Years of service 1943–1972 | Name Richard Tallman | |
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Allegiance United States of America Commands held Deputy Commander, Third [Military] Regional Assistance Command Battles/wars World War IIKorean WarVietnam War † Died July 9, 1972, An Loc, Vietnam Battles and wars | ||
Richard J. Tallman (March 28, 1925 – July 9, 1972) was a United States Army brigadier general who was killed by North Vietnamese artillery fire in 1972 during the Battle of An Lộc. He was the last U.S. Army general and last general officer to die in the Vietnam War. He also served in World War II and the Korean War.
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Early life and family
He was born in Honesdale, Wayne County, Pennsylvania.
General Tallman married Miss Evelyn Phillips in 1949, they had seven children.
Education
He graduated from Honesdale High School in 1943.
He graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point in 1949.
US Army career
Shortly after high school graduation he was drafted into the Army and sent to the European theatre. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge as a machine gunner. He later earned a field commission. He subsequently became a cadet at West Point graduating in the Class of 1949 as an infantry officer.
1st Lt Tallman saw action during the Korean War in 1951-2 with the 3rd Infantry Division.
He later served as a tactical officer and military history teacher and as assistant commandant of cadets at West Point.
Vietnam War
General Tallman served four tours of duty during the Vienam War.
He served as senior advisor to the ARVN 22nd Infantry Division.
Then-Lieutenant Colonel Tallman commanded the 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment in 1968-68.
On 18 June 1971, then-Colonel Tallman became commander of the 3rd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division.
On 1 July 1972 he was promoted to Brigadier-General and appointed as Deputy Commander of Third [Military] Regional Assistance Command (TRAC) which was responsible for overseeing all U.S. military advisors throughout the 3rd Military Region.
Death
On 9 July 1972, General Tallman and his aides had just landed at An Lộc to observe ARVN counter-offensive operations at the conclusion of the Battle of An Lộc when they were hit by North Vietnamese artillery fire, 3 of the group were killed instantly, while General Tallman and two others were wounded. The wounded men were evacuated to the 3rd Field Hospital in Saigon where General Tallman died of his wounds.He was the last U.S. Army general to die in South Vietnam.
Memorials
The Brigadier General Richard J. Tallman Memorial Bridge in Honesdale is named in his honor.