1 00:00:00,340 --> 00:00:00,760 Mhm . 2 00:00:08,540 --> 00:00:12,510 Yeah . Ladies and gentlemen , the 3 00:00:12,510 --> 00:00:14,440 President of the United States , 4 00:00:14,450 --> 00:00:17,600 accompanied by Medal of honor recipient . 5 00:00:17,610 --> 00:00:20,360 Colonel Ralph Puckett june Junior , 6 00:00:20,370 --> 00:00:22,660 United States Army Retired . 7 00:00:36,440 --> 00:00:39,540 Yeah . Yeah . Yeah . 8 00:00:46,940 --> 00:00:47,450 Mhm . 9 00:01:02,540 --> 00:01:05,650 Yeah , mm . 10 00:01:10,240 --> 00:01:11,240 Yeah . 11 00:01:21,540 --> 00:01:25,160 Yeah , mm . 12 00:01:26,240 --> 00:01:30,110 Mhm . Distinguished 13 00:01:30,120 --> 00:01:32,450 guests , Ladies and gentlemen , please 14 00:01:32,450 --> 00:01:34,530 join me as we mark this very special 15 00:01:34,530 --> 00:01:37,870 occasion in a word of prayer , Almighty 16 00:01:37,870 --> 00:01:41,120 God , the author of liberty , our 17 00:01:41,120 --> 00:01:44,340 sustainer protector and guide . Hear 18 00:01:44,340 --> 00:01:46,940 our prayer and bless this ceremony with 19 00:01:46,940 --> 00:01:49,590 your presence as we honor Colonel Ralph 20 00:01:49,590 --> 00:01:52,220 Pocket Junior , a courageous warrior , 21 00:01:52,230 --> 00:01:56,020 husband , father and friend Who for 70 22 00:01:56,020 --> 00:01:59,040 years has led the way From his actions 23 00:01:59,040 --> 00:02:01,740 with the Rangers on Hill 205 while 24 00:02:01,740 --> 00:02:03,907 defending the freedom of the people of 25 00:02:03,907 --> 00:02:06,790 Korea . And throughout his life , ralph 26 00:02:06,790 --> 00:02:08,790 has continued to serve the army and 27 00:02:08,790 --> 00:02:10,920 ranger regiment as an example of 28 00:02:10,920 --> 00:02:13,890 leadership of character and commitment 29 00:02:13,900 --> 00:02:16,400 for others to follow . Lord thank you 30 00:02:16,400 --> 00:02:18,567 for Colonel Puckett , a servant leader 31 00:02:18,567 --> 00:02:21,260 whose actions exemplify the prestige , 32 00:02:21,270 --> 00:02:23,860 honor and high esprit de corps of the 33 00:02:23,860 --> 00:02:26,310 ranger regiment and the crucible of 34 00:02:26,310 --> 00:02:29,010 conflict . He selflessly put his 35 00:02:29,010 --> 00:02:32,640 comrades lives before his own today as 36 00:02:32,640 --> 00:02:34,418 he accepts our nation's highest 37 00:02:34,418 --> 00:02:37,040 military honor for value . May his 38 00:02:37,040 --> 00:02:39,480 words of encouragement spoken to many 39 00:02:39,480 --> 00:02:41,647 over the years continue to ring true . 40 00:02:42,240 --> 00:02:46,190 Be proud but never satisfied Less . 41 00:02:46,190 --> 00:02:49,820 Ralph is loving and devoted wife of 68 42 00:02:49,820 --> 00:02:52,690 years , Jean family , fellow rangers , 43 00:02:52,690 --> 00:02:55,060 comrades and others today in spirit . 44 00:02:55,840 --> 00:02:58,380 Lord let ralph's life legacy in this 45 00:02:58,380 --> 00:03:00,560 very metal that is placed around his 46 00:03:00,560 --> 00:03:02,616 neck , inspire us all in challenging 47 00:03:02,616 --> 00:03:05,800 times to lead the way . We thank you 48 00:03:05,800 --> 00:03:08,030 for the blessings of freedom and those 49 00:03:08,030 --> 00:03:10,141 who serve to preserve and defend it . 50 00:03:10,310 --> 00:03:12,588 It is in your majestic and mighty name . 51 00:03:12,588 --> 00:03:13,850 I pray amen . 52 00:03:25,340 --> 00:03:27,840 Good afternoon everyone and welcome to 53 00:03:27,840 --> 00:03:31,570 the White House President move . It's 54 00:03:31,570 --> 00:03:33,580 a real honor to have you here 55 00:03:33,580 --> 00:03:35,747 participating in this ceremony today . 56 00:03:36,340 --> 00:03:38,396 The strength of the alliance between 57 00:03:38,396 --> 00:03:40,562 the United States Republican Korea was 58 00:03:40,562 --> 00:03:43,380 born of the courage , determination , 59 00:03:43,380 --> 00:03:46,690 sacrifice and of the korean troops . 60 00:03:46,690 --> 00:03:48,634 Fighting shoulder to shoulder with 61 00:03:48,634 --> 00:03:50,860 american troops and having you here 62 00:03:50,860 --> 00:03:52,916 today is an important recognition of 63 00:03:52,916 --> 00:03:54,749 all that our nation has achieved 64 00:03:54,749 --> 00:03:56,950 together both of them in the decades 65 00:03:56,950 --> 00:04:00,250 since and I'm joined by my wife Jill 66 00:04:00,250 --> 00:04:02,361 who is excited about this invent as I 67 00:04:02,361 --> 00:04:05,130 am the vice president of the Second 68 00:04:05,130 --> 00:04:07,050 Gentlemen are here as well . Our 69 00:04:07,050 --> 00:04:09,540 Secretary of Defense , Vice Chairman , 70 00:04:09,550 --> 00:04:11,661 Joint Chiefs of Staff , the officials 71 00:04:11,661 --> 00:04:13,717 of the United States Army as well as 72 00:04:13,717 --> 00:04:15,383 several members of Congress , 73 00:04:15,383 --> 00:04:16,828 Representative Ferguson , 74 00:04:16,828 --> 00:04:19,430 Representative Crow and Senator ernst 75 00:04:19,440 --> 00:04:22,870 because today we are hosting a true 76 00:04:22,870 --> 00:04:25,710 american hero and awarding and honor 