Ralph Puckett Jr., a retired Army colonel awarded the Medal of Honor seven decades after he was wounded leading a company of outnumbered Army Rangers in battle during the Korean War, has died at age 97.
Puckett died peacefully Monday at his home in Columbus, Georgia, according to the Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, which is handling funeral arrangements.
President Biden in May 2021 awarded the first Medal of Honor of his presidency to Puckett for his "conspicuous gallantry" during the war. Mr. Biden presented the medal, which is the nation's highest military honor, alongside then South Korean President Moon Jae-in.
"President Moon, it's a real honor to have you here participating in this ceremony today," Mr. Biden said at the ceremony. "The strength of the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea was born out of the courage, determination and sacrifice of the Korean troops fighting shoulder to shoulder with American troops. And having you here today is an important recognition of all that our nation has achieved together, both of them, in the decades since."
Mr. Biden called Puckett's honor "70 years overdue" and said he was "incredibly proud" to give Puckett the full recognition he deserves.
The Heroism of Puckett
During a recent ceremony, President Biden praised the heroism of First Lieutenant Puckett, a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean War. Mr. Biden highlighted Puckett's belief that being a Ranger required guts and brains, emphasizing the importance of courage and intelligence in the face of danger.
Puckett's bravery was recognized with the Medal of Honor for his gallant actions as Commander of the 8th U.S. Army Ranger Company in November 1950. In a daring daylight attack on an enemy hill, Puckett repeatedly exposed himself to draw enemy fire, enabling his unit to locate and eliminate the enemy forces and secure the strategic position.
Despite his initial lack of experience, Puckett volunteered to lead the newly formed 8th Army Ranger Company during the early stages of the Korean War. With less than six weeks to train his troops, Puckett's leadership and courage were instrumental in their success on the battlefield.
"I said to myself: 'Dear God, please don't let me get a bunch of good guys killed,'" Puckett shared in a 2014 interview with the Ledger-Enquirer of Columbus, reflecting on the weight of his responsibilities as a leader.
In November 1950, during a two-day operation, Puckett led around 50 Rangers in capturing a strategically important hill near Unsan. Puckett bravely exposed himself to draw enemy fire, allowing his fellow Rangers to locate and eliminate enemy machine-gunners. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Puckett's troops successfully fought off multiple counterattacks from a Chinese battalion of about 500 soldiers before eventually being overwhelmed.
After sustaining serious injuries to his feet, backside, and left arm from mortar rounds landing in his foxhole, Puckett ordered his men to leave him behind. However, they refused to do so.
For his actions, Puckett was initially awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in 1951, the second-highest military decoration in the United States. Decades later, following a change in policy that removed a time limit for such awards, his recognition was upgraded to the Medal of Honor.
During the ceremony at the White House where he received the Medal of Honor, Puckett's humble response to the honor was: "Why all the fuss? Can't they just mail it to me?"
Despite his injuries in Korea, Puckett declined a medical discharge and continued to serve in the Army for another two decades before retiring in 1971. His remarkable service included a second Distinguished Service Cross in 1967 for his courageous actions in Vietnam, where he led an airborne infantry battalion and risked his life to rescue two wounded soldiers amidst heavy shrapnel fire.
Puckett's exceptional military accolades also comprised two Silver Stars, three Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars, and five Purple Hearts.
Remembering a Fearless Soldier
Retired Gen. Jay Hendrick, former top general of U.S. Army Forces Command, spoke highly of the late war hero, emphasizing his courage and fearlessness in all situations.
John R. Puckett, born in Tifton, Georgia on Dec. 8, 1926, was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a distinguished infantry officer. After his military service, Puckett continued to contribute to society by coordinating national programs for Outward Bound, Inc. and establishing a leadership and teamwork development program called Discovery, Inc. He remained a dedicated supporter of the 75th Ranger Regiment based at Fort Moore near his home in Columbus.
Reflecting on his time at West Point, Puckett shared a valuable lesson he learned on his first day - the importance of taking responsibility and holding oneself to high standards. He recalled the senior cadet's advice that "No excuse, sir" was the only acceptable response to any challenge, shaping his mindset for life.
