President Joe Biden is awarding his first Medal of Honor to a 94-year-old retired Army colonel for bravery more than a half-century ago in the Korean War.
President Joe Biden presents the Medal of Honor to retired U.S. Army Col. Ralph Puckett, in the East Room of the White House, Friday, May 21, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
A change in policy was needed for retired Col. Ralph Puckett Jr. to receive the military’s highest honor.
The 2020 defense policy bill removed a requirement that such awards be given within five years of a valorous act.
Over two days in November 1950, Puckett as first lieutenant helped the 8th U.S. Army Ranger Company to secure a strategically important hill. Puckett was awarded the medal in East Room ceremony on Friday.
By: CBS News
President Biden on Friday awarded the first Medal of Honor of his presidency to retired Colonel Ralph Puckett Jr. for his conspicuous gallantry in the Korean War. Mr. Biden presented the medal, which is the nation s highest military honor, in a ceremony alongside South Korean President Moon Jae-in. President Moon, it s a real honor to have you here participating in this ceremony today, Mr. Biden said. The strength of the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea was born out of the courage, determination and sacrifice of the Korean troops fighting shoulder to shoulder with American troops. And having you here today is an important recognition of all that our nation has achieved together, both of them, in the decades since.
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