A day to remember alliances and the sacrifices that secure our freedom
"Why all the fuss?"
That is how retired United States Army Colonel Ralph Puckett reacted when he learned he was to receive the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery and effectiveness in combat during the Korean War. The modesty befits the man, and reflects his selflessness, a distinctive human virtue.
Memorial Day is a fitting time to honor him, along with the men and women in our military who gave their lives. This special day originated shortly after our Civil War as Decoration Day.
From the beginning, parades have been an important feature. From ancient times, surviving warriors have been viewed as closely associated with comrades who died.
Col. Puckett may not be a "household name" across America, but he is a legendary and inspirational figure within the U.S. Army. His extraordinary career highlights the strong dedication military service can develop in distinctive ways.
The Korean War began in late June 1950 when North Korean forces invaded South Korea. U.S. President Harry Truman immediately decided to support the United Nations effort to defeat the invasion, and military action would continue until President Dwight Eisenhower achieved an armistice in July 1953.
In late 1950, enormous numbers of the People's Liberation Army of China intervened. The offensive surprised UN commander General Douglas MacArthur and staff, and serious reversals followed.
This was the situation on the ground when young First Lt. Puckett, in command of the Eighth Army Ranger Company, was ordered to occupy Hill 205. They secured the strategically important high ground but were under heavy fire and cut off.
Puckett's leadership proved vital. He repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to survey terrain and protect his men.
The Rangers held the hill against five massive human wave attacks. Puckett ultimately ordered a retreat from what had become an untenable position.
Badly wounded, he told his men to leave him. They refused to do so. For his actions in that battle, he received the Distinguished Service Cross, which has now been upgraded to the Medal of Honor.
During the Vietnam War, Puckett again served in combat in command. He displayed comparable courage and leadership.
On May 21, President Joe Biden awarded Col. Puckett the Medal of Honor at a ceremony at the White House. In attendance was President Moon Jae-in of South Korea, who was visiting Washington to meet with President Biden. This is the first time the leader of a foreign government has attended a Medal of Honor ceremony.
Holding the ceremony during President Moon's visit is admirable. That war forged the important, enduring alliance between our two peoples. The Korean War also transformed the Cold War to a broadly global conflict.
As a very young man, Moon's political activism led to arrest and imprisonment. The dictatorship of Park Chung-hee was merciless in punishing dissidence of any kind. Reflecting that experience, he decided to pursue a career as a human rights lawyer.
Moon also served in the Republic of Korea (South Korea) Army. He joined the Special Forces, and saw action in the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) along the 38th Parallel that divides North and South Korea.
South Korea maintained 50,000 troops in South Vietnam during our long war there. Memorial Day is an appropriate time to reflect on the importance of those close allies who aid us in war and in peace. It is a particularly important time to remember the sacrifices and actions of men and women like Col. Puckett whose determination and bravery continue to protect our freedoms.
To learn more about Ralph Puckett, see his memoir "Ranger: A Soldier's Life."
• Arthur I. Cyr, acyr@carthage.edu, of Northbrook, is Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage College and author of "After the Cold War."