[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 87 (Friday, May 19, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E676]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF LT. GEN. THOMAS H. TACKABERRY

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 19, 2017

  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Lieutenant General Thomas H. Tackaberry, who passed away on Monday, 
April 3, 2017 at the age of 93. A Commander of the 18th Airborne Corps, 
82nd Airborne Division, and Fort Bragg, as well as a veteran of World 
War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, Lt. Gen. Tackaberry is a 
true American hero and our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends 
and family as they mourn the loss of this great man.
  Thomas Tackaberry was a high school star in the classroom and on the 
track field, and when his country needed him the most, he stood ready 
to answer the call to serve our great nation. Lt. Gen. Tackaberry 
enlisted in the Army Reserve during World War II at the age of 19. 
After being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, he served in Germany 
from 1945 to 1948. Lt. Gen. Tackaberry went on to fight in Korea and 
Vietnam, becoming highly decorated as the recipient of three 
Distinguished Service Crosses, five Silver Stars, a Distinguished 
Flying Cross, and a Soldier's Medal.
  Described as a ``grunt's angel,'' Lt. Gen. Tackaberry was devoted to 
his men, not only ensuring they were always supplied for the fight but 
physically prepared as well. Leading from the front, Lt. Gen. 
Tackaberry set a high bar for fitness with his men and led them on long 
training runs. He even remained dedicated to fitness well into his 
later life, completing 10 push-ups, despite being 93 years old and 
confined to a wheel chair, after being challenged by a family member. 
After 38 years in the military, Lt. Gen. Tackaberry retired to civilian 
life, managing a local real estate business and counseling the military 
of the Republic of China for BDC Corp.
  Despite all of his accomplishments, Lt. Gen. Tackaberry never boasted 
of his military decorations or accomplished private sector career, 
instead focusing his energy on his family. He raised his twin sons to 
be accomplished military leaders in their own right and currently has 
several grandchildren serving in the U.S. military as well. This 
country cannot repay the debt we owe to Lt. Gen. Tackaberry; he was 
truly one of a kind and a model American. While we may have lost this 
great man, his legacy lives on forever.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the life of 
Lieutenant General Thomas H. Tackaberry for his service to God and 
country.

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