The motto of our Infantry is "Follow me!", and of the Rangers: "Rangers Lead The Way1"
That pretty much describes the battle described. Beyond that, he served in WW2, Korea, and Vietnam, and beyond the MOH, was decorated with the DSC, 2 SS, 2 BSM and 4 PH. Quite a Stud.
My dad was in the Assault Gun Platoon of TF Dolvin, 89th MTB defending the CP shown on your map. The next night, 27 November, another similar heroic action took place when Capt. Reginald Desiderio and his E Company, 27th Infantry, supported by the Assault Gun Platoon, held off hundreds of PRC troops defending the CP. Desiderio was killed and was awarded the Medal of Honor. My dad's platoon received a Presidential Unit Citation. https://www.abmc.gov/decedent-search/desiderio%3Dreginald
True American patriot and hero, but have to wonder why we're taking decades to get medals to guys like him? Virtually none of his contemporaries were around to see his valor recorgnized. Like with all things leadership related, timeliness is important.
well, before 2021, he just had 2 DSC, 2 SS and 2 BSM, so it's not as though he wasn't recognized.
"Puckett was an inaugural inductee into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame in 1992.[15] He served as the Honorary Colonel for the 75th Ranger Regiment from 1996 to 2006 for which he was awarded the Distinguished Civilian Service Award. He often spoke at graduations and other functions at Fort Benning and was an Honorary Instructor at The Infantry School. He was inducted into the Order of St. Maurice in 1997,[16] and was the 1998 Ranger of the Year for the Ranger Infantry Companies of the Korean War. He was inducted into the USAF Gathering of Eagles in 1999.[17] He was added to the Tifton, Georgia, Wall of Fame in 2004. Other honors include appointment as an Ambassador of Goodwill by the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, selection as a Distinguished Graduate of the United States Military Academy in 2004,[11] and selection as the Infantry's Doughboy Award recipient in 2007"
I understand what you are saying, but look at the dates of those awards. 40+ yrs after the fighting ended. Time and again we see the MOH handed out to guys in the twilight of their life or after. Col Puckett has had a life well lived, and certainly deserves every single award he has. Just wished they were more timely. He could have had an even greater impact on our youth if he'd gotten the MOH in the late 50's or early '60's.
Had th e good fortune to meet most of the living MOH awardees at a reception the night before VADM Stockdale's funeral in Coronado. Met COL Bud Day for the second time then. First time was at CDR John McCain's outgoing change of command. Amazing gent.
my ignorant read? They lowered the standards in 2016 and DoD got more feelgood PR.
1. unlike some cases, the facts were known
2. unlike some cases, the paperwork was not lost or never started
3. They quip that you get the DSC instead of the MOH if somebody doesn't like you. that doesn't seem the case here.
"Puckett was originally awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions at Hill 205, but John Lock, a retired US Army officer and assistant professor at the US Military Academy, came across Puckett’s story during research in the early 1990s and thought it met the criteria for the Medal of Honor, according to an account on the Army’s website.
In 2003 Lock began a process to get Puckett the Medal of Honor, but the petition was denied in 2007 and again on appeal in 2009, according to the report.
Lock persevered, submitting a petition for an upgrade for Puckett after the military ordered a review of all awards in 2016.
After that was denied, Lock was told of alternate route, through the Army award corrections board. That was successful and last year the Medal of Honor for Puckett was approved, but Lock stressed that it was something that Puckett never pushed for."
My friend, far from an ignorant read. You've stated your case most eloquently, and thank you for that. I always learn something from your posts. Best, JC
Back around 1993 Col. Bud Day was at the Federal Court House in downtown Pensacola representing Servicemen in a lawsuit for breach of contract in the "free healthcare for life" promised to all retired military. The man was eloquent and had an amazing presence. The courtroom was packed with vets and retirees like me. Even the Washington, D.C. lawyer lizards seemed in awe of Col. Day and gave due respect. Twice since then I have attended funerals of friends at Barrancas National Cemetery and have passed by Col. Day's tombstone. It is hard to miss and a trigger for strong emotions, though I only saw and heard the man that one time 30 years ago.
Yes, he served until the day he died looking after Vets. He was already an 06 when I met him. He came up to me (lowly Ensign that I was) and struck up a conversation. He noted I was the only guy without wings in the whole reception (McCain's). I told him I was very grateful to have been stashed with VA-174 "Hellrazors" the A-7 RAG for 6 months while awaiting flight school. I was in awe that an 06 would talk for 15-20 min to a JO. Made a big impression and I followed Bud Day stories after that.
