CONGRESSMAN BISHOP MOURNS THE PASSING OF MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT, COL. RALPH PUCKETT, JR.

COLUMBUS, Ga. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) shared this statement following the news that Korean War Veteran, Presidential Medal of Honor recipient, and longtime Columbus resident, Colonel (Retired) Ralph Puckett, Jr. has passed away:

“Today, I am heartbroken to learn of the death of Colonel Ralph Puckett, Jr. His leadership and service, both in our country's armed forces and in the communities which he called home, have shaped the lives of many and will inspire future generations.

“Already a highly decorated officer and one of the first people to be inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame, in 2021, Colonel Puckett was also awarded the Medal of Honor by President Joe Biden for his service in the Korean War.

“Following 22 years of active duty, Ralph Puckett, Jr. was not done giving back to the community. He passed along the lessons of leadership and teamwork to America's youth through the Outward Bound program and founded Discovery, Inc.

“I had the great honor of interacting with Colonel Puckett throughout the years as he continued to take an active role in the life of Fort Moore and its soldiers. His passion for service did not diminish with age. He joined us for the annual Congressional Military Family Caucus Summit this past August at the National Infantry Museum which is part of our ongoing Congressional effort to improve the quality of life for our military families.

“My wife, Vivian, and I want to convey our deepest condolences to Colonel Puckett's wife, Jean, and all his family and loved ones who mourn his passing. While we will miss his presence, we are comforted that his spirit will live on through those whose lives he touched.”

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