Ralph Puckett Jr.
How Did Ralph Puckett Jr. Defend Hill 205 Against Overwhelming Odds?
During the Korean War, First Lieutenant Ralph Puckett Jr. commanded the 8th U.S. Army Ranger Company. On November 25, 1950, he led 60 soldiers to seize Hill 205. Despite being heavily outnumbered by Chinese forces, Puckett directed his men through multiple night-long counterattacks. Though severely wounded, he continued to command until he was incapacitated. His extraordinary leadership and bravery in holding the position earned him the Medal of Honor, which was presented in 2021.
Quick Facts
Awards
Who Was Ralph Puckett Jr.?
Ralph Puckett Jr. was a career soldier whose leadership during the Korean War became a defining example of Ranger excellence. As a young officer, he was tasked with leading a newly formed Ranger company into one of the most dangerous sectors of the conflict.
Early Life
Born in Tifton, Georgia, in 1926, Ralph Puckett Jr. attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1949.
Before the Event
Following his graduation, Puckett served in Japan. When the Korean War broke out in 1950, he volunteered to lead the newly formed 8th U.S. Army Ranger Company, a specialized light infantry unit.
What Happened
On November 25, 1950, Puckett led his company of 51 Americans and nine Korean soldiers to capture Hill 205. To secure the objective, he exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to draw attention away from his men. Throughout the night, the small force faced six separate human-wave assaults by Chinese troops. Puckett was wounded multiple times by mortar and machine-gun fire but refused to be evacuated, continuing to direct the defense until he lost consciousness.
Defining Moment
The defining moment occurred when Puckett, despite being severely wounded, ordered his men to leave him behind and retreat to safety, a command his Rangers famously disobeyed, choosing instead to carry him off the hill.
Aftermath
Puckett survived his wounds and continued a distinguished military career, eventually retiring as a colonel. His actions at Hill 205 were initially recognized with the Distinguished Service Cross, which was upgraded to the Medal of Honor by President Joe Biden in 2021.
Later Life
After his service in Korea, Puckett held various leadership roles, including commanding the Mountain Training Camp in Dahlonega, Georgia. He remained a respected figure in the Ranger community until his death in 2024 at the age of 97.
Why It Matters
Puckett's story is significant because it highlights the extreme conditions faced by U.S. forces in the early stages of the Korean War and serves as a testament to the courage of the Ranger units.
In 1950, First Lieutenant Ralph Puckett Jr. led 60 Rangers to capture and hold Hill 205 in North Korea. Despite being outnumbered and suffering multiple wounds during intense Chinese counterattacks, he refused to abandon his men. His heroic leadership earned him the Medal of Honor seven decades later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ralph Puckett Jr.
1What was the significance of Hill 205?+
2Why was Puckett's Medal of Honor awarded so long after the battle?+
3How many men did Puckett lead during the assault?+
4What happened to Puckett after he was wounded?+
5Was Ralph Puckett the last surviving Korean War Medal of Honor recipient?+
Historical Sources
- [T1] The White House — "President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. to Award the Medal of Honor" (https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/05/19/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-to-award-the-medal-of-honor), accessed 2026-09-23
- [T1] U.S. Army — "Colonel (Ret.) Ralph Puckett Jr. | Medal of Honor Recipient" (http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/puckett), accessed 2026-09-23
- [T3] HistoryNet — "Retired Ranger Col. Ralph Puckett, 94, Receives Medal of Honor for Korean War Battle" (https://historynet.com/retired-ranger-col-ralph-puckett-94-to-receive-medal-of-honor-for-korean-war-battle), accessed 2026-09-23
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