Latest news with #SilverStar
NBC News
21-07-2025
- NBC News
Brother of late NFL player turned war hero Pat Tillman jailed in California post office crash
The family of NFL player turned war hero Pat Tillman on Monday acknowledged that the athlete's brother, Richard Tillman, was arrested for allegedly driving into a California post office Sunday. No one was injured in the 2:30 a.m. collision in San Jose, but it damaged the building and may have resulted in some destroyed mail, San Jose Fire Battalion Chief Josh Staley said. Richard Tillman, 44, a San Jose resident, was being held in lieu of $60,000 bail following his arrest Sunday, according to Santa Clara County inmate records. San Jose police said he was arrested on suspicion of arson. Fire officials said the collision appeared to have sparked a blaze at the post office that was knocked down about 90 minutes after the first reports of the crash. In a statement to NBC Bay Area, sent on behalf of the Tillman family, brother Kevin Tillman acknowledged the suspect is his sibling Richard Tillman. The statement expressed relief that no one was injured and said Richard Tillman had been suffering from mental health problems. "To be clear, it's no secret that Richard has been battling severe mental health issues for many years," Kevin Tillman said, noting that his brother's issues have been on display "for anyone to witness" via his livestreams. "Unfortunately, securing the proper care and support for him has proven incredibly difficult — or rather, impossible," Kevin Tillman said. "As a result, none of this is as shocking as it should be." Richard Tillman was scheduled to be in court for the matter on Wednesday. It's not clear if he has retained legal counsel for the case. The Pat Tillman Foundation did not respond to requests for comment. Last week, Los Angeles Fire Department firefighter David Walters and firefighter-paramedic Erin Regan accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service at ESPN's 2025 ESPYS at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Months after the attacks of 9/11, Pat Tillman put his successful NFL career as a safety with the Arizona Cardinals on hold to enlist in the U.S. Army with Kevin Tillman, a move that made national news. Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire on the night of April 22, 2004, amid his efforts to provide cover as fellow Army Rangers in eastern Afghanistan were being ambushed. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. He is widely hailed as example of public service and sacrifice for the United States in the 21st century.
American Press
11-07-2025
- Politics
- American Press
Two years after switch, Fort Polk's name returns
Fort Polk's name is being changed back to Fort Polk after previously being renamed to Fort Johnson. This decision reverses the 2023 renaming which honored Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a World War I hero. The base will now be named after Gen. James H. Polk, a Silver Star recipient from World War II. (Ashlyn Little / American Press) Fort Johnson — which was named after World War I Sgt. William Henry Johnson — was renamed Fort Polk on Friday. This time, however, it's named after a different Polk. 'We do not erase history, but build upon it,' said Chaplain Col. John V. Ijeoma as he opened the dedication ceremony. 'Today with this new name and new identity we embrace the future. May this redesignation reflect a spirit of unity, dignity and purpose.' The Leesville base was initially named for Confederate Gen. Leonidas Polk but was renamed after Johnson in 2023 during the Joe Biden administration. The recent renaming — ordered by President Donald Trump — reverses the change with the base now honoring Gen. James H. Polk, a Silver Star recipient from World War II. Polk served more than 38 years in the Army. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1933 and began his career in the Cavalry. He would later became a pioneer in mechanized warfare. He served with distinction in World War II as the commander of the 3rd Mechanized Cavalry Group, leading reconnaissance operations across France and Germany during the Allied advance. He was awarded the Silver Star, among numerous other decorations. He proceeded to serve in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, and later became the commander of U.S. Army Europe, helping to strengthen NATO's defensive posture during the height of the Cold War. Among Polk's family members in attendance for Friday's renaming ceremony were son James H. Polk III, daughter Josephine 'Jody' Polk-Schwartz, sister Ann Polk Talbot and grandsons Johnathan Schwartz III and James Polk Schwartz. A portrait of Polk, unveiled by his family, will be centered under the entranceway to the JRTC and Fort Polk headquarters building. 'To be here today is, of course, a special occasion,' his son told attendees. 'We know he would be extremely proud and honored as we are to have this historic Army post and training area named after him. His dedication and service to our country and his patriotism has always been an inspiration to our family and to all who knew him. Indeed, our admiration for his life and accomplishments in the U.S. Army have continued to increase since his death over 30 years ago. The span of his career and the great events of the 20th century that he witnessed and participated in is truly remarkable.' Polk met his future wife, Josephine 'Joy' Polk, in 1933. 