Ralph Puckett

{{Short description|U.S. Army Medal of Honor recipient (1926–2024)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}} {{Infobox military person | name = Ralph Puckett Jr. | image = PUCKETT.gif | image_size = | alt = | caption = COL Ralph Puckett, Jr. | nickname = | birth_date = {{Birth date|1926|12|8}} | birth_place = Tifton, Georgia, U.S. | death_date = {{Death date and age|2024|4|8|1926|12|8}} | death_place = Columbus, Georgia, U.S. | burial_place = | allegiance = United States | branch = United States Army | service_years = 1943–1945, 1949–1971 | rank = Colonel | service_number = | unit = | commands = 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry (Airborne) Mountain Ranger Division of the Ranger Department Eighth Army Ranger Company | battles = World War II Korean War Vietnam War | awards = Medal of Honor Distinguished Service Cross Silver Star (2) Legion of Merit (3) Bronze Star Medal (2) Purple Heart (5) Air Medal (10) Army Commendation Medal Taegeuk - Order of Military Merit | relations = | other_work = Outward Bound, Inc. (1971–1986) }}

'''Ralph Puckett Jr.''' (December 8, 1926 – April 8, 2024) was a United States Army officer. He led the Eighth Army Ranger Company during the Korean War and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on November 25, 1950, when his company of 51 Rangers was attacked by several hundred Chinese soldiers at the battle for Hill 205.<ref>Ralph Puckett, WD AGO FORM 639 dated January 11, 1951</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Lock|first=John D.|author2=Moore, Harold G. |title=To Fight With Intrepidity: The Complete History of the U.S. Army Rangers 1622 to Present|publisher=Fenestra Books|year=2001|isbn=1-58736-064-0}}</ref> He later served in the Vietnam War and retired from the army in 1971 as a colonel. After being appointed on July 19, 1996, he served as the Honorary Colonel of the 75th Ranger Regiment.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070928221455/http://www.usma1982.org/Constitution/Officers/2002-2007/PuckettNomination.htm USMA class of 1982 recommendation for COL Puckett for the Distinguished Graduate Award]}}</ref>

