[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 188 (Thursday, November 16, 2017)]
[House]
[Page H9415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF JACK TOLBERT

  (Mr. LaMALFA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LaMALFA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Korean 
war veteran Jack Tolbert, who passed away this month at the age of 94.
  He was a long-time resident of Redding, California, for over 50 
years, and was originally a Texas native. He was awarded the 
Distinguished Service Cross for his heroism in Korea.
  In 1953, his outpost came under attack. A Chinese soldier hurled a 
grenade into Sergeant Tolbert's bunker. In an incredible moment of 
selfless bravery, Jack hurled himself on the grenade to shield his 
fellow soldiers from the explosion and injury or even death. Jack lost 
both his legs, among numerous other injuries.
  Though he would never admit it himself, Jack truly was a hero for 
having protected his brothers in arms. I knew him personally. It was 
always a joy to see Jack at events in the Redding area. He was always 
full of joy. He had a joke and slap on the back. He never let his 
condition get him down. He was always one of the most positive people 
in the room and a joy to be around.
  We will miss Jack dearly, but we are all blessed to have him in our 
lives, whether it was his service in Korea or his time as our neighbor 
in Shasta County.
  God bless him and his family.

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