Medal Of Honor

PRESIDENT BIDEN AWARDS MEDAL OF HONOR TO KOREAN WAR VET

" President Biden Awards Medal Of Honor To 94 Year Old Korean Veteran At White House Today."
May 21, 2021 By Art Fletcher & Leonard Madison Reporting For: Englebrook Independent News.

      President Joe Biden, this afternoon awarded the Medal of Honor to 94-year-old Korean War veteran, he invited South Korean President Moon Jae-in to speak, the first time a foreign leader has participated in the White House honor.



     "President Moon, it's a real honor to have you here participating in this ceremony today," Biden stated. "The strength of the alliance between the United States, and The Republic of Korea was born out of the courage, determination, sacrifice, and of the Korean troops fighting shoulder to shoulder with American troops. And having you here today is an important recognition of all that our nation has achieved together, both of them, in the decades since."



     Biden awarded the distinction to retired Army Col. Ralph Puckett Jr. for showing "extraordinary heroism and selflessness" in the Korean War more than 70 years ago, and after hailing Puckett as a man deserving of "a little bit of fuss," he invited his South Korean counterpart to speak.



     Biden stated that Colonel Puckett had told that when he was in Korea during the Korean war it was absolutely destroyed. That was true President Moon stated through a translator. "But from the ashes of the Korean war we rose, we came back, and that was thanks to the Korean war veterans who fought for Korea's peace and freedom. And right now thanks to their support and efforts we are enjoying prosperity."



     Biden spoke with Puckett's service beyond the Korean War and praised the Army Ranger for his leadership, noting how he let it be known in 2015, when the military was considering opening all combat positions to women, that he supported equal opportunity.



    "He leads from the front. He leads by example. He leads with his heart. He's a Ranger. And that's how Rangers lead, that's how you lead," Biden stated, looking to Puckett.



     Puckett entered the room in a wheelchair, pushed his walker aside and stood at attention as the citation about his bravery was read to all in attendance.



     After Biden bestowed the medal on Puckett, his extended family joined them for a photo. Biden invited Moon to jump in for a shot as well.



     During the Korean War, On November 25, 1950, then-1st Lt. Ralph Puckett Jr, drew enemy fire and exposed himself multiple times to danger to allow his Rangers to find and destroy enemy positions during a multi-wave attack that would leave him gravely injured and nearly cost him his right foot.



     Puckett initially received a Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on "Hill 205," as he led the 8th U.S. Army Ranger Company. But now, after an 18-year-effort led by John Lock, a retired Army officer, that award was upgraded to the military's highest honor.



      According to the White House, when the enemy launched a four-hour counterattack, Puckett "continually directed artillery support that decimated attacking enemy formations.



     Puckett was injured by a hand grenade during the first wave of the attack, but continued his command, enduring an additional five rounds of attack throughout the night and sustaining debilitating wounds during the sixth.



     While he told his Rangers to leave him behind and evacuate the area, they picked him up and got Puckett to safety.

     "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," the White House said in a statement.

     Although he was severely wounded, Puckett would go on to serve again in Vietnam as a member of the 101st Airborne Division. During his 22-year career, he received another Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars for valor, five Purple Hearts for injuries suffered in combat and two Bronze Star Medals.



     Puckett was also inducted to the Army Rangers Hall of Fame in 1992 and was named a 2004 Distinguished Graduate of the United States Military Academy West Point.

     The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration that may be awarded by the U.S. government, according to the Department of Defense. The award is given to "members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty."

     Lock heralded Puckett's leadership as a standard all leaders should try to emulate, highlighting the many years of mentorship and counsel he has provided to fellow service members, and his support for a diverse military.



     Puckett was informed that he would receive the honor last month by Biden, who called to share the news.



"It was quite a shock," Puckett said of the phone call. "I never thought he'd be calling to speak to me. I was surprised by how humble and ordinary and friendly that he sounded."

FILED UNDER MAY 21, 2021 BIDEN, PUCKETT.