Last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War lies in honor at US Capitol

The remains of Col. Ralph Puckett, Jr., the past surviving Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War, laic successful grant Monday successful the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol.

Puckett Jr., calved Dec. 8, 1926, died astatine his location connected Monday, April 8. He was 97. 

Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced connected Tuesday, April 16, that Congress would grant the fallen Medal of Honor with the prestigious reception. 

"The bonzer valor of Colonel Ralph Puckett, Jr. represents the champion of the 1.7 cardinal Americans who near location to combat for state successful the Korean War," the 2 lawmakers said successful a associated statement. "He demonstrated tireless sacrifice for our state and his chap Rangers and is an exceptional exemplary for servicemembers and civilians alike. To admit Colonel Puckett’s singular heroism and service, and the contributions of each Korean War veterans, it is our privilege to licence his remains to lie successful honor successful the Rotunda of the Capitol."

An grant defender salutes an urn containing the cremated remains of retired Army Col. Ralph Puckett Jr. during his legislature tribute successful the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol connected April 29, 2024, successful Washington, D.C.  (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

LAST SURVIVING MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT FROM THE KOREAN WAR WILL LIE IN HONOR AT THE US CAPITOL

Lawmakers and members of Puckett’s household surrounded the urn resting successful the halfway of the Capitol’s revered Rotunda. 

Puckett Jr. was from Tifton, Georgia. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy astatine West Point and was commissioned arsenic an Infantry Officer successful 1949, wherever helium went connected to person a highly-decorated career.

President Biden presented the Medal of Honor to 94-year-old retired Army colonel Ralph Puckett, Jr., for conspicuous gallantry portion serving during the Korean War, successful 2021. Puckett, Jr. passed distant astatine his location connected Monday, April 8. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

A subject grant defender carries the urn of the precocious U.S. Army Col. Ralph Puckett, upon accomplishment astatine the U.S. Capitol wherever helium is lying successful grant successful the Rotunda connected April 29, 2024, successful Washington, D.C. Puckett was the past surviving Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War earlier his decease earlier this month. (GREG NASH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

"He leads from the front. He leads by example. He leads with heart. He is simply a Ranger, and that’s however Rangers pb — that’s however you lead," President Biden said during a White House Ceremony connected May 21, 2021, erstwhile helium presented Puckett, Jr. with a Medal of Honor. The retired Army colonel was 94 years aged astatine the time.

COL. RALPH PUCKETT, KOREAN WAR HERO AND MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT, DEAD AT 97

Puckett Jr. served arsenic a U.S. Army Ranger and was deployed to the Korean War successful 1950 and the Vietnam War successful 1967.

Puckett Jr. served arsenic a U.S. Army Ranger and was deployed to the Korean War successful 1950 and the Vietnam War successful 1967. (US Army/Puckett Family)

During his 22 years of service, Puckett Jr. received 2 Silver Stars, 2 Legions of Merit, 2 Bronze Stars with V instrumentality for valor, 5 Purple Hearts and different accolades. (US Army/Puckett Family)

During his 22 years of service, helium received 2 Silver Stars, 2 Legions of Merit, 2 Bronze Stars with V instrumentality for valor, 5 Purple Hearts, 10 Air Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal, among others, according to the Army.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

An grant defender carries an urn containing the cremated remains of retired Army Col. Ralph Puckett Jr. during his legislature tribute successful the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol connected April 29, 2024, successful Washington, D.C. (J. Scott Applewhite - Pool/Getty Images)

According to the Architect of the Capitol, authorities officials and subject officers typically prevarication successful authorities successful the U.S. Capitol portion backstage citizens prevarication successful honor.

"No law, written rule, oregon regularisation specifies who whitethorn prevarication successful state; usage of the U.S. Capitol Rotunda is controlled by concurrent enactment of the House and Senate. Any idiosyncratic who has rendered distinguished work to the federation whitethorn prevarication successful authorities if the household truthful wishes and Congress approves," according to its website.