[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 140 (Thursday, October 1, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE COURAGEOUS SERVICE OF MR. JACK TOLBERT

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                           HON. WALLY HERGER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 2009

  Mr. HERGER. Madam Speaker, it is my honor today to commend the self-
sacrificing act of a true American hero, Jack Tolbert, who was awarded 
the Distinguished Service Cross on Armed Forces Day in 1954. The 
extraordinary heroism of Mr. Tolbert was summarized thus when the medal 
was awarded:

       The President of the United States of America, authorized 
     by act of Congress July 9, 1918, has awarded the 
     Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant First Class Jack P. 
     Tolbert for extraordinary heroism in military operations 
     against an armed enemy:
       Sergeant First Class Tolbert, Infantry, United States Army, 
     a Member of Company B, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry 
     Division, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in 
     action against an armed enemy of the United States near 
     Kumhwa, Korea, on 11 June 1953. He was one of two outpost 
     guards on the main line of resistance when the area came 
     under a heavy artillery and mortar bombardment. Observing a 
     hostile infantryman approaching the position, he shouted a 
     warning to the other Sentinel and to the guard at the Command 
     Post, enabling them to alert other elements of the imminent 
     attack. Seconds later the enemy soldier hurled a 
     fragmentation grenade into the bunker. Fully aware of the 
     danger involved, he stepped on the missile in an attempt to 
     dispose of it or lessen its explosive effect and received the 
     full impact of the explosion. Although critically wounded in 
     this display of valor, his prompt and unhesitating action 
     prevented serious injury to his comrade. Inspired by his 
     unflinching courage, the troops fought with great tenacity 
     and skill, inflicting numerous casualties and containing the 
     assault. Sergeant Tolbert's inspirational conduct and 
     consummate devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon 
     himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the military 
     service.
       By order of Lt. General W. G. Wyman, Commanding General of 
     the Sixth Army.
       Armed Forces Day, 1954.

  Although the Redding chapter of the Military Order of the Purple 
Heart is named in his honor, Mr. Tolbert insists ``I'm not the hero 
type.'' In a 2009 interview with his hometown newspaper, Jack said, ``I 
was just a regular GI who spent a little time in the front line. I did 
my job and came home.'' With all due respect to Mr. Tolbert, no one 
shares his view. He may not have intended to be a hero, but a hero he 
is. And in recognition of his service, Shasta County has designated 
October 3 as ``Jack Tolbert Day.''
  It is my honor to recognize Jack Tolbert's heroic service to our 
Nation.

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