Last Surviving Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient Ralph Puckett Jr. Honored with Lie in Honor Ceremony at U.S. Capitol Rotunda

Colonel Ralph Puckett, Jr., the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War, received a prestigious honor on Monday as his remains lay in honor in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. Born on December 8, 1926, and passing away at age 97 on April 8, Puckett Jr.’s extraordinary valor during the Korean War earned him this recognition alongside other distinguished service recipients who have been laid to rest in the revered Rotunda. Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Congress would honor Puckett’s remarkable heroism by permitting his remains to lie in honor, recognizing both his contributions as a Korean War veteran and those of all veterans from this conflict. Lawmakers and members of the family surrounded the urn resting at the center of the Rotunda during the ceremony.
Puckett Jr., who hailed from Tifton, Georgia, graduated from West Point in 1949 before embarking on a highly-decorated military career that spanned over two decades. He served as an Infantry Officer and was deployed to both the Korean War (in 1950) and Vietnam War (in 1967). During his time of service, Puckett Jr. received numerous accolades including two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars with V device for valor, five Purple Hearts, ten Air Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal, among others, according to the U.S. Army’s records. President Biden recognized Puckett Jr.’s leadership skills during a White House ceremony on May 21st, where he was awarded a medal for heroic action while leading troops in combat near Hwagorri-ni (Korea) during December of 1950 as a lieutenant junior grade. Speaking to his peers after Puckett Jr.’s passing, President Biden remarked that “he leads from the front…He is a Ranger and that’s how Rangers lead –that’s how you lead.”
According to information provided by the Architect of the Capitol’s website, government officials typically lie in state while private citizens are laid to rest with honor. The use of the U.S. Capitol Rotunda for such events is controlled jointly by both houses of Congress and any person who has rendered distinguished service may be honored if their family wishes it and congress approves.