WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress gave one of its highest final tributes on Monday — a lying in honor ceremony at the Capitol — to Ralph Puckett Jr., who led an outnumbered company in battle during the Korean War and was the last surviving veteran of that war to receive the Medal of Honor.
Puckett, who retired as an Army colonel, died earlier this month at the age of 97 at his home in Columbus, Georgia. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2021, the nation’s highest military honor, seven decades after his actions during the wartime.
The lying in honor ceremony at the Capitol is reserved for the nation’s most distinguished private citizens. Only seven others have received the honor, and the latest, in 2022, was Hershel W. “Woody” Williams, who was the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. The ceremonies for both Williams and Puckett were meant to also recognize the broader generations of veterans who are now dwindling in numbers.
The fightback begins: Boss of London's Queen Mary University tells pro
The iconic American rivers becoming so filthy with pollution they are 'endangered'
Israelis grapple with how to celebrate Passover, a holiday about freedom, while many remain captive
Kate Beckinsale sheds light on her recent health woes as she wears 'tummy troubles survivor' T
What a blast to work at NASA. Space agency is sky
Devon Windsor, 30, flaunts her slender post
Quentin Tarantino SCRAPS plans for his final film The Movie Critic which had Brad Pitt set to star
Socialite Jasmine Hartin enjoys beach snuggle with electrician hunk
The Patriots enter the NFL draft needing a QB, but could trade down to fill other needs
Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?
A homeless man is reunited with his family after 13 years thanks to a Ford Mustang and a viral clip