Ralph Puckett Jr . retired as an Army colonel in 1971 . His awards include the Medal of Honor , the Distinguished Service Cross , two Silver Stars , three Legions of Merit , two Bronze Stars with V device for valor , five Purple Hearts , ten Air Medals , the Army Commendation Medal and the World War II Victory Medal , among others . In addition , he has the Combat Infantryman ’ s Badge with star , Special Forces Tab , Ranger Tab , Master Parachutist Wings , Glider Badge and Columbian Lancero Ranger Badge .
DAYS OF HONOR
They were outnumbered 10 to one . Daylight , Nov . 25 , 1950 , Puckett and his Rangers were part of Task Force Dolvin . They were leading the advance of the 25th Infantry Division .
They attacked and secured Hill 205 , near the Chongch ’ on River , about 60 miles from the China border .
The enemy fired mortars , machine guns and small arms at Puckett and the Rangers .
“ To obtain supporting fire , 1st Lt . Puckett mounted the closest tank exposing himself to the
mander . It needed a combat-experienced captain and I was a brand-new second lieutenant .”
Puckett later asked why he was selected commander .
“ I was told it was because they were pleased with my willingness to serve and fitness for the job ,” Puckett said . “ They said I had the ambition , motivation , attitude and physical fitness needed for the job . “ It set the course for my career .” Puckett said he excelled at special forces because he embraced the mission of special forces . “ I learned I liked working with specially trained soldiers assigned to a specialized mission ,” he said . “... They are great soldiers and it is a great challenge to live up to the character of these soldiers and be their leader . I was impressed and still am impressed with the soldiers I meet in the special forces .”
Puckett and the Rangers would soon be tested .
Ralph Puckett returned to combat duty in Vietnam .
He earned his second Distinguished Service Cross while serving in Vietnam . His first DSC was upgraded to the Medal of Honor this year .
28 TiftonScene | SEPTEMBER 2022