77 00:04:25,960 --> 00:04:29,410 that is long overdue , More than 78 00:04:29,420 --> 00:04:33,170 70 years overdue 70 years ago on a 79 00:04:33,170 --> 00:04:35,130 frozen hilltop deep in what is now 80 00:04:35,130 --> 00:04:37,900 North Korea , A young first Lieutenant 81 00:04:37,910 --> 00:04:41,020 bravely out of West Point and barely 82 00:04:41,020 --> 00:04:43,980 out of West Point act with bravery and 83 00:04:43,980 --> 00:04:45,869 that earned him the Distinguished 84 00:04:45,869 --> 00:04:47,869 Service Cross , the military second 85 00:04:47,869 --> 00:04:50,210 highest honor today . After more than a 86 00:04:50,210 --> 00:04:52,940 decade of effort , including support 87 00:04:53,100 --> 00:04:56,510 from my good friend john McCain , god 88 00:04:56,510 --> 00:04:58,460 rest his soul . Shortly before he 89 00:04:58,460 --> 00:05:01,700 passed away , I'm incredibly proud to 90 00:05:01,700 --> 00:05:04,700 give Colonel ralph buckets act of valor 91 00:05:04,700 --> 00:05:07,350 the full recognition they have always 92 00:05:07,350 --> 00:05:10,140 deserved . Colonel . I'm humbled to 93 00:05:10,140 --> 00:05:12,780 have you here today . I really am along 94 00:05:12,780 --> 00:05:15,590 with your loving family and to award 95 00:05:15,590 --> 00:05:18,880 you the Medal of Honor . And though I 96 00:05:18,880 --> 00:05:21,700 understand that your first response to 97 00:05:21,700 --> 00:05:24,760 us hosting this event was to ask why 98 00:05:24,760 --> 00:05:28,260 all the fuss ? Yeah , why all the fuss 99 00:05:28,640 --> 00:05:32,500 can't they just mail it to me ? I was 100 00:05:32,500 --> 00:05:34,500 going to make a joke about the post 101 00:05:34,500 --> 00:05:36,778 office , but it's not to do that . Mhm . 102 00:05:37,740 --> 00:05:41,350 Colonel Puckett , After 70 years 103 00:05:41,360 --> 00:05:43,416 rather than mail it to you . I would 104 00:05:43,416 --> 00:05:45,638 have walked it to you . You know , your 105 00:05:45,638 --> 00:05:47,804 lifetime of service to our nation as I 106 00:05:47,804 --> 00:05:50,520 think deserves a little bit of fuss . A 107 00:05:50,520 --> 00:05:53,350 little bit of fuss . You know , when I 108 00:05:53,360 --> 00:05:55,660 called to tell the colonel that I had 109 00:05:55,660 --> 00:05:58,950 approved this award , I also spoke to 110 00:05:59,080 --> 00:06:01,260 Jeannie , excuse me for using your 111 00:06:01,260 --> 00:06:04,420 first name . That was my mom's name too . 112 00:06:04,430 --> 00:06:06,486 And you're my mom in the same eyes , 113 00:06:06,486 --> 00:06:08,708 although you're much too young to be my 114 00:06:08,740 --> 00:06:12,250 and They've been married for 68 years . 115 00:06:12,740 --> 00:06:14,907 We have something else and we have one 116 00:06:14,907 --> 00:06:17,018 thing in common . We both married way 117 00:06:17,018 --> 00:06:19,360 up , both married way up . 118 00:06:21,440 --> 00:06:24,910 That's exactly right . Well , Jeannie 119 00:06:24,910 --> 00:06:27,440 and ralph actually met while he was 120 00:06:27,440 --> 00:06:29,720 recovering from his wounds . They were 121 00:06:29,720 --> 00:06:33,380 married two years to the day after the 122 00:06:33,380 --> 00:06:35,640 battle that we're recognizing him today 123 00:06:35,640 --> 00:06:37,696 for his bravery . By the way , y'all 124 00:06:37,696 --> 00:06:38,973 can sit down . I think 125 00:06:41,640 --> 00:06:45,040 it just dawned on me . I understand why 126 00:06:45,040 --> 00:06:47,262 you're standing . I'd be standing too . 127 00:06:47,262 --> 00:06:51,050 But Jeannie , it's wonderful to welcome . 128 00:06:51,440 --> 00:06:53,440 I mean , that from the bottom of my 129 00:06:53,440 --> 00:06:56,240 heart Jill and I know firsthand , but 130 00:06:56,240 --> 00:06:58,407 it's not just the person who wears the 131 00:06:58,407 --> 00:07:00,730 uniform who serves military families 132 00:07:00,730 --> 00:07:03,660 make enormous sacrifices for our nation . 133 00:07:04,140 --> 00:07:06,360 So let me add our thanks to you and 134 00:07:06,360 --> 00:07:08,950 your life of service as well . I told 135 00:07:08,950 --> 00:07:11,006 you earlier , that expression by the 136 00:07:11,006 --> 00:07:13,228 poet , they also stand only . They also 137 00:07:13,228 --> 00:07:15,394 serve only stand and wait and you wait 138 00:07:15,394 --> 00:07:17,490 a long , long time and many , many , 139 00:07:17,500 --> 00:07:19,980 many circumstances . And that goes to 140 00:07:19,980 --> 00:07:22,990 the entire family , marty and her 141 00:07:22,990 --> 00:07:25,800 husband , Anthony , thomas and 142 00:07:25,810 --> 00:07:27,643 partnership . I don't know where 143 00:07:27,643 --> 00:07:29,810 they're here . I didn't see them yet . 144 00:07:29,810 --> 00:07:32,032 And I know the other daughter , Jeannie 145 00:07:32,032 --> 00:07:34,032 isn't with us anymore . Just like I 146 00:07:34,032 --> 00:07:36,199 wish our son Beau were able to be here 147 00:07:36,199 --> 00:07:38,421 to see this . He's not with us either . 