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Navy Federal Credit Union
Clinton
A.
Puckett
March 6, 1926

–

Clinton Puckett enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1944 and saw action in World War II and Korea. From February 1, 1973 until his retirement on May 31, 1975 he served as the 6th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    June 21, 1952
    Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 715

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Technical Sergeant Clinton A. Puckett (MCSN: 560129), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company G, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on the night of 21 June 1952. With his patrol unit occupying positions well forward of a friendly outpost when a vastly outnumbering enemy force suddenly pinned down the patrol by enveloping both flanks with small-arms and grenade fire, Staff Sergeant Puckett repeatedly exposed himself to the devastating fire in order to cover the withdrawal of his men. Employing a submachine gun to harass and throw the enemy off balance, he accounted for four enemy dead and, although wounded in the left hand by grenade fragments, continued to deliver accurate fire until the rear of the patrol had left the area. Upon returning to the outpost and discovering that three of his men were missing, Staff Sergeant Puckett organized a small rescue party and went back into hostile territory to search for his comrades. After a brief skirmish with the enemy, he located the three missing men, two of whom were seriously wounded in the legs, and assisted in returning them to the outpost. By his valiant leadership, inspiring fighting spirit and determined efforts in the face of heavy odds, Staff Sergeant Puckett was instrumental in saving several lives. His gallant actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant Major

    Division:

    Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps

    Action Date:

    February 1, 1973 – May 31, 1975

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Sergeant Major Clinton A. Puckett (MCSN: 560129), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps from 1 February 1973 to 31 May 1975. Throughout the period cited, Sergeant Major Puckett consistently demonstrated extraordinary judgment and unswerving dedication in discharging his especially demanding duties as the principal enlisted assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. In his appearance, bearing, and forthright manner Sergeant Major Puckett combined the institutional virtues which have been long associated with Marines. Truly a Marine’s Marine, he brought to his position the accumulated wisdom of a long and distinguished career, which he applied indefatigably to the improvement of the morale and welfare of the individual Marine. In so doing he contributed inestimably to the overall benefit of the Marine Corps, while simultaneously greatly enhancing the prestige and effectiveness of his office. In addition, in his extensive travels and numerous appearances in the civilian as well as military community, and in his sage messaged to the Corps, he set a philosophical and moral tone for all Marines to emulate; one that will stand as one of his more permanent contributions to the Corps. In his own phrase he did more than “continue the march,” he “accelerated the pace.” Equally noteworthy were his perceptive and knowledgeable suggestions and recommendations to the Commandant of the Marine Corps and to the Headquarters Staff which resulted in the implementation and adoption of a number of innovative and far-reaching policies and procedures. By his outstanding leadership, superlative judgment and selfless devotion throughout, Sergeant Major Puckett has upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.