David’s thoughts about Colonel Puckett are right on the money. I have also memorized him in a Substack article published today that provides some personal details. It is here: https://lnkd.in/eeuBk53m
Today, our nation lost one of its great heroes. There will be hundreds of well earned and heartfelt tributes to Col. (R) Ralph Puckett Jr., this is mine. Col. Puckett passed away today at the age of 97 at his home in Columbus, Ga., after a lifetime of service, both on and off the battlefield. Yes, he was awarded numerous medals for heroism, including a long overdue Medal of Honor, but it was his life off the battlefield that meant just as much to so many. Col. Puckett mentored generations of American soldiers, particularly US Army Rangers. Despite the fact that he was one of the most decorated soldiers alive Col. Puckett spent decades of his life mentoring those who came after him while never asking for anything in return. Whether it was joining Rangers training in the field, traveling overseas on both training and combat operations, or providing one-on-one mentorship to individual Rangers Col. Puckett was never too busy, or too important, to give his time. We first met when I was a new Private graduating into the 75th Ranger Regiment. Our relationship grew for the next 27 years in a deep and meaningful way. I will miss him terribly. The simplest way I can say it is Col. Puckett didn’t just set a standard, he is the standard. RLTW sir. 🇺🇸 **UPDATE** Congress has announced that Col Puckett will lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol on April 29th. Link to article in comments. ——————————————————— *Pictured are Corporal Lucas escorting Col. Puckett at 1st Ranger Battalion, ca. 1998. Second is Sep 2022 at the MoH Convention. I was commanding a Special Forces Battalion and he was a MoH recipient.