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Remarks: Joe Biden Presents the Medal of Honor to Colonel Ralph Puckett Jr. - May 21, 2021
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Joe Biden Person
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Unidentified Person
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Moon Jae-in Person
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Ralph Puckett Jr. Person
Unidentified
Very Positive
00:00:00-00:00:29 (30 sec)
"Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, please join me as we mark this very special occasion in a word of prayer. Almighty God, the author of liberty, our sustainer, protector, and guide, hear our prayer and bless this ceremony with your presence as we honor Colonel Ralph Puckett Jr., a courageous warrior, husband, father, and friend, who for 70 years has led the way."
1
Unidentified
Very Positive
00:00:29-00:00:57 (28 sec)
"From his actions with the Rangers on Hill 205, while defending the freedom of the people of Korea and throughout his life, Ralph has continued to serve the Army and Ranger Regiment as an example of leadership, of character and commitment for others to follow. Lord, thank you for Colonel Puckett, a servant leader whose actions exemplify the prestige, honor, and highest breed decor of the Ranger Regiment."
2
Unidentified
Very Positive
00:00:57-00:01:27 (30 sec)
"In the crucible of conflict, he selflessly put his comrades' lives before his ow. Today, as he accepts our nation's highest military honor for value, may his words of encouragement spoken to many over the years continue to ring true: be proud but never satisfied. Bless Ralph, his loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Jean, family, fellow Rangers, comrades, and others today in spirit."
3
Unidentified
Very Positive
00:01:27-00:01:57 (30 sec)
"Lord, let Ralph's life, legacy, and this very medal that is placed around his neck inspire us all in challenging times to lead the way. We thank you for the blessings of freedom and those who serve to preserve and defend it. It is in your majestic and mighty name I pray, amen. "
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Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:01:57-00:02:21 (24 sec)
"Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the White House. President Moon, it's a real honor to have you here participating in this ceremony today. The strength and the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea was born out of the courage, determination, sacrifice, and of the Korean troops fighting shoulder to shoulder with American troops."
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Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:02:21-00:03:03 (42 sec)
"And, having you here today is an important recognition of all that our nation has achieved together, both of them, in the decades since. And, I'm joined by my wife, Jill, who's as excited about this event as I am, and the vice president and the second gentleman are here as well. Our secretary of Defense, vice chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, the officials of the United States Army, as well as several members of Congress, Representative Ferguson, Representative Crow, and Senator Ernst, because today, we are hosting a true American hero and awarding an honor that is long overdue, more than 70 years overdue."
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Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:03:03-00:03:39 (36 sec)
"Seventy years ago on a frozen hilltop deep in what is now North Korea, a young First Lieutenant bravely, out of West Point and barely out of West Point, act with bravery and that earned him the distinguished service cross, the military's second highest honor today, after more than a decade of effort, including support from my good friend, John McCain, God rest his soul, shortly before he passed away -- I'm incredibly proud to give Colonel Ralph Puckett's Act of Valor the full recognition they have always deserved."
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Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:03:39-00:04:15 (36 sec)
"Colonel, I'm humbled to have you here today. I really am, along with your loving family and to award you the Medal of Honor. And, though I understand that your first response to us hosting this event was to ask, "Why all the fuss?" [Laughter] "Why all the fuss? Can't they just mail it to me?" [Laughter] I was going to make a joke about the post office but decided not to do that. [Laughter] Colonel Puckett, after 70 years, rather than mail it to you, I would have walked it to you."
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Joe Biden
Slightly Positive
00:04:15-00:04:40 (25 sec)
"You know, your lifetime of service to our nation I think deserves a little bit of fuss -- a little bit of fuss. You know, when I called to tell the Colonel that I had approved this award, I also spoke to Jeanie -- excuse me for using your first name, but that was my mom's name too and you and my mom have the same eyes, although you're much too young to be my mom."
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Joe Biden
Neutral
00:04:40-00:04:53 (13 sec)
"And, they've been married for 68 years. We have something else in -- we have one thing in common. We both married way up. We both married way up. [Laughter] "
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Ralph Puckett Jr.
Neutral
00:04:53-00:04:53 ( sec)
"[Inaudible] "
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Joe Biden
Positive
00:04:53-00:05:17 (24 sec)
"That's exactly right. [Laughter] Well, Jeannie and Ralph actually met while he was recovering from his wounds. They were married two years to the day after the battle that we're recognizing him today for his bravery. By the way, you all can sit down I think. It just dawned on me. I understand why you're standing."
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Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:05:17-00:05:40 (23 sec)
"I'd be standing too. Jeannie, it's wonderful to welcome you and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Jill and I know firsthand that it's not just the person who wears the uniform who serves. Military families make enormous sacrifices for our nation. So, let me add our thanks to you and your life of service as well."