148 00:07:38,421 --> 00:07:40,643 She's sharing spirit and represented by 149 00:07:40,643 --> 00:07:43,080 her family And I know she's always in 150 00:07:43,080 --> 00:07:46,310 your heart Colonel and never leaves . I 151 00:07:46,310 --> 00:07:48,780 also want to recognize Master Sergeant , 152 00:07:48,780 --> 00:07:51,950 Merrill Simpson who fought beside the 153 00:07:51,950 --> 00:07:54,283 colonel and Korea . Where are you going ? 154 00:07:54,283 --> 00:07:55,850 Stand up sir . Come in . 155 00:08:05,040 --> 00:08:06,460 Yeah , mm hmm . 156 00:08:17,940 --> 00:08:20,107 Who made the trip to Washington day to 157 00:08:20,107 --> 00:08:22,460 represent all of their fallen brothers 158 00:08:22,940 --> 00:08:25,950 From the 8th Army Ranger Company . It's 159 00:08:25,950 --> 00:08:28,117 an honor . It's an honor for all their 160 00:08:28,117 --> 00:08:31,850 memories as well . Hill to five . We're 161 00:08:31,850 --> 00:08:33,794 just 60 miles from the border with 162 00:08:33,794 --> 00:08:37,100 China and then Lieutenant it . And the 163 00:08:37,100 --> 00:08:39,360 rangers had their orders to take that 164 00:08:39,360 --> 00:08:42,400 hill as a young officer . Lieutenant 165 00:08:42,400 --> 00:08:44,360 Puckett knew that something wasn't 166 00:08:44,360 --> 00:08:46,582 quite right . The intelligence briefing 167 00:08:46,582 --> 00:08:49,320 indicated that there were 25,000 168 00:08:49,330 --> 00:08:51,770 Chinese troops in the area . Out . 169 00:08:51,770 --> 00:08:54,460 Bring Us and Korean Forces . 2 - three . 170 00:08:55,040 --> 00:08:57,260 Our Show Me 3 : two . Well , it's in 171 00:08:57,260 --> 00:08:59,750 the pocket though . The numbers thought 172 00:08:59,750 --> 00:09:01,972 the numbers for the attack didn't align 173 00:09:01,972 --> 00:09:03,917 with the basic military doctrine . 174 00:09:03,940 --> 00:09:06,760 Lieutenant believed in the fundamentals . 175 00:09:07,440 --> 00:09:10,660 It was how he trained his men and how 176 00:09:10,660 --> 00:09:13,060 he'd hand picked them . Chosen from the 177 00:09:13,060 --> 00:09:15,500 ranks of cooks and clerks and mechanics 178 00:09:15,940 --> 00:09:19,210 to the first ranger company since World 179 00:09:19,210 --> 00:09:22,140 War two . Physical conditioning , 180 00:09:22,150 --> 00:09:24,372 tactical training , working as a team , 181 00:09:25,040 --> 00:09:27,380 get the basics right then build from 182 00:09:27,380 --> 00:09:29,600 there . Lieutenant Puckett also 183 00:09:29,600 --> 00:09:31,878 believed in being there for the flight . 184 00:09:31,940 --> 00:09:33,940 He volunteered for the Army Corps , 185 00:09:33,940 --> 00:09:37,870 enlisted reserve to try to join uh , 186 00:09:37,880 --> 00:09:40,180 to fight in World War Two . He 187 00:09:40,180 --> 00:09:43,710 volunteered to go to Korea and instead 188 00:09:43,990 --> 00:09:46,580 of the safer posting in Japan , you 189 00:09:46,590 --> 00:09:48,860 volunteer for the new ranger company . 190 00:09:49,420 --> 00:09:52,750 And then he prayed , Dear God , don't 191 00:09:52,750 --> 00:09:55,770 let me get a bunch of guys , good guys 192 00:09:55,780 --> 00:09:58,680 killed when he was chosen to command 193 00:09:58,680 --> 00:10:02,050 that company . So , on the morning of 194 00:10:02,050 --> 00:10:05,260 November 25 , 1950 195 00:10:05,740 --> 00:10:09,070 mounted on the decks of the tanks , 51 196 00:10:09,070 --> 00:10:11,140 of Puckett's Rangers and nine Korean 197 00:10:11,140 --> 00:10:13,307 enlisted soldiers set out to take hill 198 00:10:13,307 --> 00:10:16,750 to five to make their charge . They had 199 00:10:16,750 --> 00:10:18,917 to cross about a half a mile of frozen 200 00:10:18,917 --> 00:10:21,083 rice paddies under fire . And when the 201 00:10:21,083 --> 00:10:23,470 any machine gunners slowed the rangers 202 00:10:23,470 --> 00:10:27,040 advance pocket risked his life by 203 00:10:27,040 --> 00:10:29,207 running across across the area to draw 204 00:10:29,207 --> 00:10:31,480 fire that would reveal with the 205 00:10:31,480 --> 00:10:35,340 location of the nest . He did it once 206 00:10:35,390 --> 00:10:38,360 he did it again , it took three runs 207 00:10:38,710 --> 00:10:40,821 intentionally exposing himself to the 208 00:10:40,821 --> 00:10:43,310 enemy to pick off the gunner . Of 209 00:10:43,310 --> 00:10:46,340 course , Colonel Puckett had developed 210 00:10:46,350 --> 00:10:48,970 a dangerous hobby as he recounted in 211 00:10:48,970 --> 00:10:51,830 his book of challenging himself to run 212 00:10:51,830 --> 00:10:53,941 in front of speeding cars when he was 213 00:10:53,941 --> 00:10:57,440 four years old . Yeah , 214 00:10:59,740 --> 00:11:03,150 so self preservation , it seemed , was 215 00:11:03,150 --> 00:11:06,360 never a primary concern of the current . 