In April 2021, Puckett's Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on November 25, 1950, was upgraded to the Medal of Honor. He received the award from President Joe Biden during a ceremony at the White House on May 21, 2021. Until his death in 2024, Puckett was the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient of the Korean War, until navy pilot Royce Williams received the award in February 2026.<ref>{{cite web|author=Leo Shane III|title=Korean war hero to receive Medal of Honor this week|url=https://www.armytimes.com/veterans/2021/05/19/korean-war-hero-to-receive-medal-of-honor-this-week/|website=armytimes.com|date=May 19, 2021|access-date=May 19, 2021|archive-date=April 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410231241/https://www.armytimes.com/veterans/2021/05/19/korean-war-hero-to-receive-medal-of-honor-this-week/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Early life== thumb|left|Puckett Jr. as a West Point Cadet {{circa}} 1949 Puckett was born on December 8, 1926, in Tifton, Georgia.<ref name="NYT"/> He grew up in Tifton, which is in South Georgia. He attended Tifton High School, then finished high school at Baylor School, at that time a military academy, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He enrolled at Georgia Tech in 1943 before enlisting in the U.S. Army during World War II.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.chattanoogan.com/2021/12/17/440294/John-Shearer-Recent-Medal-Of-Honor.aspx | title=John Shearer: Recent Medal of Honor Recipient Ralph Puckett Attended Baylor School | date=December 17, 2021 | access-date=November 16, 2022 | archive-date=November 16, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116152052/https://www.chattanoogan.com/2021/12/17/440294/John-Shearer-Recent-Medal-Of-Honor.aspx | url-status=live }}</ref> In 1943, he became an Eagle Scout.<ref name="eagleout">{{Cite news |date=May 23, 2021 |title=Boy Scouts set the muse for management model, dedication to service Col. Ralph Puckett took into U.S. Military |work=We are the Nation News |url=http://wearethenationnews.com/boy-scouts-set-the-muse-for-management-model-dedication-to-service-col-ralph-puckett-took-into-u-s-military/ |access-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-date=February 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227041204/https://wearethenationnews.com/boy-scouts-set-the-muse-for-management-model-dedication-to-service-col-ralph-puckett-took-into-u-s-military/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Military career== Puckett enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps Enlisted Reserve in 1943 to become a pilot, undertaking his pre-aviation cadet training at Georgia Tech. However, with a glut of trained pilots, the program was disbanded. Puckett tried to remain in service with the Air Corps, but after it became clear there would be no chance at flight training, he chose to be discharged. He obtained an appointment to the United States Military Academy in July 1945.<ref name="mohmuseum">{{cite web | url=https://mohmuseum.org/ralph-puckett-jr/ | title=Ralph Puckett Jr | date=May 21, 2021 | access-date=April 9, 2024 | archive-date=November 29, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129215824/https://mohmuseum.org/ralph-puckett-jr/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Biden awards first Medal of Honor as president to Korean War hero who led Army Rangers in brutal battle against hundreds of enemy troops |website=Business Insider |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-medal-of-honor-army-ranger-and-korean-war-hero-2021-5?r=DE&IR=T |access-date=June 7, 2021 |archive-date=December 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205174821/https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-medal-of-honor-army-ranger-and-korean-war-hero-2021-5?r=DE&IR=T |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1949, Puckett graduated from the United States Military Academy (where he captained the Army Boxing Team), was commissioned as an infantry second lieutenant, deployed to Japan, and immediately volunteered to be assigned with the Rangers. When he was informed that there were no more lieutenant positions in the Eighth Army Ranger Company, he said that he would "take a squad leader's or rifleman's job"; positions several grades lower than a lieutenant's. Colonel McGee, who was in charge of forming the company, was so impressed by Puckett's attitude that he gave him the company commander's position; a position normally reserved for captains. On October 11, 1950, the Eighth Army Ranger Company entered the Korean War, conducting raids during both daylight and night time conditions.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.westpointaog.org/page.aspx?pid=583&chid=123 |title=1949 USMA graduate Puckett |date=May 25, 2004 |access-date=January 8, 2012 |archive-date=June 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610212135/http://www.westpointaog.org/page.aspx?pid=583&chid=123 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Hill 205=== {{main|Battle of the Ch'ongch'on River}}

On November 25, 1950, Puckett and his company captured Hill 205, a strategic point overlooking the Chongchon River, as part of the Battle of the Ch'ongch'on River. Puckett led the Rangers during the attack, shouted words of encouragement and got supporting fire from the closest tank. When a platoon was pinned down, he ran across an open area three times to draw enemy fire, which allowed the Rangers to locate and destroy the enemy positions and to seize Hill 205. After capturing the hill, the Ranger company was over a mile from the nearest friendly unit. Puckett coordinated artillery support prior to the Chinese counterattack.<ref name="NYT"/><ref name="mohmuseum"/><ref name="LE"/>

At 10pm, the Chinese began their attack by firing a mortar salvo against the Rangers. Six waves of Chinese forces assaulted the hill, with the first five waves attacking the hill for four hours. The Rangers were outnumbered 10-to-1. Several times, Puckett was forced to call in "danger close" artillery fire. During the sixth assault, the Rangers were overrun in hand-to-hand combat. There was a lack of artillery support due to Chinese attacks throughout the American lines. Puckett, who had previously suffered a thigh wound, incurred several wounds to his feet, buttocks, and an arm when two mortars landed in his fox hole. After his wounds immobilized him, Puckett ordered his Rangers to leave him behind and abandon the position. Two of the Rangers, David Pollock and Billy Walls, ignored his orders, shot three Chinese soldiers who were yards from Puckett's fox hole, and evacuated Puckett from the hill. After he was evacuated, Puckett was able to call for artillery fire to hit the hill. He was hospitalized for 11 months due to the wounds he suffered that night.<ref name="NYT">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/08/us/col-ralph-puckett-jr-dead.html |title=Col. Ralph Puckett Jr., Belated Medal of Honor Recipient, Dies at 97 |author=Richard Goldstein |work=The New York Times |date=April 8, 2024}}</ref><ref name="mohmuseum"/><ref name="LE"/><ref name="US Army"/>

