ABC: Medal of Honor recipient Col. Ralph Puckett lies in honor in Capitol rotunda

[China]

Medal of Honor recipient Col. Ralph Puckett lies in honor in Capitol rotunda

 

Ralph Puckett Jr., Colonel, United States Army, Retired. A name of honor and now for history.

 

Medal of Honor recipient Puckett's cremated remains lay in honor Monday afternoon in the Capitol rotunda -- one of the nation's highest honors. Puckett died April 8 at the age of 97 in Columbus, Georgia.

 

To lie in state or honor at the U.S. Capitol is a privilege reserved for the country's most-distinguished citizens and leaders, including United States presidents and some of the country's most-decorated war veterans. Only seven citizens -- Rosa Parks and Billy Graham and four U.S. Capitol Police officers -- have ever been paid the tribute.

 

During the Korean War, Puckett drew enemy fire and exposed himself multiple times to danger to allow his fellow Army Rangers to find and destroy enemy positions during a multi-wave attack, which earned him the Medal of Honor.

 

According to a military citation read at the ceremony, Puckett was awarded the Medal of Honor "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty" serving as the commander 8th U.S. Army Ranger Company during November 25-26,1950, in Korea.

 

"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," the citation concluded.

 

Puckett later returned to service and deployed to combat in Vietnam, where he was again honored for his gallantry. Among his other awards are five Purple Hearts, two Silver Stars, three Legion of Merit awards, two Bronze Star medals and a second Distinguished Service Cross for his actions in Vietnam.

 

The flags at the U.S. Capitol flew at half-staff on Monday in tribute to Puckett.

 

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