13
Joe Biden
Neutral
00:05:40-00:06:06 (26 sec)
"I told you earlier that expression by the poet, "They also stand to only -- they also serve only to stand and wait." And, you've waited a long, long time under many, many, many circumstances. And, that goes to the entire family. Marti and her husband, Anthony, Thomas and partner Chip, I don't know whether they're here."
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Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:06:06-00:07:04 (58 sec)
"I didn't see them yet. And, I know the other daughter, Jeannie, isn't with us anymore, just like I wish our son, Beau, were able to be here to see this. He's not with us either. She's here in spirit and represented by her family and I know she's always in your heart, Colonel, and never leaves. I also want to recognize Master Sergeant Merle Simpson who fought beside the Colonel in Korea."
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Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:07:04-00:07:35 (31 sec)
"Where are you? Stand up, sir. Come on. [Applause] Who made the trip to Washington today to represent all of their fallen brothers from the Eighth Army Ranger Company. It's an honor. It's an honor for all their memories as well. Hill 205 was just 60 miles from the border with China and then Lieutenant Puckett and the Rangers had their orders to take that hill."
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Joe Biden
Leans Positive
00:07:35-00:08:12 (36 sec)
"As a young officer, Lieutenant Puckett knew that something wasn't quite right. The intelligence briefing indicated that there were 25,000 Chinese troops in the area, outnumbering U.S. and Korean forces two to three -- or excuse me, three to two. And, Lieutenant Puckett, though the numbers -- thought the numbers for the attack didn't align with the basic military doctrine."
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Joe Biden
Very Negative
00:08:12-00:08:46 (35 sec)
"Lieutenant believed in the fundamentals. It was how he trained his men. It's how he'd handpicked them, chosen from the ranks of cooks and clerks and mechanics to the first Ranger company since World War II. Physical conditioning, tactical training, working as a team, get the basics right, then build from there."
18
Joe Biden
Negative
00:08:46-00:09:25 (38 sec)
"Lieutenant Puckett also believed in being there for the fight. He volunteered for the Army Corps and Enlisted Reserve to try to join -- to fight in World War II. He volunteered to go to Korea and instead of the safer posting in Japan. He volunteered for the new Ranger company and then he prayed, "Dear God, don't let me get a bunch of guys -- good guys killed" when he was chosen to command that company."
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Joe Biden
Very Negative
00:09:25-00:10:11 (46 sec)
"So, on the morning of November 25th, 1950, mounted on the decks of the tanks, 51 of Puckett's Rangers and nine Korean enlisted soldiers set out to take Hill 205. To make their charge, they had to cross about a half a mile of frozen rice patties under fire and when the antimachine gunners slowed the Rangers' advance, Puckett risked his life by running across the area to draw fire that would reveal the location of the nest."
20
Joe Biden
Very Negative
00:10:11-00:10:46 (35 sec)
"He did it once. He did it again. It took three runs, intentionally exposing himself to the enemy, to pick off the gunner. Of course, Colonel Puckett had developed a dangerous hobby, as he recounted in his book, of challenging himself to run in front of speeding cars when he was four years old. [Laughter] So, self-preservation, it seemed, was never a primary concern of the Colonel."
21
Joe Biden
Positive
00:10:46-00:11:12 (27 sec)
"When the Rangers finally reached the top of Hill 205, they found it abandoned, but Puckett knew the fight wasn't nearly over. His men established a defensive perimeter and then went to coordinate the artillery support he was sure they would need and while he was there, to load up the ammunition -- ammunition and grenades, the basics."
22
Joe Biden
Very Negative
00:11:12-00:11:38 (26 sec)
"Shortly after he returned, the first onslaught began. Mortars followed by a ground assault from the entire Chinese battalion. Puckett's Rangers were out-numbered almost 10 to 1. During the fight, Puckett abandoned the relative safety of his foxhole, moving from man to man, encouraging them in the fight, checking that the perimeter was holding."
23
Joe Biden
Very Negative
00:11:38-00:12:08 (30 sec)
"He took a grenade fragment in his left thigh, but Puckett refused to be evacuated. He was a Ranger. He led his men from the front and over the course of the next several hours, four more waves of assault came. Each time Puckett made his rounds, passing out extra ammo and extra encouragement to rally his men."
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Joe Biden
Neutral
00:12:08-00:12:40 (32 sec)
"Each time, he was able to call in artillery support, sometimes danger close to help break the advance of the Chinese soldiers. Each time, the Rangers held the hill, pushing the enemy back at times with hand to hand fighting. About 2:30 A.M. after more than four hours of near nonstop fighting, the sixth wave began."