Puckett was initially awarded a Distinguished Service Cross before it was upgraded to a Medal of Honor in 2021.<ref name="LE"/> Pollock and Walls received the Silver Star for gallantry.<ref name="NYT"/>

===After Korea=== Following the Korean War, Puckett served over two years in the U.S. Army Infantry School Ranger Department as commander of the Mountain Ranger Division. As the first Ranger Advisor in the U.S. Army Mission to Colombia, he planned and established the Colombian Army Escuela de Lanceros (Ranger School). Later, he commanded "B" and "C" teams in the 10th Special Forces Group in Germany. In 1967, Puckett, then a Lieutenant Colonel, commanded the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment (United States) of the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. He was awarded a second Distinguished Service Cross for heroic leadership in August 1967. During a firefight near Đức Phổ, South Vietnam, he exposed himself to intense enemy fire and rallied his undermanned unit to defeat Viet Cong forces.<ref name="NYT"/><ref name="KOB.com 2024 l334">{{cite web | title=Ralph Puckett Jr., awarded Medal of Honor for heroism during the Korean War, dies at 97 | website=KOB.com | date=10 April 2024 | url=https://www.kob.com/news/us-and-world-news/ralph-puckett-jr-awarded-medal-of-honor-for-heroism-during-the-korean-war-dies-at-97/ | access-date=11 April 2024}}</ref>

==Retirement== thumb|Puckett with Army Rangers in 2010. Puckett retired in 1971 after 22 years of active duty to become the national programs coordinator of Outward Bound, Inc.<ref name="eagleout" /> He subsequently established leadership and teamwork development program Discovery, Inc.<ref>{{cite web |title=COL RALPH PUCKETT, U.S. ARMY RETIRED |url=https://www.ausa.org/people/col-ralph-puckett-us-army-retired |website=ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY |access-date=November 8, 2021 |language=en |date=July 25, 2017 |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108005437/https://www.ausa.org/people/col-ralph-puckett-us-army-retired |url-status=live }}</ref> After several years of successful leadership at Discovery, Inc. in Herndon, Virginia, Puckett moved to Atlanta and began the Discovery Program at The Westminster Schools. In 1984, he became the executive vice-president of MicroBilt, Inc., a soft- and hardware computer company. Puckett was an inaugural inductee into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame in 1992.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ranger Hall of Fame |url=https://www.moore.army.mil/infantry/artb/RHOF/index.html |website=www.moore.army.mil |access-date=15 April 2024}}</ref> He served as the Honorary Colonel for the 75th Ranger Regiment from 1996 to 2006 for which he was awarded the Distinguished Civilian Service Award. He often spoke at graduations and other functions at Fort Benning and was an Honorary Instructor at The Infantry School. He was inducted into the Order of St. Maurice in 1997,<ref name="infantryassn">{{cite web |title=Award Recipient Search for 'Ralph Puckett' |url=https://infantryassn.org/previous-award-recipients/ |website=National Infantry Association |access-date=15 April 2024}}</ref> and was the 1998 Ranger of the Year for the Ranger Infantry Companies of the Korean War. He was inducted into the USAF Gathering of Eagles in 1999.<ref>{{cite web |title=Puckett, Ralph |url=https://goefoundation.org/eagles/puckett-ralph/ |website=Gathering of Eagles Foundation |access-date=15 April 2024}}</ref> He was added to the Tifton, Georgia, Wall of Fame in 2004. Other honors include appointment as an Ambassador of Goodwill by the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, selection as a Distinguished Graduate of the United States Military Academy in 2004,<ref name="LE">{{cite news |url=https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article287481610.html |title=Medal of Honor recipient Ralph Puckett, who brought honor to Columbus, has died |author=Mark Rice |work=Ledger-Enquirer |publisher=McClatchy Media Network |date=April 8, 2024}}</ref> and selection as the Infantry's Doughboy Award recipient in 2007.<ref name="infantryassn" /> He was the author of ''Words for Warriors: A Professional Soldier's Notebook''<ref>{{cite book |last1=Puckett |first1=Ralph |title=Words for Warriors: A Professional Soldier's Notebook |date=2007 |publisher=Wheatmark, Inc. |isbn=978-1-58736-805-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uvQdbBsYS2oC |ol=12321948M |oclc=123378879 |language=en}}</ref> and numerous media articles.