216 00:11:07,140 --> 00:11:09,196 When the rangers finally reached the 217 00:11:09,196 --> 00:11:11,196 top of hill to five , they found it 218 00:11:11,196 --> 00:11:13,390 abandoned , Puckett knew the fight 219 00:11:13,390 --> 00:11:16,020 wasn't nearly over his men establish a 220 00:11:16,020 --> 00:11:18,210 defensive perimeter and then went to 221 00:11:18,210 --> 00:11:21,330 coordinate the artillery support he was 222 00:11:21,330 --> 00:11:24,470 sure they would need and while he was 223 00:11:24,470 --> 00:11:27,710 there to load up the ammunition on 224 00:11:27,710 --> 00:11:30,160 ammunition and grenades , the basics 225 00:11:30,540 --> 00:11:33,350 Shortly after returned 1st , Onslaught 226 00:11:33,360 --> 00:11:36,130 began mortars followed by a ground 227 00:11:36,130 --> 00:11:38,190 assault from the entire Chinese 228 00:11:38,200 --> 00:11:40,570 battalion . Puckett Buckets . Rangers 229 00:11:40,570 --> 00:11:43,520 are outnumbered almost 10-1 during the 230 00:11:43,520 --> 00:11:46,630 fight . ! It abandoned the relative 231 00:11:46,630 --> 00:11:49,310 safety of his foxhole . Moving from man 232 00:11:49,310 --> 00:11:52,050 to man , encouraged them in the fight , 233 00:11:52,060 --> 00:11:54,393 checking that the perimeter was holding , 234 00:11:54,740 --> 00:11:56,907 he took a grenade fragment in his left 235 00:11:56,907 --> 00:11:58,760 thigh but Puckett refused to be 236 00:11:58,760 --> 00:12:01,970 evacuated . It was a ranger . He led 237 00:12:01,970 --> 00:12:04,130 his men from the front and over the 238 00:12:04,130 --> 00:12:06,352 course of the next several hours , four 239 00:12:06,352 --> 00:12:09,440 more ways of assaults came . Each time 240 00:12:09,450 --> 00:12:12,760 Puckett made his rounds passing out 241 00:12:13,140 --> 00:12:15,600 extra ammo and extra encouragement to 242 00:12:15,600 --> 00:12:18,710 rally his men . Each time he was able 243 00:12:18,710 --> 00:12:20,690 to call in artillery support , 244 00:12:20,700 --> 00:12:24,230 sometimes danger close to help break 245 00:12:24,230 --> 00:12:26,341 the advance of the chinese soldiers . 246 00:12:26,840 --> 00:12:29,500 Each time the rangers held the hill , 247 00:12:29,510 --> 00:12:31,677 pushing any back at times with hand to 248 00:12:31,677 --> 00:12:34,960 hand fighting About about 2:30 . AM . 249 00:12:35,340 --> 00:12:37,284 After more than four hours of near 250 00:12:37,284 --> 00:12:40,160 nonstop fighting , the 6th wave began . 251 00:12:41,340 --> 00:12:44,160 By this time , the rangers had many 252 00:12:44,160 --> 00:12:46,327 rangers have been killed and those who 253 00:12:46,327 --> 00:12:48,493 were left were exhausted , outnumbered 254 00:12:48,493 --> 00:12:50,549 and dangerously short of dangerously 255 00:12:50,549 --> 00:12:52,493 short of ammunition and grenades . 256 00:12:52,940 --> 00:12:55,000 Lieutenant has sustained the second 257 00:12:55,000 --> 00:12:58,370 wound . This time is left shoulder . He 258 00:12:58,370 --> 00:13:00,703 had distributed all the ammo to his men , 259 00:13:00,703 --> 00:13:02,537 keeping only eight bullets and a 260 00:13:02,537 --> 00:13:05,390 bayonet for himself . For the last time 261 00:13:05,400 --> 00:13:07,400 Puckett called in artillery support 262 00:13:07,840 --> 00:13:09,784 only to be told that the guns were 263 00:13:09,784 --> 00:13:12,550 supporting other besieged units . Then 264 00:13:12,940 --> 00:13:14,996 two mortar rounds landed directly in 265 00:13:14,996 --> 00:13:16,996 Puckett's Foxhole , tearing through 266 00:13:16,996 --> 00:13:19,610 both his feet and his backside and his 267 00:13:19,610 --> 00:13:21,960 left arm and shoulder . Puckett's 268 00:13:21,960 --> 00:13:24,530 rangers have been overwhelmed and he 269 00:13:24,530 --> 00:13:26,990 himself was badly wounded . He ordered 270 00:13:26,990 --> 00:13:29,330 ordered one of his men find him on the 271 00:13:29,330 --> 00:13:32,790 ground to leave him behind . But that's 272 00:13:32,790 --> 00:13:36,060 not . The ranger creed private 273 00:13:36,740 --> 00:13:39,520 ran for help and soon to other rangers 274 00:13:39,520 --> 00:13:41,742 charged back up the hill , fighting off 275 00:13:41,742 --> 00:13:44,450 advancing chinese soldiers retrieving 276 00:13:44,450 --> 00:13:47,150 their commander . They had to drag him 277 00:13:47,150 --> 00:13:49,261 down the hill with Lieutenant Puckett 278 00:13:49,261 --> 00:13:51,690 reminding them and himself that he 279 00:13:51,690 --> 00:13:54,310 could take the pain . Quote , I'm a 280 00:13:54,310 --> 00:13:58,170 ranger before 281 00:13:58,170 --> 00:14:00,340 his men loaded him in on a tank to 282 00:14:00,340 --> 00:14:02,640 evacuate the tenant bucket call for one 283 00:14:02,640 --> 00:14:06,300 final barrage on Hill 205 And the 8th 284 00:14:06,300 --> 00:14:08,510 Army unloaded artillery while 285 00:14:08,510 --> 00:14:10,930 phosphorus on the rangers form and 286 00:14:10,940 --> 00:14:13,140 phosphorus phosphorus on the rangers 287 00:14:13,140 --> 00:14:15,850 former position , they did not hold the 288 00:14:15,850 --> 00:14:18,072 hill . But the rangers extracted a high 289 00:14:18,072 --> 00:14:21,290 price Korea . It is sometimes called 290 00:14:21,290 --> 00:14:23,900 the Forgotten War . But those men who 291 00:14:23,900 --> 00:14:26,060 were there under Lieutenant command , 292 00:14:26,640 --> 00:14:29,620 they'll never forget his bravery . They 293 00:14:29,620 --> 00:14:33,400 never forget that he was right by their 294 00:14:33,400 --> 00:14:37,000 side throughout every minute of . And 295 00:14:37,000 --> 00:14:38,889 the people of the Republic career 296 00:14:38,889 --> 00:14:41,056 hadn't forgotten , as evidenced by the 297 00:14:41,056 --> 00:14:43,167 fact that the prime minister of Korea 298 00:14:43,167 --> 00:14:45,167 is here for this ceremony . I doubt 299 00:14:45,167 --> 00:14:47,333 with this has ever happened before . I 300 00:14:47,333 --> 00:14:49,278 can't say that for certain , but I 301 00:14:49,278 --> 00:14:51,222 doubt that's happened before . The 302 00:14:51,222 --> 00:14:53,278 americans . All americans like ralph 303 00:14:53,278 --> 00:14:56,130 Puckett joined in their fight . And 304 00:14:56,130 --> 00:14:58,410 while the enduring partnership between 305 00:14:58,410 --> 00:15:00,690 our two nations began a war , it 306 00:15:00,690 --> 00:15:03,910 flourished through peace . It's it's 307 00:15:03,910 --> 00:15:06,077 testament I think of the extraordinary 308 00:15:06,077 --> 00:15:08,380 strength of our alliance . And we're 309 00:15:08,380 --> 00:15:10,491 joined today , as I said by President 310 00:15:10,491 --> 00:15:12,658 Moon with , I can't tell you how happy 311 00:15:12,658 --> 00:15:14,713 I am he's able to be here . And if I 312 00:15:14,713 --> 00:15:16,824 may I'd like to invite President Moon 313 00:15:16,824 --> 00:15:19,380 to say a few words if that is okay . 314 00:15:19,520 --> 00:15:20,520 President Moon . 315 00:15:39,940 --> 00:15:43,580 Bye . But I don't get 316 00:15:43,880 --> 00:15:45,770 the image function at all . Right 317 00:15:45,780 --> 00:15:48,820 Pocket . Yeah . Then 318 00:15:49,720 --> 00:15:50,900 you get some cash 319 00:15:53,540 --> 00:15:55,850 they gave him jang . Soon as you get 320 00:15:56,240 --> 00:15:58,800 the congressman 321 00:16:04,740 --> 00:16:07,073 Mr President , thank you for your words . 322 00:16:07,073 --> 00:16:09,240 I find it truly meaningful to join the 323 00:16:09,240 --> 00:16:11,296 Medal of Honor presentation ceremony 324 00:16:11,296 --> 00:16:13,462 for carnal ralph Pocket Junior U . S . 325 00:16:13,462 --> 00:16:15,462 Army retired upon president biden's 326 00:16:15,462 --> 00:16:17,680 invitation . I learned that I'm the 327 00:16:17,680 --> 00:16:19,902 first foreign leader to ever attend the 328 00:16:19,902 --> 00:16:22,013 ceremony of such kind as President of 329 00:16:22,013 --> 00:16:24,124 the republic of Korea . It is a great 330 00:16:24,124 --> 00:16:25,180 honor and pleasure 331 00:16:29,540 --> 00:16:33,390 hunger in january . The only man 332 00:16:33,400 --> 00:16:36,290 you're wrong all the time . 333 00:16:37,360 --> 00:16:40,630 So try taking a leadership role 334 00:16:41,180 --> 00:16:42,510 in murder one . 335 00:16:52,740 --> 00:16:54,684 You think it's absolutely system . 336 00:16:55,640 --> 00:16:57,890 Cardinal Pocket is a true hero of the 337 00:16:57,890 --> 00:17:00,560 korean war with extraordinary Balor and 338 00:17:00,560 --> 00:17:02,504 leadership . He completed missions 339 00:17:02,504 --> 00:17:04,616 until the very end defending Hill two 340 00:17:04,616 --> 00:17:06,782 of five and fighting many more battles 341 00:17:06,782 --> 00:17:09,120 requiring equal values without the 342 00:17:09,120 --> 00:17:11,480 sacrifice of veterans including carnal 343 00:17:11,480 --> 00:17:13,313 pocket and the Eighth Army Range 344 00:17:13,313 --> 00:17:15,410 company , freedom and democracy we 345 00:17:15,410 --> 00:17:17,577 enjoy today couldn't have blossomed in 346 00:17:17,577 --> 00:17:21,360 Korea . Cook in a car . 347 00:17:22,640 --> 00:17:24,080 Jiangxi hunger gone 348 00:17:28,940 --> 00:17:32,790 critics and media hunger gun gen , 349 00:17:32,790 --> 00:17:35,470 january periods of Yeah , she 350 00:17:37,240 --> 00:17:40,810 uh huh . Think about how 351 00:17:40,810 --> 00:17:43,630 you're gonna get your Children . Uh you 352 00:17:43,630 --> 00:17:46,490 will jump alongside the very good humor 353 00:17:47,240 --> 00:17:51,190 Hung Gle glenn , who is that under the 354 00:17:51,280 --> 00:17:52,960 general legal system 355 00:17:54,840 --> 00:17:57,650 earlier ? Uh Carnal Pocket told me that 356 00:17:57,650 --> 00:17:59,817 when he was in Korea during the korean 357 00:17:59,817 --> 00:18:01,940 war , it was absolutely destroyed . 358 00:18:01,950 --> 00:18:04,210 That was true . But from the ashes of 359 00:18:04,210 --> 00:18:06,830 the korean war re rose , we came back 360 00:18:06,840 --> 00:18:08,951 and that was thanks to the korean war 361 00:18:08,951 --> 00:18:11,062 veterans who fought for Korea's peace 362 00:18:11,062 --> 00:18:13,630 and freedom and now thanks to their 363 00:18:13,640 --> 00:18:15,910 support and efforts , we are enjoying 364 00:18:15,920 --> 00:18:19,700 prosperity . Hang up your 365 00:18:19,700 --> 00:18:23,290 your keeping comes our problem with 366 00:18:23,290 --> 00:18:25,130 that . Hang on . 