Staff Sergeant Chad A. Tucker died 19 August 2009 when his MH-60K Black Hawk helicopter, #378, crashed on Mount Massive during a training mission near Leadville, Colorado.

SSG Tucker was a native of Titusville, Florida, and volunteered for service in the U.S. Army in June 2000. Following Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Eustis, Virginia, SSG Tucker served with 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment at Coleman Barracks, Germany, as both a Helicopter Mechanic and Crew Chief. In 2003, he was assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) as a Helicopter Mechanic in 1st Battalion at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. SSG Tucker served as a Fully Mission Qualified Crew Chief with Delta Company, 1st Battalion.

SSG Tucker was a combat veteran with 14 deployments, all in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

SSG Tucker was a graduate of the Warrior Leader Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Unit Prevention Leader Course, the Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Course, Special Operations Training Course, Combat Lifesaver Course, and Small Arms Maintenance Course.

SSG Tucker’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (w/”V” Device), Air Medal (w/Numeral 9), Army Commendation Medal (w/1 OLC), Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (w/3 Bronze Service Stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (w/Numeral 2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (w/Numeral 3), Combat Action Badge, and Senior Aviation Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

SSG Tucker is survived by his wife, Megan; son, Jeremy; parents, Dale and Wanda; and sister, Crystal. He is laid to rest in Coca, Florida, at Brevard Memorial Park. The 1st Battalion aircraft maintenance hangar is dedicated as IRON 378 Hangar in honor of Chad and the crew of MH-60K Black Hawk Tail #378.