==Personal life and death== Puckett and his wife had two daughters and a son, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. One of his daughters preceded him in death.<ref name="NYT"/><ref name="US Army"/>

Puckett died on April 8, 2024, at his home in Columbus, Georgia, at the age of 97.<ref>{{cite news |title=Korean Conflict Medal of Honor recipient Col. Ralph Puckett passes away in his sleep; He was 97 |url=https://www.wrbl.com/news/korean-conflict-medal-of-honor-recipient-col-ralph-puckett-passes-away-in-his-sleep-he-was-97/ |access-date=April 8, 2024 |publisher=WRBL |date=April 8, 2024 |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408143901/https://www.wrbl.com/news/korean-conflict-medal-of-honor-recipient-col-ralph-puckett-passes-away-in-his-sleep-he-was-97/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Awards and decorations==

{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;" |- | colspan="3" style="text-align:center" |235px |- | colspan="3" style="text-align:center" |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Medal of Honor ribbon.svg|width=106}} |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Distinguished Service Cross ribbon.svg|width=106}} |{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|ribbon=Silver Star Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}} |{{ribbon devices|number=2|type=oak|ribbon=Legion of Merit ribbon.svg|width=106}} |- |{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|ribbon=Bronze Star Medal ribbon.svg|width=106|other_device=v}} |{{ribbon devices|number=4|type=oak|ribbon=Purple Heart ribbon.svg|width=106}} |{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Air Medal ribbon.svg|width=106|number=9}} |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Army Commendation Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=American_Campaign_Medal_ribbon.svg|width=106}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=World_War_II_Victory_Medal_ribbon.svg|width=106}} |- |{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|ribbon=National Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}} |{{ribbon devices|number=3|type=service-star|ribbon=Korean_Service_Medal_-_Ribbon.svg|width=106}} |{{ribbon devices|number=3|type=service-star|ribbon=Vietnam Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}} |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Vietnamese Gallantry Cross, with palm.svg|width=106}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Vietnam Civil Actions Medal ribbon-First Class.svg|width=106}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Ribbon Bar of the Knight of The Order of Military Merit José María Córdova.svg|width=106}} |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=United Nations Service Medal Korea ribbon.svg|width=106}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon, with 60- clasp.svg|width=106}} |106x106px |- | colspan="3" style="text-align:center" |106x106px |- | style="text-align:center" |125px | | style="text-align:center" |125px |} {| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;" | colspan="3" |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Korean Presidential Unit Citation.png|width=106}}{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Gallantry_Cross_Unit_Citation.png|width=106}} |} {| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;" |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=USSOCOM Medal BAR.svg|width=106}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=USA - Army Distinguished Civilian Service Award.png|width=106}} |}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;" |- !Badge | colspan="3" |Combat Infantryman Badge {{small|with 1 star (2nd award)}} |- !1st row | colspan="3" style="text-align:center" |Medal of Honor {{small|Upgraded from the DSC awarded for his actions at Hill 205}} |- !2nd row | style="text-align:center" |Distinguished Service Cross | style="text-align:center" |Silver Star {{small|with Oak leaf cluster}} | style="text-align:center" |Legion of Merit {{small|with 2 oak leaf clusters}} |- !3rd row | style="text-align:center" |Bronze Star Medal {{small|with Valor device and Oak leaf cluster}} | style="text-align:center" |Purple Heart {{small|with 4 oak leaf clusters}} | style="text-align:center" |Air Medal {{small|with 9 oak leaf clusters}} |- !4th row | style="text-align:center" |Army Commendation Medal | style="text-align:center" |American Campaign Medal | style="text-align:center" |World War II Victory Medal |- !5th row | style="text-align:center" |National Defense Service Medal {{small|with 1 oak leaf cluster}} | style="text-align:center" |Korean Service Medal {{small|with three bronze Campaign stars}} | style="text-align:center" |Vietnam Service Medal {{small|with three Campaign stars}} |- ! |Vietnam Gallantry Cross {{small|with Palm}} |Vietnam Civil Actions Medal {{small|First Class}} |Knight of the Order of Military Merit José María Córdova |- !6th row | style="text-align:center" |United Nations Korea Medal | style="text-align:center" |Vietnam Campaign Medal | style="text-align:center" | Korean War Service Medal |- !Badges | colspan="2" style="text-align:center" |Master Parachutist Badge | style="text-align:center" |Glider Badge |- !Badges | colspan="2" style="text-align:center" |Special Forces Tab | style="text-align:center" |Ranger Tab |- !Unit awards | colspan="2" |Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation |Vietnam Unit Gallantry Cross {{small|with Palm}} |- !Civilian Awards | colspan="2" |United States Special Operations Command Medal |Army Distinguished Public Service Medal |}

