President Joe Biden awarded the first Medal of Honor of his presidency on Friday to retired Army Col. Ralph Puckett, Jr., “for conspicuous gallantry during the Korean War."

What You Need To Know

  • President Joe Biden awarded the first Medal of Honor of his presidency on Friday to retired Army Col. Ralph Puckett, Jr., "for conspicuous gallantry during the Korean War"

  • South Korea’s president Moon Jae-in spoke at the event, the first foreign leader to participate in a Medal of Honor ceremony

  • Ret. Col. Puckett "distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty" during the Battle of Hill 205, a pivotal moment which highlighted China’s major entrance into the Korean War 

  • Puckett was an inaugural inductee into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame in 1992 and remains very active in military affairs

Biden bestowed the Medal of Honor — the nation’s highest military honor — to Col. Puckett who “distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty” while serving as commander of the Eighth Army Ranger Company on Nov. 25-26, 1950. 

President Biden said that Col. Puckett’s first reaction to hearing about the Medal of Honor ceremony was: "Why all the fuss? Why can't they just mail it to me?”

"I was gonna make a joke about the Post Office but I decided not to do that," Biden continued, adding: “Your lifetime of service to our nation deserves a little bit of fuss."

The president said that he was "humbled" to host Puckett at the White House, and noted that his longtime friend, the late Arizona Sen. John McCain, was instrumental in making the ceremony possible.

"Today, after more than a decade of effort, including support from my good friend, John McCain, God rest his soul," Biden said, "I'm incredibly proud to give Colonel Ralph Puckett’s acts of valor the full recognition they have always deserved."

The president said that it was an "honor" that South Korea’s president Moon Jae-in, who is visiting the White House, could attend the ceremony, the first time a foreign leader has ever attended such an event.

Moon said he found it "truly meaningful" to join the Medal of Honor ceremony, and called it a "great honor and pleasure" to be the first foreign leader to do so.

"Col. Puckett is a true hero of the Korean War," President Moon, thanking the 94-year-old and veterans of the war for their sacrifice.

"Without the sacrifice of veterans, including Col. Puckett," Moon said, "Freedom and democracy we enjoy today couldn't have blossomed in Korea." 

After bestowing the medal upon Col. Puckett, Biden invited his entire family up for a photo. President Biden and President Moon both crouched down beside Col. Puckett, who was seated for the photo, to applause from the room.

Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, who was in attendance at the event, said she has known Col. Puckett since the early 1990s and called him an "incredible mentor" to her.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who was also in attendance, called Col. Puckett's story "remarkable" in a Twitter thread devoted to his gallant actions during the Battle of Hill 205.

Puckett’s company of Rangers was attacked by hundreds of Chinese forces at the Battle of Hill 205, a pivotal moment which highlighted China’s major entrance into the Korean War.

“As his unit commenced a daylight attack on Hill 205, the enemy directed mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire against the advancing force,” the White House said. “To obtain supporting fire, First Lieutenant Puckett mounted the closest tank, exposing himself to the deadly enemy fire.  Leaping from the tank, he shouted words of encouragement to his men and began to lead the Rangers in the attack.”

Puckett, then a First Lieutenant, ran across an open area multiple times to draw enemy fire, allowing the Army Rangers to take the hill. 

“During the course of the night, the enemy launched a counterattack which lasted four hours,” the White House noted. “Over the course of the counterattack, the Rangers were inspired and motivated by the extraordinary leadership and courageous example exhibited by First Lieutenant Puckett. As a result, five human wave attacks by a battalion strength enemy element were repulsed.”

Puckett was wounded in the attack by grenade fragments, but refused to be evacuated and urged the men in his command to leave him behind and evacuated. They refused and successfully carried Puckett to safety. 

He earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on Hill 205, part of a 22-year, highly decorated military career which included two Silver Stars and a second Distinguished Service Cross for his service in the Vietnam War. Other decorations include two Bronze Stars, three Legions of Merit and five Purple Heart medals.

Puckett retired from the military in 1971 and eventually settled near Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia, with his wife of 68 years, Jean. He went on to work as National Programs Coordinator of Outward Bound, and started Discovery, Inc., a leadership and teamwork program focused on “Personal Growth through Safe Adventure.” 

Puckett was an inaugural inductee into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame in 1992 and remains very active in military affairs.