[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 186 (Friday, October 30, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E999-E1000]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         OVERDUE RECOGNITION OF VALOR FOR VETERAN RENE TALBOTT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAREN BASS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 30, 2020

  Ms. BASS. Madam Speaker, I would like to call attention to bravery 
that has gone unrecognized until now. Sergeant Rene Talbott served 
honorably in the United States Air Force from November 2, 1967 to 
November 1,

[[Page E1000]]

1973, including two tours of duty in Vietnam. In 2018, Mr. Talbott 
requested his service records from the National Archive and discovered 
in an evaluation from 1968 that his superior officer had recommended 
him for a Bronze Star Medal. No further action was taken at the time, 
and Sgt. Talbott was not informed. Upon discovering the recommendation, 
former Sgt. Talbott, now in his 80s, took immediate action and applied 
to have his service record changed to reflect the Medal. Unfortunately, 
the passage of over half a century between then and now means that 
Airmen and others who witnessed his actions and who could provide 
evidence of his valor have all died. His request to have his record 
amended was denied. Though he has appealed, the likelihood of a change 
is very small.
  Nonetheless, Rene Talbott deserves to have his actions acknowledged. 
With this entry into the official proceedings of the Congress of the 
United States, I call attention to the strength and courage he 
displayed during his active duty service with this excerpt from Airman 
Talbott's evaluation:
  During his training, he showed an outstanding ability to learn and to 
retain what he learned. This was demonstrated on 30 May 1968, when as 
assistant machine gunner during a fire fight with an enemy of unknown 
strength and size, he reacted in a professional manner. He assisted the 
machine gunner in spotting targets and directing his fire. His self-
control under fire showed his good discipline and outstanding ability 
to react under adverse conditions. For his action in this incident 
Airman Talbott was recommended for the Bronze Star.
  While I still hope that Mr. Talbott will succeed in having his 
service record reflect the awarding of the Bronze Star, with this entry 
into the official record of the Proceedings of the U.S. Congress, I 
call attention to his dedication, his courage, and his integrity. The 
heroic actions that originally inspired Airman Talbott's chain of 
command to recommend him for the Bronze Star are now on full display 
for public recognition.

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