A Georgia veteran, who was honored with the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions on the battlefield during the Korean War, has passed away.
Col. Ralph Puckett Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday morning, with his wife by his side, at the age of 97, as reported by The National Infantry Museum.
According to a statement from the museum, Ralph was adored by everyone who had the privilege of meeting him. He dutifully served on our National Advisory Board and consistently supported the National Infantry Museum Foundation. Although he received numerous accolades and awards, he is most fondly remembered as a man who was always willing to shake a Soldier’s hand and offer kind words.
Puckett hails from Tifton, Georgia and joined the U.S. Army in 1943. He pursued his education at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Following his graduation, Puckett willingly enlisted in the Army’s 8th Ranger Company.
President Joe Biden later recognized Puckett’s exceptional military career by awarding him the Medal of Honor.
In November 1950, Puckett and his 51-man unit initiated an assault on a strategic location known as Hill 205 during the Korean War. Throughout the course of two days, Puckett and his men faced relentless enemy fire, including mortar, machine gun, and small arms attacks.
Puckett sustained multiple wounds when mortar rounds landed in his foxhole. Despite his orders for his men to leave him behind and evacuate, they refused to do so.
The Rangers extracted Puckett from the foxhole and transported him to the base of the hill. Despite sustaining injuries, Puckett persisted in overseeing operations amidst the barrage of enemy fire. Remarkably, he deliberately traversed an exposed area multiple times, intentionally drawing enemy fire to buy the Rangers valuable time, as reported by the White House.
During Lt. Puckett’s Medal of Honor ceremony in 2021, President Biden emphasized that Korea is often referred to as the Forgotten War. However, the men who served under Lt. Puckett’s command will never forget his bravery and unwavering presence by their side throughout every minute of the war.
President Moon Jae-in of South Korea was also present at the ceremony to pay tribute to Puckett’s courageous deeds.
“He said that the freedom and democracy we enjoy today in Korea could not have blossomed without the sacrifice of veterans like Col. Puckett and the 8th Army Ranger Company.”
After serving for 22 years and completing tours in Korea and Vietnam, Puckett decided to retire from active duty in 1971. He relocated to the Columbus area along with his family.
According to his obituary, the colonel received the following in addition to the Medal of Honor:
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- Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, three Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars with V device for valor, five Purple Hearts, 10 Air Medals and the World War II Victory Medal.
- Combat Infantryman’s Badge with star – for Korea and Vietnam, the Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Glider Badge and the Colombian Lancero Ranger Badge from the most respected Ranger course in Latin America that he helped establish.
Puckett’s legacy lives on through his loving family. He is survived by his wife Jeannie, daughter Martha, and son Thomas. In addition, he leaves behind six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, who will continue to cherish his memory. Puckett was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and daughter Jean.
The National Infantry Museum is organizing a celebration of life service for Puckett on April 20th at 11 a.m. Instead of flowers, Puckett’s family kindly asks for donations to be made to the museum, Ralph Puckett Memorial Fund, or other charitable organizations.
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