=== Medal of Honor citation === [[File:P20210521AS-1667 (51224512546).jpg|thumb|right|Puckett being awarded the Medal of Honor by President Joe Biden in 2021.]] alt=A light blue neck ribbon with a gold star-shaped medallion hanging from it. The ribbon is similar in shape to a bowtie with 13 white stars in the center of the ribbon.|left|149x149px {{Blockquote|text=OFFICIAL CITATION The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3rd, 1863, has awarded, in the name of Congress, the Medal of Honor to

FIRST LIEUTENANT RALPH PUCKETT, JR. UNITED STATES ARMY for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

First Lieutenant Ralph Puckett, Jr., distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as the commander 8th U.S. Army Ranger Company during the period of 25 November, 1950, through 26 November, 1950, in Korea.

As his unit commenced a daylight attack on Hill 205, the enemy directed mortar, machine gun, and small-arms fire against the advancing force. To obtain fire, First Lieutenant Puckett mounted the closest tank, exposing himself to the deadly enemy fire. Leaping from the tank, he shouted words of encouragement to his men and began to lead the Rangers in the attack.

Almost immediately, enemy fire threatened the success of the attack by pinning down one platoon. Leaving the safety of his position, with full knowledge of the danger, First Lieutenant Puckett intentionally ran across an open area three times to draw enemy fire, thereby allowing the Rangers to locate and destroy the enemy positions and to seize Hill 205.

During the night, the enemy launched a counterattack that lasted four hours. Over the course of the counterattack, the Rangers were inspired and motivated by the extraordinary leadership and courageous example exhibited by First Lieutenant Puckett. As a result, five human-wave attacks by a battalion-strength enemy — enemy element were repulsed.

During the first attack, First Lieutenant Puckett was wounded by grenade fragments, but refused evacuation and continually directed artillery support that decimated attacking enemy formations.

He repeatedly abandoned positions of relative safety to make his way from foxhole to foxhole, to check the company’s perimeter and to distribute ammunition amongst the Rangers.

When the enemy launched a sixth attack, it became clear to First Lieutenant Puckett that the position was untenable due to the unavailability of supporting artillery fire. During this attack, two enemy mortar rounds landed in his foxhole, inflicting grievous wounds, which limited his mobility.

Knowing his men were in a precarious situation, First Lieutenant Puckett commanded the Rangers to leave him behind and evacuate the area. Feeling a sense of duty to aid him, the Rangers refused the order and staged an effort to retrieve him from the foxhole while still under fire from the enemy.

Ultimately, the Rangers succeeded in retrieving First Lieutenant Puckett and they moved to the bottom of the hill, where First Lieutenant Puckett called for devastating artillery fire on the top of the enemy-controlled hill.

