THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star and Legion of Merit medals attest to your courage and devotion to your fellow soldiers and country. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us…

Gen Tallman was my Tac at West Point. He was tough but fair. Then, Major Tallman, was an officer that anyone would desire to emulate. To respect him was easy - he respected you!

Dear Brigadier General Richard Tallman, Thank you for your service as a General Officer, and for graduating from West Point, The 51st anniversary of the start of your tour is soon, and your 50th anniversary is soon, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Today is the first day of summer. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Richard Joseph Tallman, United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 24 February 1968. On the afternoon of 24 February 1968, Lieutenant Colonel Tallman, Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, was leading his battalion in an attack on a heavily fortified wooded area near Hue, Republic of Vietnam. There was an estimated reinforced battalion of enemy soldiers in the area. The companies found that movement was extremely slow due to rice paddies and sporadic sniper fire and at 1815 hours Lieutenant Colonel Tallman decided to pull his unit back into a night defensive position. At the time the lead company was in light contact with an unknown sized enemy force. As the company attempted to disengage it came under heavy automatic weapons fire. Soon the entire battalion was under fire. Lieutenant Colonel Tallman correctly decided he could better influence the action of his units by moving to another vantage point. With complete disregard for his own safety he began moving across an open area to the new location. He was under constant fire as he crossed the bullet-swept area and several RPG rounds exploded near him. Despite the heavy fire Lieutenant Colonel Tallman reached the vantage point from which he began deploying his forces and directing artillery and helicopter gunship fires on the enemy positions while repeatedly exposed to intense hostile fire. Through his calm determination and personal bravery, Lieutenant Colonel Tallman was most instrumental in saving the lives of many of his troops while inflicting maximum casualties on the enemy force. Lieutenant Colonel Tallman's extraordinary heroism is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/500615

Brigadier General Richard Joseph Tallman was awarded the Legion of Merit, with three Oak Leaf Clusters, for his for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States. He served as a General Officer and was assigned to HQ, 3RD REG ASSIST CMD (TRAC), MACV ADVISORS.
See https://army.togetherweserved.com/