When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, "Tucker" was one of five destroyers moored at berth X–9, East Loch, alongside the destroyer tender . Even before "Tucker"s general quarters alarm could be sounded, one of her on-deck sailors began firing a 50-caliber machine gun at the first wave of Japanese aircraft. When the second wave attacked, every ship that could opened fire. "Tucker"s gunners scored hits on at least two aircraft: one crashed in a cane field, another in flames disappeared over a mountaintop. Still undergoing overhaul, much of "Tucker"’s machinery had been torn down for repairs. Despite the crew's efforts, she was unable to get underway until that evening.