367 00:18:27,440 --> 00:18:31,330 How you are . Video on segregation , 368 00:18:31,330 --> 00:18:35,270 missionary person without . Are you 369 00:18:35,270 --> 00:18:38,330 actually saying you're only joking 370 00:18:39,940 --> 00:18:41,884 on behalf of the korean people ? I 371 00:18:41,884 --> 00:18:43,996 express deep gratitude and respect to 372 00:18:43,996 --> 00:18:46,040 them through the war veterans . The 373 00:18:46,040 --> 00:18:47,980 korean people saw a great soul of 374 00:18:47,980 --> 00:18:50,202 America that marches toward freedom and 375 00:18:50,202 --> 00:18:52,091 peace . Their acts of gallantry , 376 00:18:52,091 --> 00:18:54,380 sacrifice and friendship will forever 377 00:18:54,380 --> 00:18:58,200 be remembered . You should message in 378 00:18:58,590 --> 00:18:59,460 mainland 379 00:19:02,410 --> 00:19:04,521 action . Tricky . There was something 380 00:19:04,521 --> 00:19:06,960 that right books that they don't even 381 00:19:06,960 --> 00:19:07,330 go 382 00:19:10,720 --> 00:19:12,590 Yeah , uh 383 00:19:14,910 --> 00:19:18,910 huh Comes on 384 00:19:19,640 --> 00:19:21,807 the rock . Us alliance forged in blood 385 00:19:21,807 --> 00:19:23,751 of heroes has become a linchpin of 386 00:19:23,751 --> 00:19:25,696 peace and prosperity on the korean 387 00:19:25,696 --> 00:19:27,862 peninsula and beyond carnal packet and 388 00:19:27,862 --> 00:19:29,807 his fellow warriors are linked the 389 00:19:29,807 --> 00:19:31,640 strongly biased Korea and the US 390 00:19:31,640 --> 00:19:33,862 together . I pray that they stayed with 391 00:19:33,862 --> 00:19:35,862 us in good health for a long time . 392 00:19:35,862 --> 00:19:38,470 Thank you very much . Uh 393 00:19:38,470 --> 00:19:44,460 huh . 394 00:19:51,340 --> 00:19:52,340 Mhm . 395 00:19:58,040 --> 00:20:01,090 Well thank you . President Moon . Now 396 00:20:01,090 --> 00:20:03,090 I'd be remiss if I didn't know that 397 00:20:03,090 --> 00:20:05,710 ralph Puckett service to our nation did 398 00:20:05,710 --> 00:20:09,440 not end in the pre war , it did 399 00:20:09,440 --> 00:20:11,800 not end after service in the Vietnam 400 00:20:11,800 --> 00:20:14,000 War . We're here in a second 401 00:20:14,000 --> 00:20:17,130 Distinguished Service Cross two silver 402 00:20:17,130 --> 00:20:20,720 stars , two brown stars with V . For 403 00:20:20,720 --> 00:20:23,500 valor . And add to that during his 404 00:20:23,500 --> 00:20:26,990 service , five purple hearts for 405 00:20:26,990 --> 00:20:28,657 injuries suffered in combat . 406 00:20:30,740 --> 00:20:34,220 It didn't end after his retirement from 407 00:20:34,220 --> 00:20:37,620 active duty or his induction into the 408 00:20:37,630 --> 00:20:40,250 ranger Hall of Fame . It didn't end 409 00:20:40,250 --> 00:20:42,870 there either When he served as the 410 00:20:42,870 --> 00:20:45,020 honorary colonel for the 75th Ranger 411 00:20:45,020 --> 00:20:47,680 Regiment where he helped new generation 412 00:20:47,680 --> 00:20:49,513 of rangers during their training 413 00:20:49,513 --> 00:20:53,450 missions . Even now , even now you 414 00:20:53,450 --> 00:20:55,394 can find him out at Fort Benning , 415 00:20:55,394 --> 00:20:57,700 cheering on the rangers and let him 416 00:20:57,700 --> 00:21:01,570 know he's there with him . Over his 417 00:21:01,570 --> 00:21:04,160 career , he mentored countless young 418 00:21:04,160 --> 00:21:07,120 people . He's always believed that's 419 00:21:07,130 --> 00:21:10,410 all that mattered to be a ranger was . 420 00:21:10,410 --> 00:21:13,290 You had the guts and the brains that 421 00:21:13,290 --> 00:21:15,470 the standard he applied when he picked 422 00:21:15,470 --> 00:21:18,780 his first ranger unit in Korea in an 423 00:21:18,780 --> 00:21:21,670 army that only recently been integrated . 424 00:21:22,140 --> 00:21:26,060 He chose with his team included a black , 425 00:21:26,440 --> 00:21:29,260 a latino and asian american members . 426 00:21:30,940 --> 00:21:33,218 My mother would say , God love you man . 427 00:21:33,940 --> 00:21:36,360 In 2015 during the Obama Biden 428 00:21:36,360 --> 00:21:38,350 administration and the military is 429 00:21:38,350 --> 00:21:40,461 considering open all combat positions 430 00:21:40,461 --> 00:21:43,360 to women , including rangers colonel . 431 00:21:43,660 --> 00:21:45,910 it ! Let it be known that he thought 432 00:21:45,910 --> 00:21:48,243 women could meet the standards and said , 433 00:21:48,340 --> 00:21:52,240 I want to see them do it . He leads to 434 00:21:52,240 --> 00:21:55,390 the front , He leads by example . He 435 00:21:55,390 --> 00:21:57,950 leads with his heart , he's a ranger 436 00:21:58,440 --> 00:22:00,500 and that's how rangers lead . That's 437 00:22:00,500 --> 00:22:03,950 how you lead . So now it is my great 438 00:22:03,950 --> 00:22:06,550 honor to ask for the citation to be 439 00:22:06,550 --> 00:22:09,560 read and to award Colonel Puckett 440 00:22:10,140 --> 00:22:12,590 Junior . Ralph Puckett junior with the 441 00:22:12,590 --> 00:22:13,590 Medal of Honor . 