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Joe Biden
Very Negative
00:12:40-00:13:17 (37 sec)
"By this time, the Rangers had -- many Rangers had been killed and those that were left were exhausted, out-numbered, and dangerously short of -- dangerously short of ammunition and grenades. Lieutenant Puckett had sustained a second wound, this time in his left shoulder. He had distributed all the ammo to his men, keeping only eight bullets and a bayonet for himself."
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Joe Biden
Positive
00:13:17-00:13:45 (28 sec)
"For the last time, Puckett called in artillery support, only to be told that the guns were supporting other besieged units. Then, two mortar rounds landed directly in Puckett's foxhole, tearing through both his feet and his backside and his left arm and shoulder. Puckett's Rangers had been overwhelmed and he himself was badly wounded."
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Joe Biden
Very Negative
00:13:45-00:14:52 (67 sec)
"He ordered one of his men who found him on the ground to leave him behind, but that's not the Ranger creed. The private ran for help and soon, two other Rangers charged back up the hill, fighting off advancing Chinese soldiers, retrieving their Commander. They had to drag him down the hill with Lieutenant Puckett reminding them and himself that he could take the pain. "I'm a Ranger." Before his men loaded him on a tank to evacuate, Lieutenant Puckett called for one final barrage on Hill 205 and the Eighth Army unloaded artillery while phosphorus on the Rangers' former -- phosphorus on the Rangers' former position."
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Joe Biden
Very Negative
00:14:52-00:15:34 (42 sec)
"They did not hold the hill, but the Rangers extracted a high price. Korea is sometimes called the forgotten war, but those men who were there under Lieutenant Puckett's command, they'll never forget his bravery. They never forget that he was right by their side throughout every minute of it, and the people of the Republic of Korea haven't forgotten, as evidenced by the fact that the Prime Minister of Korea is here for this ceremony."
29
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:15:34-00:16:16 (42 sec)
"I doubt this has ever happened before. I can't say that for certain, but I doubt it's happened before. The Americans -- all Americans, like Ralph Puckett, joined in their fight. And, while the enduring partnership between our two nations began a war, it has flourished through peace. It's -- it's testament, I think, of the extraordinary strength of our alliance and we're joined today, as I said, by President Moon, who I can't tell you how happy I am he's able to be here."
30
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:16:16-00:16:28 (12 sec)
"And, if I may, I'd like to invite President Moon to say a few words if that is okay. President Moon? "
31
Moon Jae-in
Very Positive
00:16:28-00:16:51 (24 sec)
"[Via Interpreter] [Via Translator] Mr. President, thank you for your words. I find it truly meaningful to join the Medal of Honor presentation ceremony for Colonel Ralph Puckett, Jr., U.S. Army retired, upon President Biden's invitation. I learned that I'm the first foreign leader to ever attend a ceremony of such kind. As President of the Republic of Korea, it is a great honor and pleasure."
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Moon Jae-in
Very Positive
00:16:51-00:17:34 (43 sec)
"[Via Interpreter] Colonel Puckett is a true hero of the Korean War. With extraordinary valor and leadership, he completed missions until the very end, defending Hill 205 and fighting many more battles requiring equal valiance. Without the sacrifice of veterans, including Colonel Puckett and the Eighth Army Ranger Company, freedom and democracy we enjoy today couldn't have blossomed in Korea."
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Moon Jae-in
Very Positive
00:17:34-00:18:05 (31 sec)
"[Via Interpreter] Earlier, Colonel Puckett told me that when he was in Korea during the Korean War, it was absolutely destroyed. That was true. But, from the ashes of the Korean War, we rose, we came back, and that was thanks to the Korean War veterans who fought for Korea's peace and freedom. And, now, thanks to their support and efforts, we are enjoying prosperity."
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Moon Jae-in
Very Positive
00:18:05-00:18:57 (52 sec)
"[Via Interpreter] On behalf of the Korean people, I express deep gratitude and respect to them. Through the war veterans, the Korean people saw a great soul of America that marches toward freedom and peace. Their acts of gallantry, sacrifice, and friendship will forever be remembered. The ROK-U.S. alliance forged in blood of heroes has become a lynchpin of peace and prosperity on the Korean peninsula and beyond."
35
Moon Jae-in
Very Positive
00:18:57-00:19:15 (18 sec)
"[Via Interpreter] Colonel Puckett and his fellow warriors are a link that strongly binds Korea and the U.S. together. I pray that they stay with us in good health for a long time. Thank you very much. [Applause] "
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Joe Biden
Very Negative
00:19:15-00:19:50 (35 sec)
"Well, thank you, President Moon. Now, I'd be remiss if I didn't note that Ralph Puckett's service to our nation did not end in the Korean War. It did not end after his service in the Vietnam War, where he earned a second distinguished service cross, two silver stars, two brown stars with V for valor, and add to that, during his service, five purple hearts for injuries suffered in combat."
