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.
Pentagon vows to keep weapons moving to Ukraine as Kyiv faces a renewed assault by Russia
Will there be a 'superbloom' this year in California? Here's what to know
Olivia Rodrigo shows off her abs in a bikini during sunny getaway
Sizzling Phillies finish homestand 8
Hollywood star Shia LaBeouf is spotted on the streets of Gavin and Stacey's hometown Barry
Atletico misses chance to strengthen hold on 4th place after losing at Alaves in Spanish league
Mutiso Munyao pulls away from 41
Violent rages, sadistic beatings, in
‘The Blue Angels,’ filmed for IMAX, puts viewers in the ‘box’ with the elite flying squad
3 hospitalized after knife attack on party boat in New York City along Brooklyn waterfront