'By his side and through it all — after 28 moves and 55 years of marriage — was our mother, Josephine 'Joy' Polk. She was an exemplary Army wife, always with him, always supporting to her utmost in his various rolls in commands. We would like to pay tribute to her today. There's no doubt our father's Army career would not have succeeded without her support and I know she'd be very proud of this event today,' he said. 'We'd also like to honor the legacy and spirit of Sgt. William Henry Johnson and his heroic record in World War I,' he continued. 'We know that our father would want and expect that Sgt. Johnson continue to be remembered at Fort Polk by the U.S. Army as the great hero that he was.' Polk said his father was a great student of history and would quote Shakespeare. His father also had several inspiring sayings of his own and one that continues to stay with his son is, 'Don't take counsel of your fears.' This quote is sometimes hard to live up to, Polk admitted, and said it highlights his father's positive approach to life as a military man of action. 'He was always stepping up and moving ahead no matter what the challenge was ahead.' Brigadier General Jason A. Curl said since its establishment in 1941, Fort Polk has been a cornerstone of Army readiness, where soldiers have honed their skills and prepared for the demands of combat. Curl said the story of Johnson — a member of the legendary Harlem Hellfighters who 'exemplified valor beyond measure' — 'demands to be told.' 'Sgt. Johnson in May 1918 armed with little more than courage, a rifle and a bolo knife, single handedly repelled a German raiding party and saved his soldiers' lives,' Curl said. 'His sacrifice in service resonated across decades, inspiring soldiers of every generation to embody what we call uncommon valor. In naming this installation after him, we ensured that every soldier who trains here understands that readiness is built on grit, determination and courage to do what's right — even when no one is watching.' Curl said the installation post exchange will now bear Johnson's name and the soldier will 'remain a living part of our history and the strength of character of those who served.' 'The legacies of Sgt. William Henry Johnson and Gen. James H. Polk reminds us that greatness is never given, it is earned through character, commitment and the relentless pursuit of excellence,' Curl said. 'May this installation forever stand as a testament to their courage, their leadership and their devotion to country.' The total cost of renaming Fort Polk was less than $300,000, Curl said.
American Press
11-07-2025
- General
- American Press
PHOTO GALLERY: Fort Polk renaming ceremony
1/13 Swipe or click to see more James H. Polk, III speaks about his father during the garrison Renaming Ceremony at The Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk. (Ashlyn Little / American Press) 2/13 Swipe or click to see more James H. Polk, III speaks about his father during the garrison Renaming Ceremony at The Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk. (Ashlyn Little / American Press) 3/13 Swipe or click to see more James H. Polk III, son of Gen. James H. Polk II, is recognized on Friday during a ceremony renaming the Vernon Parish Army base after his father. (Ashlyn Little / American Press) 4/13 Swipe or click to see more James H. Polk III, son of Gen. James H. Polk II, is recognized on Friday during a ceremony renaming the Vernon Parish Army base after his father. (Ashlyn Little / American Press) 5/13 Swipe or click to see more James H. Polk III, son of Gen. James H. Polk II, is recognized on Friday during a ceremony renaming the Vernon Parish Army base after his father. (Ashlyn Little / American Press) 6/13 Swipe or click to see more 7/13 Swipe or click to see more Gen. James H. Polk was awarded the Silver Star during World War II. (Ashlyn Little / American Press) 8/13 Swipe or click to see more 9/13 Swipe or click to see more Fort Polk's name is being changed back to Fort Polk after previously being renamed to Fort Johnson. This decision reverses the 2023 renaming which honored Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a World War I hero. The base will now be named after Gen. James H. Polk, a Silver Star recipient from World War II. (Ashlyn Little / American Press) 10/13 Swipe or click to see more Fort Polk's name is being changed back to Fort Polk after previously being renamed to Fort Johnson. This decision reverses the 2023 renaming which honored Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a World War I hero. The base will now be named after Gen. James H. Polk, a Silver Star recipient from World War II. (Ashlyn Little / American Press) 11/13 Swipe or click to see more 12/13 Swipe or click to see more Fort Polk's name is being changed back to Fort Polk after previously being renamed to Fort Johnson. This decision reverses the 2023 renaming which honored Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a World War I hero. The base will now be named after Gen. James H. Polk, a Silver Star recipient from World War II. (Ashlyn Little / American Press) 13/13 Swipe or click to see more Fort Polk's name is being changed back to Fort Polk after previously being renamed to Fort Johnson. This decision reverses the 2023 renaming which honored Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a World War I hero. The base will now be named after Gen. James H. Polk, a Silver Star recipient from World War II. (Ashlyn Little / American Press) Fort Johnson, which was named after Albany war hero and World War I Sgt. Henry Johnson, was renamed Fort Polk on Friday. It was previously named for Leonidas Polk, a Confederate general, but has been renamed in honor of Gen. James H. Polk, who received the Silver Star for his service in World War II.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Microsoft's Satya Nadella and Salesforce's Marc Benioff pays tribute to FedEx founder Frederick Smith
