If you don't yet know the story of Retired @USArmy Col. Ralph Puckett, it's a remarkable one, and it's why @POTUS will present him with the nation's most prestigious military decoration today, the Medal of Honor.
While fighting in the Korean War, he led 57 Rangers and Korean soldiers across 800 yards of frozen rice paddies to hold a key hill overlooking the Chongchon River. He crisscrossed the open field three times so his Rangers could eliminate a concealed enemy machine-gun position.
With the hill secured, the Rangers came under heavy mortar and machine-gun fire that night as Chinese forces entered the Korean conflict against U.S. and U.N. forces, and although he sustained a wound to his right thigh from a grenade, he refused to be evacuated.
Outnumbered nearly 10 to one, he continued to direct his company through additional counterattacks. He would leave his foxhole during each counterattack to observe the enemy's movement, motivate his Rangers and call in artillery where needed the most.
After being wounded a 2nd time, Puckett pushed through to lead his force while the Chinese drew closer to their location. During the final counterattack, the Eighth Army Ranger Company's casualties began to mount, and Puckett ordered them to withdrawal to safety.
Severely wounded, Puckett ordered his Rangers to leave him behind to ensure their safety. Disobeying their commander's orders, two Rangers fought back against the Chinese force as they crested the hill and dragged Puckett down to safety.
Puckett previously received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during the battle for Hill 205 on Nov. 25, 1950. Seventy years later, that award is being upgraded to the Medal of Honor. army.mil/article/246521…
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