442 00:22:28,340 --> 00:22:30,451 The President of the United States of 443 00:22:30,451 --> 00:22:32,784 America , authorized by Act of Congress , 444 00:22:32,784 --> 00:22:35,700 March 3rd 18 63 . Has awarded in the 445 00:22:35,700 --> 00:22:37,867 name of Congress the Medal of Honor to 446 00:22:38,240 --> 00:22:40,440 First Lieutenant Ralph Pocket Junior , 447 00:22:40,470 --> 00:22:43,120 United States Army for conspicuous 448 00:22:43,120 --> 00:22:45,231 gallantry and intrepidity at the risk 449 00:22:45,231 --> 00:22:47,342 of his life above and beyond the call 450 00:22:47,342 --> 00:22:49,570 of duty . First Lieutenant Ralph 451 00:22:49,570 --> 00:22:51,792 Puckett Junior distinguished himself by 452 00:22:51,792 --> 00:22:54,014 acts of gallantry and intrepidity above 453 00:22:54,014 --> 00:22:55,903 and beyond the call of duty while 454 00:22:55,903 --> 00:22:58,237 serving as the commander , eighth U . S . 455 00:22:58,237 --> 00:23:00,348 Army ranger company during the period 456 00:23:00,348 --> 00:23:03,150 of 25 november 1953 26 november 457 00:23:03,160 --> 00:23:07,120 1950 in Korea . As his unit 458 00:23:07,120 --> 00:23:09,670 commenced a daylight attack on Hill 205 , 459 00:23:09,680 --> 00:23:12,030 the enemy directed Mortar Machine gun 460 00:23:12,030 --> 00:23:13,808 and small arms fire against the 461 00:23:13,808 --> 00:23:16,680 advancing force . To obtain fire . 462 00:23:16,690 --> 00:23:18,690 First Lieutenant Pocket mounted the 463 00:23:18,690 --> 00:23:20,857 closest tank , exposing himself to the 464 00:23:20,857 --> 00:23:23,610 deadly enemy fire leaping from the tank , 465 00:23:23,610 --> 00:23:25,666 he shouted words of encouragement to 466 00:23:25,666 --> 00:23:27,777 his men began to leave the rangers in 467 00:23:27,777 --> 00:23:30,590 the attack . Almost immediately enemy 468 00:23:30,590 --> 00:23:32,534 fire threatened the success of the 469 00:23:32,534 --> 00:23:34,479 attack by pinning down one platoon 470 00:23:35,140 --> 00:23:37,196 leaving the safety of his position . 471 00:23:37,196 --> 00:23:39,529 With full knowledge of the danger froze . 472 00:23:39,529 --> 00:23:41,584 Lieutenant Puckett intentionally ran 473 00:23:41,584 --> 00:23:43,807 across an open area three times to draw 474 00:23:43,807 --> 00:23:45,696 enemy fire , thereby allowing the 475 00:23:45,696 --> 00:23:47,918 rangers to locate and destroy the enemy 476 00:23:47,918 --> 00:23:51,130 positions and to seize hill 205 During 477 00:23:51,130 --> 00:23:53,297 the night the enemy launched a counter 478 00:23:53,297 --> 00:23:55,463 attack that lasted four hours over the 479 00:23:55,463 --> 00:23:57,352 course of the counterattack . The 480 00:23:57,352 --> 00:23:59,519 rangers were inspired and motivated by 481 00:23:59,519 --> 00:24:01,352 the extraordinary leadership and 482 00:24:01,352 --> 00:24:03,463 courageous example exhibited by First 483 00:24:03,463 --> 00:24:05,630 Lieutenant Pocket . As a result , five 484 00:24:05,630 --> 00:24:07,519 human wave attacks by a battalion 485 00:24:07,519 --> 00:24:09,408 strength enemy enemy element were 486 00:24:09,408 --> 00:24:12,200 repulsed during the first attack . 487 00:24:12,280 --> 00:24:14,447 First Lieutenant Pocket was wounded by 488 00:24:14,447 --> 00:24:16,224 grenade fragments , but refused 489 00:24:16,224 --> 00:24:18,224 evacuation and continually directed 490 00:24:18,224 --> 00:24:20,002 artillery support the decimated 491 00:24:20,002 --> 00:24:22,300 attacking enemy formations . He 492 00:24:22,300 --> 00:24:24,133 repeatedly abandoned positions a 493 00:24:24,133 --> 00:24:26,189 relative safety to make his way from 494 00:24:26,189 --> 00:24:28,040 foxhole to foxhole to check the 495 00:24:28,040 --> 00:24:30,151 company's perimeter and to distribute 496 00:24:30,151 --> 00:24:34,150 ammunition amongst the rangers . When 497 00:24:34,150 --> 00:24:36,206 the enemy launched a 6th attack , it 498 00:24:36,206 --> 00:24:38,428 became clear to first lieutenant pocket 499 00:24:38,428 --> 00:24:40,594 that the position was untenable due to 500 00:24:40,594 --> 00:24:42,428 the unavailability of supporting 501 00:24:42,428 --> 00:24:44,594 artillery fire . During this attack to 502 00:24:44,594 --> 00:24:46,483 enemy mortar rounds landed in his 503 00:24:46,483 --> 00:24:48,539 foxhole , inflicting grievous wounds 504 00:24:48,539 --> 00:24:51,820 which limited his mobility knowing his 505 00:24:51,820 --> 00:24:53,876 men were in a precarious situation . 506 00:24:53,876 --> 00:24:55,987 First Lieutenant Pocket commanded the 507 00:24:55,987 --> 00:24:57,764 rangers to leave him behind and 508 00:24:57,764 --> 00:24:59,931 evacuate the area , feeling a sense of 509 00:24:59,931 --> 00:25:02,042 duty to aid him , The rangers refused 510 00:25:02,042 --> 00:25:03,876 the order and stage an effort to 511 00:25:03,876 --> 00:25:05,876 retrieve him from the fox hole will 512 00:25:05,876 --> 00:25:07,764 still under fire from the enemy . 