Leading the Northern Advance Operation... Ralph Perkett, U.S. Reserve Colonel
Ralph Perkett, a retired U.S. Army colonel and Korean War veteran who was awarded the Taeguk Order of Military Merit by President Yoon Suk-yeol during his state visit to the United States last year, has passed away at the age of 97.
On the 8th (local time), major foreign media including The New York Times (NYT) reported that the U.S. National Infantry Museum announced he died while sleeping at his home that day.
Colonel Perkett was born in Georgia in 1926 and entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1945, graduating at the age of 23. When the Korean War broke out on June 25, 1950, he was appointed commander of the 8th Ranger Company and was dispatched to Busan.
In September of the same year, when General Douglas MacArthur executed the Incheon Landing Operation, the 8th Ranger Company contributed to pushing back North Korean forces beyond the 38th parallel. From that point, he was recognized for leading the advance northward operation. In November, he fought against Chinese forces while capturing Hill 205, a strategic point north of the Cheongcheon River.
After the Korean War ended, Colonel Perkett also participated in the Vietnam War and served as commander of the 10th Special Forces in Germany before retiring in 1971.
In April last year, Colonel Perkett received the highest military decoration, the Taeguk Order of Military Merit, from President Yoon Suk-yeol during his state visit to the United States.
At that time, President Yoon attended a luncheon commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Korea-U.S. alliance, pushed Colonel Perkett’s wheelchair onto the stage, and personally awarded him the Taeguk Order of Military Merit.
Colonel Perkett was also awarded the U.S. Medal of Honor, the highest U.S. decoration, by President Joe Biden during former President Moon Jae-in’s visit to the U.S. in 2021.
In addition, Colonel Perkett received the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, five Purple Hearts, and other awards during his 22 years of military service. The NYT reported that he is considered one of the most highly decorated soldiers in U.S. Army history.
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