To meet him again as an 06 at the end of my career was a perfect CAPSTONE. I was in San Diego running national NROTC training that summer, and the CO of the Ronald Reagan was an old friend. He invited me to the cocktail party ahead of the dinner for all living MOH recipients. Haven't seen him since then, but I'm eternally grateful for that invitation.
Tricare for life wasn't what was promised, but was/is a far cry from what we had (nothing). They keep trying to chip away at it by raising fees, but it is superior to what my ivilian friends have. I'll have to try to stop by and pay my respets next time I'm in Pensaola. (April '25 next planned trip).
You are right, Captain. Tricare for life wasn't what was promised. Retired in July 1991 and in September got a letter in the mail from .gov that said (and I paraphrase here): "Dear Sir. Thank you for your service. News flash. You have two options for healthcare now. 1. Pay for coverage under a Humana Healthcare HMO with a retired pay allotment. Or, 2. Go find your own healthcare plan. Because TANSTAAFL, Bucko." I'll grant that I have a healthcare plan that covers me better than most when coupled with Medicare but it isn't free. Now I hear that you, me and the rest of us get to pay for free healthcare for 10,000,000 illegal immigrants. Because sharing is caring. Gah!
I have a similar gripe. A friend of mine. Medal of Honor not awarded......TWICE recommended, to true soldier who would have then held, had they been awarded, more decorations than Audie Murphy. SSgt Llwellyn Chilson.
Chilson received seven awards for valor in one ceremony at the hands of President Harry Truman. At least his were timely.
FB squared! My Dad knew him in Korea and Viet Nam. Said the Army did him a disservice for not awarding him the MOH within 5 years after Korea. The Old Man was never a fan of the way the Army promptly vetted and awarded its heroes.
An incredible story. Character, courage, and a deep and abiding sense of responsibility. Three traits in dwindling supply amongst the GOFOs of our Armed Forces. Worse, the Secretary of the Army made it very clear that the progeny of 1stLt Puckett are not exactly welcome in "her" Army, as she does not want to create a "warrior caste." It is to weep.
It's odd how wanting to get rid of the kids of servicemen and white people is happening at the same time as a 'recruiting crisis'. Probably just a coincidence.
“We live in an era of truth decay, with the erosion of civil discourse. Partisan polarization is putting the Army in the crosshairs of a culture war and trust in military is declining,” she said. “Today more than 80% of recruits come from military families. There is a risk of developing a warrior caste when only 1% of the population serves in the military.”
And that's a bad thing? Heaven forbid the military is filled with folks who feel a duty to their country rather than kids that are just seduced by free college!!
In the past 45 days ive just sent off 66% of my offspring to serve... (And the third would if it wasnt for a disability). And that statement the Secretary made isnt just a tiny bit disturbing. When someone worries about the military being crewed with patriots, it makes you wonder what their motives and agenda are...
One Army, one Navy. So while not super familiar with the Army- this is certainly a concern and the leadership is an obvious question mark for me at this point. And as someone about to apply for junior Porch membership, you can likely guess my thoughts on Navy leadership. Im still questioning the support I gave them both in this endeavor. Guess now all I can do is hope they both find themselves in well managed commands...
They will need to manage their own careers first and foremost. Find the front runners at their gaining command and hang with them. Do not be the person their LPO/NCO can spare.(But, you know that already. )
A perfect nugget of advice- The kind of thing Ive been drowning them in since before each one left haha!!! Between all my “one more thing- real quick”, and all the info getting packed in now, Im sure their poor heads are ready to pop!!
Thank you for posting. My sincere condolences on the loss of your father, but also since rest thanks for his service to our country. God Bless you all.
It's ironic that Joe Biden is awarding the MOH to Colonel Puckett. Under the current administration's DEI policies, it is 60% less likely that someone who looked like Puckett would get into West Point today. That number would be even lower if the admissions office were to discover that some of his ancestors in Georgia fought for the CSA.
Sua sponte!
The motto of our Infantry is "Follow me!", and of the Rangers: "Rangers Lead The Way1"
That pretty much describes the battle described. Beyond that, he served in WW2, Korea, and Vietnam, and beyond the MOH, was decorated with the DSC, 2 SS, 2 BSM and 4 PH. Quite a Stud.
