Political Quotes

“typically, legends emerge long after individuals or events they commemorate have passed into history; however, the legend of COL Ralph Puckett was present among us for decades. Ralph Puckett, Jr., was a giant of a man in his accomplishments, duties, and passion. He started on his journey into legendary history when he graduated from West Point in 1949, commissioning as an infantry officer. Following the outbreak of the Korean conflict in 1950, Lieutenant Puckett volunteered to command the newly created Eighth Army Ranger Company. This freshly minted lieutenant was charged with turning noninfantry soldiers into battle-ready Rangers in only 5\1/2\ weeks, and to no one's surprise, he did it. On November 25, 1950, the Rangers dismounted their vehicles under heavy fire and secured Hill 205 against an onslaught of North Korean fighters, who outnumbered them nearly 10 to 1. Lieutenant Puckett was instrumental in this effort. He called in supporting artillery fires dangerously close to his position. He intentionally exposed himself on six occasions, allowing the enemy force to focus on him while enabling his men to locate and kill the enemy. Lieutenant Puckett was wounded twice in this battle, but he refused to be evacuated and instead chose to continue to lead his men while they repelled five consecutive counterattacks.…”