Ralph Puckett Jr., a decorated war hero recognized for his courage during the Korean War, died at the age of 97 according to an announcement from Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, almost two years after President Joe Biden presented him with the Medal of Honor for actions deemed "extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty." Puckett passed away peacefully at his Columbus, Georgia home.

The late retired Army colonel led his unit, the only recently formed 8th Army Ranger Company in a fierce 1950 battle, where despite being heavily outnumbered by Chinese forces his men secured a pivotal hill, earning him a Distinguished Service Cross that was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor, Puckett, who was struck by mortar rounds and suffered serious wounds, famously told his Rangers to leave him behind but they refused, his legacy not simply contained in medals but etched in the lore of American military grit.

His military career spanned over two decades post-Korea, where he again demonstrated valor in Vietnam and earned various accolades including another Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, three Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars, and five Purple Hearts for his service, "He feared no man, he feared no situation and he feared no enemy," remarked retired Gen. Jay Hendrick in the Army's online biography of Puckett.

Born in 1926 in Tifton, Georgia, Puckett was a West Point graduate where he claimed to have learned one of his most important life lessons "No excuse, sir," a dictum that guided his conduct—after retiring he worked with Outward Bound, Inc., and later founded Discovery, Inc., designed to develop leadership and teamwork skills; he was a steadfast supporter of the 75th Ranger Regiment stationed near his home as reported by the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, Puckett’s dedication to service and standard of excellence marked a storied life committed to country and the betterment of those he commanded, as mentioned by WABE.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, which has yet to announce services for the late Medal of Honor recipient; who in an era where valor often goes unseen, leaves behind an indelible story of service, sacrifice, and an unyielding no-excuses philosophy, as WABE reported.