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Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:19:50-00:20:25 (35 sec)
"And, it didn't end. After his retirement from active duty or his induction into the Ranger Hall of Fame, it didn't end there either, when he served as the honorary Colonel for the 75th Ranger Regiment, where he'd helped a new generation of Rangers during their training missions. Even now, even now, you can find him out at Fort Benning, cheering on the Rangers and letting them know he's there with them."
38
Joe Biden
Neutral
00:20:25-00:21:23 (58 sec)
"Over his career, he mentored countless young people. He's always believed that all that mattered to be a Ranger was if you had the guts and the brains. That's the standard he applied when he picked his first Ranger unit in Korea, in an Army that had only recently been integrated, he chose with his team -- included a black, a Latino, and Asian-American members."
39
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:21:23-00:21:47 (24 sec)
"My mother would say, "God love you, man." In 2015, during the Obama-Biden Administration when the military was considering opening all combat positions to women, including Rangers, Colonel Puckett let it be known that he thought women could meet the standards and said, "I want to see them do it." He leads from the front; he leads by example."
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Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:21:47-00:22:09 (22 sec)
"He leads with his heart, he's a Ranger and that's how Rangers lead, that's how you lead. So now, it is my great honor to ask for the citation to be read and to award Colonel Puckett, Jr., Ralph Puckett Jr. with the Medal of Honor. "
41
Unidentified
Very Positive
00:22:09-00:22:37 (28 sec)
"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress March 3rd, 1863 has awarded in the name of Congress the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant Ralph Puckett Jr., United States Army for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."
42
Unidentified
Very Negative
00:22:37-00:23:13 (36 sec)
"First Lieutenant Ralph Puckett Jr. distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as the Commander Eight U. S. Army Ranger Company during the period of 25 November 1950 through 26 November 1950, in Korea. As his unit commenced a daylight attack on Hill 205, the enemy directed mortar, machine gun and small arms fire against the advancing force."
43
Unidentified
Very Negative
00:23:13-00:23:40 (27 sec)
"To obtain fire, First Lieutenant Puckett mounted the closest tank, exposing himself to the deadly enemy fire. Leaping from the tank, he shouted words of encouragement to his men and began to lead the Rangers in the attack. Almost immediately, enemy fire threatened the success of the attack by pinning down one platoon."
44
Unidentified
Very Negative
00:23:40-00:25:01 (81 sec)
"Leaving the safety of his position with full knowledge of the danger, First Lieutenant Puckett intentionally ran across an open area three times to draw enemy fire, thereby allowing the Rangers to locate and destroy the enemy positions and to seize Hill 205. During the night, the enemy launched a counterattack that lasted four hours."
45
Unidentified
Very Negative
00:25:01-00:26:15 (75 sec)
"Over the course of the counterattack, the Rangers were inspired and motivated by the extraordinary leadership and courageous example exhibited by First Lieutenant Puckett. As a result, five human wave attacks by a battalion strength enemy -- enemy element were repulsed. During the first attack, First Lieutenant Puckett was wounded by grenade fragments, but refused evacuation and continually directed artillery support, the decimated attacking enemy formations."
46
Unidentified
Negative
00:26:15-00:27:04 (49 sec)
"He repeatedly abandoned positions of relative safety, to make his way from foxhole to foxhole to check the company's perimeter and to distribute ammunition amongst the Rangers. When the enemy launched a sixth attack, it became clear to First Lieutenant Puckett that the position was untenable, due to the unavailability of supporting artillery fire."
47
Unidentified
Very Negative
00:27:04-00:27:47 (42 sec)
"During this attack, two enemy mortar rounds landed in his foxhole inflicting grievous wounds which limited his mobility. Knowing his men were in a precious situation, First Lieutenant Puckett commanded the Rangers to leave him behind and evacuate the area. Feeling a sense of duty to aid him, the Rangers refused the order, and staged an effort to retrieve him from the foxhole while still under fire from the enemy."
48
Unidentified
Very Positive
00:27:47-00:28:28 (41 sec)
"Ultimately, the Rangers succeeded in retrieving First Lieutenant Puckett and they moved to the bottom of the hill, where first Lieutenant -- where First Lieutenant Puckett called for devastating artillery fire on the top of the enemy controlled hill. First Lieutenant Puckett's extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army. [Applause] "
49
Joe Biden
Leans Positive
00:28:28-00:28:39 (11 sec)
"Let me invite the family up, come on, get the family up here. All of you, including the grandkids."
50