The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Ralph Puckett, Jr. (ASN: 0-59165), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 26 August 1967, in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry Regiment, Americal Division. Lieutenant Colonel Puckett, in a Command and Control Helicopter, volunteered to go into an insecure, embattled landing zone to evacuate a critically wounded man where medical helicopters could not land. Despite a severe thunder storm and intense hostile fire being directed at the helicopter, Colonel Puckett, with no regard for his own safety, went into the landing zone. While there, he realized that unless something was done immediately, the company was in great danger of being overrun. After successfully evacuating the wounded man, Colonel Puckett returned to the battle area in his helicopter with a cargo of much-needed ammunition. Later in the afternoon when more casualties were sustained and medical helicopters could not get into the area, Colonel Puckett again went into the landing zone with his Command and Control Helicopter and evacuated the dead and wounded. Colonel Puckett’s disregard for his own safety while exposed to hostile fire, his unselfish concern for his men, and his valorous acts inspired his men to such a degree that they successfully repelled an enemy of superior number. Lieutenant Colonel Puckett’s unquestionable valor was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Ralph Puckett, Jr. (ASN: 0-59165), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 27 September 1967, near Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam. During the hours of darkness on that evening, a small enemy element infiltrated the defensive perimeter of the Tactical Command Post, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, and initiated an attack with grenades and automatic weapons fire. In the initial stage of the attack, a hand grenade landed approximately eighteen inches from Colonel Puckett’s head and exploded, wounding him in the head and seriously affecting his hearing. Dazed and bleeding, Colonel Puckett staggered to his feet and, without hesitation, rushed into the raging battle and immediately began to reorganize the defensive perimeter. With complete disregard for his own safety, Colonel Puckett rushed through the withering hail of enemy grenades and automatic weapons fire and moved from position to position giving his men encouragement and directing their fire. Throughout the remainder of the night Colonel Puckett completely disregarded his wounds and personal safety as he directed all aspects of the defense of the Tactical Command Post and an artillery battery. When MEDEVAC helicopters arrived, Colonel Puckett supervised the evacuation of his wounded men and refused evacuation until his men had been cared for and the situation had returned to normal. The actions of Colonel Puckett undoubtedly inspired his men to such a degree that they successfully defended their positions and forced the enemy to withdraw. Lieutenant Colonel Puckett’s outstanding display of gallantry in action and his devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division and the United States Army.