(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Richard Joseph Tallman, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 101st Airborne Division, and subsequently with Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, from 1967 to 1968. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Tallman and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Action Date:
1964 – 1965
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Richard Joseph Tallman, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving with Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 1964 to 1965. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Tallman and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Action Date:
January 1969 – May 1971
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Richard Joseph Tallman (ASN: 0-59277), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period January 1969 to May 1971. As Commanding Officer of the 2d Regiment, United States Corps of Cadets, from January 1969 to 1969, Colonel Tallman distinguished himself by exercising sound judgment, wisdom, and outstanding leadership in the direction and supervision of the officers, noncommissioned officers, cadets, and civilian personnel of the Regiment. The sympathetic understanding and innovative skills which he displayed in his daily contact with cadets of the regiment enabled him to instill in all he came in contact with a keen sense of duty as well as a sincere appreciation for the mission of the United States Military Academy. As Deputy Commandant of Cadets from April 1969 to May 1971, Colonel Tallman worked tirelessly to insure that the concepts of Duty, Honor, and Loyalty to Country were instilled in all cadets. Under his perceptive supervision, emphasis was placed on leadership development, discipline, and the maintenance of high standards of physical fitness within the Corps of Cadets. Colonel Tallman’s comprehensive grasp of operational, logistical, and administrative activities was instrumental in stimulating many improvements and innovations brought about in the support provided the Corps of Cadets. Colonel Tallman’s outstanding performance of duty reflects great credit upon himself, the United States Military Academy, and the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
2d Battalion (Airborne)Regiment:
501st Infantry RegimentDivision:
101st Airborne DivisionAction Date:
February 24, 1968
Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division, General Orders No. 255 (April 3, 1968)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 (ASN: 0-59277), 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.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Richard Joseph Tallman (ASN: 0-59277), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period June 1971 to May 1972 while serving successively as Commander, 3d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) and Chief of Staff, Third Regional Assistance Command. Colonel Tallman’s leadership and determination to overcome all obstacles enabled the Vietnamese 1st Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, as well as regional forces companies within Thua Thien Province to assume more of a security mission within the Vietnamization program for Military Region 1. Through his thorough knowledge of staff work, military command, employment of units, outstanding administrative and executive ability, his performance of duties as Chief of Staff, Third Regional Assistance Command were of the highest order. He formulated and conducted the planning for the Army Support Element and made it a reality as opposed to a concept. His assistance to III Corps, his truly professional performance as Brigade Commander of the 3d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, and as Chief of Staff, Third Regional Assistance Command, resulted in his being respected and admired by all members of the Free World Assistance Forces in Military Regions 1 and 2. Colonel Tallman’s professional competence and outstanding achievements were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.