Word Sketch: Ralph

Michael Easterling

3/7/21 

Ralph Puckett Jr.

1926-2024

War Hero

Dear Friend

Medal of Honor

He walked ramrod straight even with a pronounced limp,

close to the same figure he had when he captained 

the boxing team as a Cadet years before.

No longevity medals covered his chest—

two DSC’s, two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars, five Purple Hearts, ten Air Medals among others

so other officers became more quiet around him.

He was a straight talker, not known for diplomacy

but he was fair and honest.

He treated workers, cadets, officers and brass the same

which probably was a problem for him.

Many of the Brass don’t want to be treated this way-

they don’t want disagreement, they want agreement-

they don’t want dialogue, they want monologue—theirs—

they don’t want challenge, they want deference.

At West Point Ralph oversaw a regiment of cadets

and he took his job seriously.

After all he knew what the days ahead

might hold for these green young men

since this was his first tour after the front lines

in Viet Nam and before that the front lines in Korea.

In Korea he commanded the 8th Army Ranger Company

at the Chinese border.

He led his 51 Rangers in capturing several objectives.

The numerically superior enemy counter-attacked several times and Ralph was wounded

but continued to direct his Company.

The enemy counter-attacked again and Ralph 

was so badly wounded that he couldn't move—

he ordered his men to leave him and withdraw.

They refused, then dragged him to safety.

31 Rangers were killed or wounded.

Ralph survived

and was sent to Japan for intensive rehabilitation.

But life smiled on him during that  painful, difficult time 

in the form of a beautiful hospital volunteer named Jeannie,

and as she helped Ralph over those weeks and months

their relationship blossomed and they fell in love.

After Ralph recovered they returned to the states

and were married in a big Georgia wedding.

In the days ahead Ralph became a Green Beret

and was sent to Viet Nam as a Battalion Commander

with the 101st Airborne.

In one situation one of his companies 

was being overrun by the Viet Cong and 

the young Company Commander was feeling overwhelmed.

In the midst of hellish enemy fire Ralph landed his chopper

and steadied the young lieutenant—

his company regained the offensive. 

Ralph was badly wounded in the process.

As his continued his career

it was one accomplishment after another:

commanding the Mountain Ranger Division in Korea;

helping European countries in forming their own Ranger companies; 

helping establish the Columbian Army Ranger School;

serving at the US Military Academy,West Point;

serving as a senior officer at the Pentagon;

being selected to attend the US Army War College;

working with General Bernard Rogers in modernizing

the army at Fort Carson Colorado.

He retired in 1971.

But to say he had a lot left in him is a great understatement.

He went to work for a few years as an executive with Outward Bound the premier outdoor education organization.

Then he founded Discovery in Northern Virginia,

rigorous, outdoor education for prep-schools, colleges and businesses.

Then he retired again moving to Columbus, GA 

near the Army Ranger School at Ft. Banning.

Loving the Rangers he became a consultant with them,

teaching and counseling with the staff and the soldiers 

going through the demanding training.

Every Ranger past and present knew who Ralph Puckett was.

In 1991 he was made Honorary Colonel

of the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Here’s a question that Ralph might be asked at this point in his life.

Of all those decorations and awards on his coat

which one is he most proud of?

I think Ralph would say it was the  6 letter

black and yellow patch on his shoulder—RANGER.

Another question might be,

In his many years in the military what is he most proud of?

I think Ralph would be very quick in saying that if was the 

wonderful men and women he served with—

especially the heroes who left it all on the battlefield.

Another question might be, 

what is he most proud of in his life?

I think  he would be very clear about his answer.

“My beautiful daughters Marti and Jeannie,”

“My beautiful son Tommy.”

“My beautiful wife Jeannie. My anchor. My north-star.”

Post Script 1

I might be in error about some of the events and dates mentioned. Also about chronology.  But I am spot-on about the character of this truly good man and great warrior.

Post Script 2

I was a minister in DC for many years and Ralph and Jeannie attended my church. Occasionally we went for hamburgers after the Service  One Sunday we were eating lunch, enjoying each other and talking about this and that when Jeannie started  talking about something that had just happened. Their doorbell rang and it was a man who Ralph recognized. He was that young company commander that Ralph had swooped in on in Viet Nam. The man went over  what had happened there and as he finished he said: “ Colonel Puckett, you not only saved my company, you saved my life.” 

 As Jeannie finished the story 

it was very quiet at the table for a while. 

Ralph had his head down. Tears flowed down his cheeks.

POST SCRIPT 3

In my ministry in DC on two occasions Ralph and his Discovery team took young people from my church out for  days of rafting, rock climbing, repelling and spelunkering. Ralph’s staff members were not a bunch of professional soldiers or Rangers. They were mainly young, free-spirited outdoorsmen and women—some were real hippies. And the kids from my church were kids from mainly affluent families—some were spoiled brats. The memorable thing to me is how well Ralph worked with them all just as he had worked with soldiers and cadets and Rangers in the past.  

Post Script 4

I have just heard that the Department of Defense has given approval for Ralph to receive the Medal of Honor. When he receives it from President Biden, he might be the most decorated soldier in American history.