House Passes Bill to Name Knoxville Clinic for Local Veteran
July 14, 2009
Washington, DC -- The House of Representatives Tuesday passed a resolution introduced by Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-Tenn.) to name the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic in Knoxville, Tennessee the “William C. Tallent Veterans Outpatient Clinic” in honor of a respected local Veteran.
The resolution – H.R. 402 – passed by a vote of 419-0. It now heads to the Senate for consideration, where Tennessee’s two U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker have signed a letter of support.
“In East Tennessee, there is perhaps no person better known for their devotion to area Veterans than Bill Tallent. While the story of his service in World War II reads likes a Hollywood script, his life-long devotion to fellow Veterans, his humble demeanor, and his career as a public servant make him the perfect candidate for the naming of the Veterans Outpatient Clinic in Knoxville,” Duncan said on the House floor.
Bill Tallent was captured during World War II and sent to a Prisoner of War (POW) camp. After six months, he engineered a daring escape with a fellow prisoner, and made his way across Germany in search of the American front lines. He was rescued by an American General, who was driving a Buick through a German town where Tallent was looking for food. During the ordeal, he came close to death several times, including at his capture, when he was lined up against a wall with his fellow prisoners and ordered to be shot.
His bravery, determination, and sacrifice during this experience earned him two Purple Hearts and One Bronze Star.
Bill Tallent has devoted his life to public service and his fellow Veterans in the decades following World War II. He served as Knoxville’s Commissioner of Finance from 1953-1980. Mr. Tallent was also appointed by the Governor to serve on the Veterans Administration Home Policy Board, where he was instrumental in bringing a Veterans nursing home to Knoxville.
Mr. Tallent founded the Smoky Mountain Chapter of American Ex Prisoners of War, where he served as its Commander. During his tenure, he helped compile the POW stories of other members, and gave the publication to the Knox County Public Library for posterity.
His life-long service to Veterans also includes serving as Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 356, Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Chapter 173, and Member of Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 26.
“There is perhaps no greater sacrifice that an American can make than serving their Country during a time of war,” said Duncan. “Bill Tallent gave so much for his Country, yet he has never asked for anything in return, and he has continued to serve others his entire life. He is a true American hero.”