Frederick Smith , the founder and former CEO of FedEx, died of natural causes on June 21 in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 80. Smith started in 1973 with 14 planes and $4 million from his family. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now FedEx's current CEO Raj Subramaniam called Smith 'a pioneer who connected the world and shaped global commerce.' Tech industry leaders like Microsoft CEO and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff also paid tribute to Smith, remembering him as a visionary who changed global shipping. Sharing a post on microblogging site X, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella wrote: 'Fred Smith shaped the world of commerce and logistics as we know it today. His vision, leadership, and relentless drive to innovate won't be forgotten. Rest in peace, Fred.' Marc Benioff wrote: 'Deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, FedEx founder Fred Smith. A gentle, kind, and brilliant giant of business, he always offered me his hard‑earned wisdom and the warmest word. A Marine who led with core values and deep integrity. My thoughts are with his family. May the one who brings peace bring peace to all.' From a college thesis to world's largest logistics companies Fredrick Smith launched Federal Express in 1973 with just 14 jets and $4 million in family funds. The company delivered 186 packages to 25 U.S. cities on its first night. Today, FedEx handles 17 million shipments daily, operates in 220 countries, and moves an estimated $2 trillion in goods annually. His idea of an integrated air-ground delivery network revolutionized overnight shipping and helped pave the way for just-in-time manufacturing and modern e-commerce. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now That concept was first imagined in a term paper Smith wrote while studying economics at Yale University in the 1960s. A Marine Corps veteran, Smith served two tours in Vietnam as a platoon leader and company commander. He earned several honors, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts. He often credited his military service as the foundation of his business leadership, once saying the Marines gave him his 'business degree.' Smith served as FedEx CEO until 2022, when he stepped down after nearly five decades of leadership and became executive chairman. Under his guidance, FedEx grew into an $84 billion company employing over 500,000 people worldwide.
New Indian Express
23-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Frederick W. Smith: A legacy carried in every FedEx delivery
FedEx founder Fred William Smith, who transformed a package delivery startup into a global logistics powerhouse, leaves behind a lasting legacy in commerce, transportation, and American enterprise. A decorated Marine, visionary businessman, and philanthropic leader, Smith will be remembered not only as a titan of industry, but as a relentless innovator who quite literally delivered on a dream — changing the way the world does business. Born on August 11, 1944, in Marks, Mississippi, Smith displayed a unique blend of daring and discipline from an early age. He studied economics at Yale University, where he famously outlined a revolutionary idea for an overnight delivery service in a college term paper — a concept that would later evolve into Federal Express. After serving two tours in Vietnam as a Marine Corps officer — earning the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts — Smith returned home with leadership experience and a bold vision for business. In 1971, he founded Federal Express (now FedEx) in Little Rock, Arkansas, later relocating the company to Memphis, Tennessee, a city strategically chosen for its central location and favorable flying conditions. The company began operations in 1973, initially delivering just 186 packages to 25 cities. Despite early financial struggles and skepticism from the business community, Smith remained undeterred. In one now-legendary episode, he used the company's last $5,000 to gamble in Las Vegas — a desperate but ultimately pivotal decision that helped cover payroll and keep the dream alive. Under Smith's leadership, FedEx grew into a global leader in logistics, pioneering innovations in package tracking, overnight delivery, and integrated air-ground operations. The company became synonymous with speed and reliability, eventually serving more than 220 countries and employing hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Smith served as FedEx CEO for nearly five decades, stepping down in 2022 while remaining executive chairman. Throughout his career, he was respected not only for his business acumen but also for his unwavering support of veterans, his contributions to aviation, and his belief in free enterprise and global connectivity. Outside the boardroom, Smith was deeply engaged in public policy, education, and philanthropy. He championed causes related to veterans' affairs, education reform, and civic engagement. He served on numerous boards and advised several US administrations on infrastructure, business, and national security. Fred Smith's legacy lives on in the millions of packages that move daily under the FedEx banner — a testament to one man's vision of connecting the world, one delivery at a time.