513 00:25:08,140 --> 00:25:10,251 Ultimately , the rangers succeeded in 514 00:25:10,251 --> 00:25:12,418 retrieving First Lieutenant Pocket and 515 00:25:12,418 --> 00:25:14,473 they moved to the bottom of the hill 516 00:25:14,473 --> 00:25:16,140 were First Lieutenant . First 517 00:25:16,140 --> 00:25:17,751 Lieutenant Pocket called for 518 00:25:17,751 --> 00:25:19,973 devastating artillery fire on the child 519 00:25:19,973 --> 00:25:22,140 with the enemy controlled hill . First 520 00:25:22,140 --> 00:25:23,973 Lieutenant pockets extraordinary 521 00:25:23,973 --> 00:25:25,918 heroism and selflessness above and 522 00:25:25,918 --> 00:25:28,140 beyond the call of duty were in keeping 523 00:25:28,140 --> 00:25:30,362 with the highest traditions of military 524 00:25:30,362 --> 00:25:30,290 service and reflect great credit upon 525 00:25:30,290 --> 00:25:33,200 himself . His unit in the United States 526 00:25:33,200 --> 00:25:34,200 Army . 527 00:25:58,640 --> 00:25:59,640 Mhm . 528 00:26:28,540 --> 00:26:30,762 Let me invite the family up . Come on , 529 00:26:30,762 --> 00:26:33,690 get the family up here , all of it , 530 00:26:33,690 --> 00:26:35,160 including the grandkids 531 00:26:51,740 --> 00:26:52,740 for 532 00:27:13,140 --> 00:27:13,350 mm 533 00:27:20,240 --> 00:27:21,240 Right . 534 00:27:23,940 --> 00:27:27,350 Special Black . Right . 535 00:27:30,540 --> 00:27:33,260 Yeah . Mr President . You mind ? Yeah . 536 00:27:36,340 --> 00:27:37,340 Yeah . 537 00:27:37,340 --> 00:27:40,660 Wait . 538 00:27:41,540 --> 00:27:45,450 All right , Billy , come on over . Mhm . 539 00:28:00,340 --> 00:28:03,940 People here ? Yeah . 540 00:28:07,040 --> 00:28:09,450 Okay , something like that . Mm . 541 00:28:21,230 --> 00:28:23,410 That's a good thing . 542 00:28:25,840 --> 00:28:27,673 They could have prevented them . 543 00:28:27,673 --> 00:28:30,960 Thank 544 00:28:30,970 --> 00:28:34,030 you . Thank you . 545 00:28:34,040 --> 00:28:36,460 Thank you . Thank you 546 00:28:37,940 --> 00:28:41,560 appreciate that . Mm You guys . Okay . 547 00:28:41,940 --> 00:28:48,290 Okay 548 00:28:48,300 --> 00:28:51,930 well ladies and gentlemen louise Join 549 00:28:51,930 --> 00:28:54,180 me as we conclude today's ceremony 550 00:28:54,190 --> 00:28:57,560 would offer girl pocket maybe 94 but I 551 00:28:57,560 --> 00:28:59,727 see the same horrific determination of 552 00:28:59,727 --> 00:29:02,670 the young in your body investiture . 553 00:29:02,950 --> 00:29:06,450 Please join me in prayer . Most Holy 554 00:29:06,450 --> 00:29:08,672 God as we leave this ceremony , inspire 555 00:29:08,672 --> 00:29:10,672 and encourage us to greater acts of 556 00:29:10,672 --> 00:29:12,617 service to our nation and armies . 557 00:29:12,617 --> 00:29:14,783 People give us the fortitude to always 558 00:29:14,783 --> 00:29:17,560 give 100 and then some may you bless 559 00:29:17,560 --> 00:29:19,616 Colonel Ralph Puckett Jr as he joins 560 00:29:19,616 --> 00:29:21,650 the pantheon of heroes who have 561 00:29:21,650 --> 00:29:23,483 distinguished themselves through 562 00:29:23,483 --> 00:29:25,670 selfless acts of bravery . Pay his 563 00:29:25,670 --> 00:29:27,800 leadership and legacy . Be away point 564 00:29:27,810 --> 00:29:30,610 for us to follow . Keep us all strong 565 00:29:30,610 --> 00:29:32,990 in spirit and give our leaders wisdom 566 00:29:32,990 --> 00:29:34,990 as they serve our nation's people , 567 00:29:35,240 --> 00:29:37,351 bless and protect our armed forces as 568 00:29:37,351 --> 00:29:39,462 they preserve our precious freedoms . 569 00:29:39,640 --> 00:29:41,990 Keep the lamp of liberty burning bright 570 00:29:41,990 --> 00:29:44,380 on the United States of America . Our 571 00:29:44,380 --> 00:29:47,330 allies around the world as well . I ask 572 00:29:47,330 --> 00:29:49,441 these things in your most blessed and 573 00:29:49,441 --> 00:29:50,670 holy name . Amen 574 00:29:52,860 --> 00:29:55,260 military protocol . But come on and say , 575 00:29:57,280 --> 00:30:00,260 yeah , the vice president stand . Where 576 00:30:00,260 --> 00:30:03,300 am I talking about ? Vice 577 00:30:03,300 --> 00:30:04,270 president ? 578 00:30:08,340 --> 00:30:09,340 We don't fall 579 00:30:16,740 --> 00:30:20,590 well , 580 00:30:20,600 --> 00:30:24,570 I bought it . Great . 581 00:30:25,640 --> 00:30:28,860 Okay . Thanks man . Thank you . Hey 582 00:30:28,860 --> 00:30:32,460 Laura Warrior himself 583 00:30:32,740 --> 00:30:35,018 and agreed to the Secretary of Defense . 584 00:30:48,820 --> 00:30:52,490 Yeah , come on , get up . 585 00:30:53,640 --> 00:30:55,807 But you two guys again . You may start 586 00:30:55,807 --> 00:30:59,190 with a Oh 587 00:30:59,200 --> 00:31:02,670 mom . Come 588 00:31:02,670 --> 00:31:05,790 on . Get that picture . 589 00:31:21,740 --> 00:31:24,860 Maybe if there's time walk out that 590 00:31:25,540 --> 00:31:27,707 maybe maybe the generals may come back 591 00:31:27,707 --> 00:31:31,060 to the state high . All right , 592 00:31:34,290 --> 00:31:38,270 okay . 593 00:32:25,050 --> 00:32:26,210 All right . 594 00:33:02,450 --> 00:33:04,060 We came down here .