Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable individual from my district, Colonel Ralph Puckett, a 94-year-old veteran who will soon receive the Nation's highest award, the Medal of Honor. Colonel Puckett is a Georgia native and a graduate of West Point. Soon after graduating, he was deployed to fight in Korea in the 8th Army Ranger Company. In November of 1950, he heroically led his Ranger company on a freezing day at the Battle for Hill 205. His platoon was overcome by an onslaught of Chinese attackers and a barrage of artillery fire. Colonel Puckett sustained severe injuries during this attack. Although his injuries incapacitated him, Colonel Puckett selflessly ordered Private First Class Billy G. Walls and Private First Class Davis L. Pollock to leave him on the battlefield. He could see the Chinese soldiers within yards of attacking his Rangers, but his comrades returned to carry him to safety, despite the danger. Colonel Puckett went on to serve honorably in Colombia, Germany, and Vietnam until his retirement in 1971. Though his Active Duty has ended, he continues to serve as Honorary Colonel of the 75th Ranger Regiment, and he still inspires young people in his community today. Colonel Puckett was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame and received a Distinguished Service Cross for his actions at Hill 205, in addition to two Silver Stars, five Purple Hearts, various awards from Vietnam and Colombia, and a Distinguished Graduate Award from West Point.…”