[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 69 (Friday, April 19, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           REMEMBERING COLONEL RALPH PUCKETT, JR., USA (RET.)

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 19, 2024

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a loving 
husband, dedicated father, committed soldier and dear friend of 
longstanding, Colonel Ralph Puckett, Jr., USA (Ret.). Sadly, Colonel 
Puckett passed away on April 8, 2024. He leaves behind a legacy of 
service that will be emulated by many for years to come. A memorial 
service honoring his remarkable life will be held on April 20, 2024, at 
the National Infantry Museum Parade Field adjacent to Fort Moore, 
Georgia.
  Colonel Puckett was born on December 8, 1926, in Tifton, Georgia. He 
graduated from Baylor High School and then enrolled at Georgia Tech 
before enlisting in the United States Army during World War II. Colonel 
Puckett graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point 
in 1949. He was assigned as Infantry Lieutenant for the Eighth U.S. 
Army Ranger Company when the Korean War began.
  On November 25, 1950, during the Korean conflict, the First 
Lieutenant began a multiday operation with the Eighth Army Ranger 
Company, a company composed of 51 U.S. and nine Korean Soldiers against 
a barrage of Chinese Troops on Hill 205. During the initial assault, 
Colonel Puckett exposed himself to enemy fire, rallying pinned down 
U.S. troops to advance and take the hill from its defenders. In the 
following hours, the temperatures dropped, and the Chinese attempted to 
retake the hill. Colonel Puckett radioed an artillery strike to stop 
the enemy's advance.
  Over the course of the attacks, Colonel Puckett sustained several 
wounds to his left shoulder, feet, thighs, and buttocks. Despite being 
severely wounded, he was still able to command his company and call on 
artillery to avert enemy attacks before being carried to safety by two 
of his troops.
  During his 22-year career, Colonel Puckett received many awards 
including the Distinguished Service Cross twice, along with two Silver 
Stars for valor, two Bronze Star medals, and five Purple Hearts. In 
1992, he became one of the first people to be inducted into the United 
States Army Ranger Hall of Fame.
  Because of his courageous valor and after many years of efforts on 
his behalf, Colonel Puckett was awarded the Medal of Honor by President 
Joseph R. Biden on Friday, May 21, 2021.
  Colonel Puckett gave himself to his country and to so many for so 
long. As such, he is one of our nation's most decorated war heroes. 
Even after his military service ended, he found a way to give back to 
those who came after him. He remained very active with military 
affairs, including volunteering with the Ranger Brigade. Colonel 
Puckett also served as an executive with Outward Bound, a nonprofit 
educational organization that exposes students, especially those from 
cities, to wilderness settings.
  Colonel Puckett accomplished much in his life, but none of this would 
have been possible without the grace of God, and the enduring love and 
support of his wife, Jean, and their children Martha and Thomas.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, 
along with the 765,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional 
District in celebrating the life and legacy of Colonel Ralph Puckett, 
Jr., USA (Ret.). Moreover, we extend our deepest condolences to his 
family, friends, and all who mourn his loss. May they all be consoled 
and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, 
weeks, and months ahead.

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