FORT BENNING, Ga., (Nov. 25 2015) -- Retired Col. Ralph Puckett Jr. was honored Nov. 23 at the National Infantry Museum as he, his wife Jeannie, and Jack and JoRhee Pezold, whose contributions made the display possible, unveiled a new exhibit in the Ranger Hall of Honor illustrating Puckett's military career and life achievements.
"No one that I can think of serves as a better example for our Infantrymen, and our future Infantryman to come and see this exhibit, be inspired by this exhibit and to be influenced and shaped by Col. Puckett's heroism and rare professional qualities," said retired Gen. Jay Hendrix, keynote speaker for the dedication.
Puckett served much of his military career in the Ranger and Special Operations units, Hendrix said.
He was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 1992 for extraordinary valor and distinguished service as a Ranger qualified leader.
Hendrix, having served alongside Puckett in combat, called Puckett an iconic military leader and Soldier, a courageous and skilled war hero and said his combat days were legend.
"Col. Puckett stands as one of our most decorated leaders in the Army ever," Hendrix said.
Among Puckett's military honors are:
• Two Distinguished Service Crosses, from two different wars
• Two Silver Stars
• Two awards of the Bronze Star Medal with "V" device
• Five awards of the Purple Heart
• 10 Air Medals
• Special Operations Command Medal
"He feared no man, he feared no situation and he feared no enemy," Hendrix said. "Clearly a unique, courageous Soldier in combat and even more importantly, in my opinion, Col. Puckett was an ultimate Infantry leader."
Puckett also holds honors earned during distinguished peacetime service, including three Legions of Merit and the Infantry's Doughboy Award.
The medals and honors are displayed in the exhibit, along with his military decorations, their meanings and stories of his time in the Army. The Puckett and Pezold Families unveiled the display, which will remain at the museum's Ranger Hall of Honor.
"Col. Puckett was always 'all in,'" Hendrix said. "(He) always sought out and took the toughest missions - his career shows that - he enforced the highest standards, always, and he took care of his Soldiers, always. Those of us who served with him will never forget that."
Jack Pezold told attendees that Puckett's legacy at the exhibit would serve as an inspiration to all Soldiers - the past who have given so much, the present Soldiers and the future Soldiers for a long time to come.
"We have a great country, we have a great museum," said Puckett. "This museum is in honor of all Infantry and all Soldiers - all Soldiers past, present and future - without them, you and I would not be free."
Puckett ended his speech exclaiming "Rangers Lead the Way."
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