Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff today released the following statement.
“I join all Georgians and all Americans in remembering and recognizing the late Army Colonel Ralph Puckett Jr. for his decades of valiant service to the United States as he lies in honor today in the United States Capitol.
“I send my condolences and deepest appreciation to his wife Jeannie, daughter Martha, son Thomas, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“Born in Tifton, Georgia, Col. Puckett received his commission as an Infantry Officer from the United States Military Academy, West Point, in 1949.
“He volunteered for the Eighth Army Ranger Company, which was formed shortly after the Korean War began in 1950, and later was seriously wounded in action as the company commander while attached to Task Force Dolvin.
“Following his service, Col. Puckett remained active and served as the Honorary Colonel of the 75th Ranger Regiment and as an Honorary Instructor at The Infantry School in Columbus, Georgia.
“In 2021, Col. Puckett was awarded the Medal of Honor — our nation’s highest military honor — for his heroic actions in Korea and for his decades of service.
“Like all Americans, I’m deeply grateful for Col. Puckett’s decades of selfless service and sacrifice, and our country is a better place because of him.
“May Col. Puckett’s memory be a blessing.”
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