Korean War Veteran Unafraid of Bombs Inducted into the Hall of Heroes

[Image source=Yonhap News]

A Korean War veteran has been inducted into the U.S. Department of Defense’s Hall of Heroes following his receipt of the U.S. military’s highest honor, the Medal of Honor.

On the 6th (local time), the U.S. Department of Defense held a ceremony inducting six individuals, including retired Colonel Ralph Puckett Jr., a Korean War veteran, into the Department of Defense Hall of Heroes. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and senior Army officials attended to honor the heroes’ achievements.

At the ceremony, six individuals were inducted. Among them was one retired soldier who earned distinction in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) and received the Medal of Honor in 2020, as well as four Vietnam War veterans who were awarded the Medal of Honor by President Joe Biden the day before. Puckett’s induction into the Hall of Heroes was postponed until this year due to COVID-19.

Puckett, now 95 years old, was personally awarded the Medal of Honor by President Joe Biden last year during a summit with former President Moon Jae-in. He was also the first person to receive the Medal of Honor from President Biden after his inauguration.

As a lieutenant who served in the Korean War, Puckett was praised for risking his life to fight against Chinese forces during the Battle of Hill 205, a strategic point north of the Cheongcheon River, in November 1950. He was recognized for his selfless dedication to his subordinates rather than himself.

At the time, Puckett led the U.S. Army’s 8th Ranger Company, a special forces unit, and was ambushed by Chinese troops. To identify the enemy’s position, he risked his life by leaving the trench to assist his unit’s operations. That night, he was wounded by grenade shrapnel during the Chinese attack but chose to stay in the trench instead of being evacuated. Despite sustaining consecutive injuries to his shoulder and foot, he ordered his men to leave him behind and retreat. His subordinates refused the order and rescued him.

In his speech that day, Secretary Austin said, “Despite being wounded by grenade shrapnel, he did not leave his position and moved through the trenches distributing ammunition and caring for his men. His compassion and determination inspired his comrades.”

He added, “When he was injured, he ordered his men to evacuate without him, but they refused. Colonel Puckett did more than what the nation asked of him. We salute your dedication.” Secretary Austin emphasized that Puckett demonstrated that true courage is putting one’s subordinates first.

At last year’s Medal of Honor ceremony, Puckett attended in a wheelchair but made headlines by refusing assistance from a young officer and standing on his own. At that time, former President Moon and President Biden knelt to take commemorative photos with Puckett. However, Puckett was unable to attend this year’s event in person.