[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 82 (Wednesday, May 12, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H2209-H2210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1215
                         HONORING RALPH PUCKETT

  (Mr. FERGUSON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. FERGUSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable 
individual from my district, Colonel Ralph Puckett, a 94-year-old 
veteran who will soon receive the Nation's highest award, the Medal of 
Honor.
  Colonel Puckett is a Georgia native and a graduate of West Point. 
Soon after graduating, he was deployed to fight in Korea in the 8th 
Army Ranger Company. In November of 1950, he heroically led his Ranger 
company on a freezing day at the Battle for Hill 205. His platoon was 
overcome by an onslaught of Chinese attackers and a barrage of 
artillery fire. Colonel Puckett sustained severe injuries during this 
attack.
  Although his injuries incapacitated him, Colonel Puckett selflessly 
ordered Private First Class Billy G. Walls and Private First Class 
Davis L. Pollock to leave him on the battlefield. He could see the 
Chinese soldiers within yards of attacking his Rangers, but his 
comrades returned to carry him to safety, despite the danger.
  Colonel Puckett went on to serve honorably in Colombia, Germany, and 
Vietnam until his retirement in 1971.

[[Page H2210]]

Though his Active Duty has ended, he continues to serve as Honorary 
Colonel of the 75th Ranger Regiment, and he still inspires young people 
in his community today.
  Colonel Puckett was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame and 
received a Distinguished Service Cross for his actions at Hill 205, in 
addition to two Silver Stars, five Purple Hearts, various awards from 
Vietnam and Colombia, and a Distinguished Graduate Award from West 
Point. His bravery is a testament to his strength and patriotism, and 
he is an inspiration to the people of the Third District of Georgia, as 
well as our country.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Colonel Puckett and extending our sincere appreciation to him and all 
of our men and women in uniform. As a nation, we are forever grateful 
for their service and their sacrifice.

                          ____________________