In 1961, Tucker graduated from Hall High School and enrolled at Harvard University. Tucker received a B.A. in government in 3 ½ years, graduating in 1964. Prior to graduation Tucker enlisted in the Marines, but was discharged for health reasons. Still desiring to serve, Tucker made his first trip to Vietnam in 1965, operating as a war correspondent. Tucker returned to Vietnam again in 1967. Tucker attended law school at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville between his trips to Vietnam and graduated with his law degree in 1968. That same year Tucker published Arkansas Men at War and began working as an associate attorney for the law firm Rose, Barron, Nash, Williamson, Carroll, and Clay.
