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.
Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?
Brayan Rocchio's RBI hit in the 10th gives the Guardians a 5
Court rules North Carolina Catholic school could fire gay teacher who announced his wedding online
Court rules North Carolina Catholic school could fire gay teacher who announced his wedding online
Minnesota Uber and Lyft driver pay package beats deadline to win approval in Legislature
Dramatic moment cruise passenger is airlifted from 1,000ft Carnival Venezia in 'life
Republican congressmen introduce bill that would protect NCAA and conferences from legal attacks
California girl, 14, is charged with the murder of human trafficking non
Justin Timberlake set to bring his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour to Australia in 2025
Woman who pays $500 a month to live in an underground BUNKER reveals why she chose the lifestyle
Brazil replaces injured goalkeeper Ederson in Copa America squad
Wood scores 11:03 in OT as Avalanche finish off 3