First Lieutenant Puckett’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. |source=[https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/puckett/?from=features Colonel (Ret.) Ralph Puckett Jr. {{!}} Medal of Honor Recipient {{!}} U.S. Army]}}

===Other awards=== *Order of Saint Maurice (Primicerius){{refn|<ref>[http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=5120 Ralph Puckett Hall of Valor awards]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ralphpuckett.com/bio/ |title=COL Ralph Puckett biography |access-date=January 8, 2012 |archive-date=July 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709023346/http://www.ralphpuckett.com/bio |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220213153612/http://www.benningmwr.com/veterans/puckett.phpPuckett bio – Fort Benning MWR]</ref><ref>[http://tiftongazette.com/archive/x1448701265 Puckett bio picture] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120904024549/http://tiftongazette.com/archive/x1448701265 |date=September 4, 2012 }}</ref>}} *100px South Korean Order of Military Merit, Taegeuk (2023)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/12/113_349789.html|title=Yoon awards top military medals to Korean War heroes|first=Hyun-woo|last=Nam|newspaper=The Korea Times|date=April 26, 2023|access-date=January 5, 2024|archive-date=January 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104234324/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/12/113_349789.html|url-status=live}}</ref> *100px Colombian Lancero Ranger Badge<ref name="US Army">{{Cite web |title=Colonel (Ret.) Ralph Puckett Jr. |url=https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/puckett/?from=features |publisher=US Army}}</ref>

===Legacy=== *'''Colonel Ralph Puckett Parkway''', a stretch of First Division and Dixie roads running from the end of I-185 to Sightseeing Road on Fort Benning, was dedicated on June 8, 2012.<ref>[http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2012/06/08/2077581/fort-benning-road-renamed-for.html Fort Benning road renamed for retired Army Col. Ralph Puckett] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613181522/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2012/06/08/2077581/fort-benning-road-renamed-for.html |date=June 13, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/81687/Stretch_of_road_renamed_for_retired_colonel/ |title=Colonel Ralph Puckett Parkway |date=June 13, 2012 |access-date=June 23, 2012 |archive-date=February 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213153601/https://www.army.mil/article/81687/Stretch_of_road_renamed_for_retired_colonel/ |url-status=live }}</ref> *Colonel Puckett is the namesake of the '''Colonel Ralph Puckett Leadership Award''' series. ::The first award is a competition to identify a junior officer in the Ranger Regiment who sticks out amongst his peers for his take-charge attitude. The contest extends over three days and nights and consists of several different physical fitness tests, weapons firing, military skills, essay preparation, and appearance before a board of officers and senior non-commissioned officers. The winner of the award is considered by the Regiment as the entry in the Army-wide MacArthur Award competition. ::The second award is presented to the Officer Honor Graduate at the U.S. Army Ranger Course. The recipient of this award performs successfully in each leadership position, completes the demanding Ranger Course without repeating any phase, and was acclaimed by his peers. ::The third award is presented to an officer in the Maneuver Captains Career Course who displayed exceptional leadership and exhibits exemplary physical condition, consistent high academic standing, and served in a leadership position.

* On November 25, 2025, a statue was unveiled on Hurley Hill at Fort Benning. The seven-foot-tall, bronze statue prominently overlooks an area where newly qualified Rangers, and their families, will pass and remember who he was and the Ranger legacy he represents. Puckett preferred this relatively remote location because he often frequented that location to inspire new trainees at the beginning of each Ranger Course.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Fort Benning hosts dedication ceremony for statue of Col. Ralph Puckett Jr.|url=https://www.army.mil/article/289283/fort_benning_hosts_dedication_ceremony_for_statue_of_col_ralph_puckett_jr|website=www.army.mil|date=2025-11-28|access-date=2025-12-01|language=en}}</ref> * Another statue, depicting Puckett as a young lieutenant during the Korean War, is located at the National Infantry Museum’s Korean War Memorial.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Korean War Memorial|url=https://nationalinfantrymuseum.org/project/korean-war-memorial/|website=National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center|access-date=2025-12-01|language=en-US}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

== External links == {{wikiquote}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Puckett, Ralph}} Category:1926 births Category:2024 deaths Category:United States Army Rangers Category:United States Army colonels Category:United States Military Academy alumni Category:United States Army Medal of Honor recipients Category:Korean War recipients of the Medal of Honor Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross (United States) Category:Recipients of the Silver Star Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit Category:Recipients of the Air Medal Category:Recipients of the Order of Saint Maurice Category:Military personnel from Columbus, Georgia Category:People from Tifton, Georgia Category:United States Army personnel of the Korean War Category:United States Army reservists Category:American recipients of the Gallantry Cross (Vietnam) Category:Recipients of the Order of Military Merit (South Korea)