James Tucker not only stands as a testament to his extraordinary heroism but also embodies the spirit of all those who have served in the INDIAN ARMY, MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY regiment and continues to motivate generations of youth of the country.