Thanks for posting this Commander Sal!
My dad was in the Assault Gun Platoon of TF Dolvin, 89th MTB defending the CP shown on your map. The next night, 27 November, another similar heroic action took place when Capt. Reginald Desiderio and his E Company, 27th Infantry, supported by the Assault Gun Platoon, held off hundreds of PRC troops defending the CP. Desiderio was killed and was awarded the Medal of Honor. My dad's platoon received a Presidential Unit Citation. https://www.abmc.gov/decedent-search/desiderio%3Dreginald
I 27th Inf Wolfhounds!
My Dad was succeeded in command of E/27 by Lewis Millett who became a lifelong family friend. A real legend. Do a search for his incredible story.
Last bayonet charge in USA history, Truly worthy of the MOH!
Highest honors, and well deserved. It looks like he made the most out of the rest of his life.
True American patriot and hero, but have to wonder why we're taking decades to get medals to guys like him? Virtually none of his contemporaries were around to see his valor recorgnized. Like with all things leadership related, timeliness is important.
well, before 2021, he just had 2 DSC, 2 SS and 2 BSM, so it's not as though he wasn't recognized.
"Puckett was an inaugural inductee into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame in 1992.[15] He served as the Honorary Colonel for the 75th Ranger Regiment from 1996 to 2006 for which he was awarded the Distinguished Civilian Service Award. He often spoke at graduations and other functions at Fort Benning and was an Honorary Instructor at The Infantry School. He was inducted into the Order of St. Maurice in 1997,[16] and was the 1998 Ranger of the Year for the Ranger Infantry Companies of the Korean War. He was inducted into the USAF Gathering of Eagles in 1999.[17] He was added to the Tifton, Georgia, Wall of Fame in 2004. Other honors include appointment as an Ambassador of Goodwill by the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, selection as a Distinguished Graduate of the United States Military Academy in 2004,[11] and selection as the Infantry's Doughboy Award recipient in 2007"
I understand what you are saying, but look at the dates of those awards. 40+ yrs after the fighting ended. Time and again we see the MOH handed out to guys in the twilight of their life or after. Col Puckett has had a life well lived, and certainly deserves every single award he has. Just wished they were more timely. He could have had an even greater impact on our youth if he'd gotten the MOH in the late 50's or early '60's.
Had th e good fortune to meet most of the living MOH awardees at a reception the night before VADM Stockdale's funeral in Coronado. Met COL Bud Day for the second time then. First time was at CDR John McCain's outgoing change of command. Amazing gent.
my ignorant read? They lowered the standards in 2016 and DoD got more feelgood PR.
1. unlike some cases, the facts were known
2. unlike some cases, the paperwork was not lost or never started
3. They quip that you get the DSC instead of the MOH if somebody doesn't like you. that doesn't seem the case here.
"Puckett was originally awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions at Hill 205, but John Lock, a retired US Army officer and assistant professor at the US Military Academy, came across Puckett’s story during research in the early 1990s and thought it met the criteria for the Medal of Honor, according to an account on the Army’s website.
In 2003 Lock began a process to get Puckett the Medal of Honor, but the petition was denied in 2007 and again on appeal in 2009, according to the report.
Lock persevered, submitting a petition for an upgrade for Puckett after the military ordered a review of all awards in 2016.
After that was denied, Lock was told of alternate route, through the Army award corrections board. That was successful and last year the Medal of Honor for Puckett was approved, but Lock stressed that it was something that Puckett never pushed for."
My friend, far from an ignorant read. You've stated your case most eloquently, and thank you for that. I always learn something from your posts. Best, JC
Back around 1993 Col. Bud Day was at the Federal Court House in downtown Pensacola representing Servicemen in a lawsuit for breach of contract in the "free healthcare for life" promised to all retired military. The man was eloquent and had an amazing presence. The courtroom was packed with vets and retirees like me. Even the Washington, D.C. lawyer lizards seemed in awe of Col. Day and gave due respect. Twice since then I have attended funerals of friends at Barrancas National Cemetery and have passed by Col. Day's tombstone. It is hard to miss and a trigger for strong emotions, though I only saw and heard the man that one time 30 years ago.
Yes, he served until the day he died looking after Vets. He was already an 06 when I met him. He came up to me (lowly Ensign that I was) and struck up a conversation. He noted I was the only guy without wings in the whole reception (McCain's). I told him I was very grateful to have been stashed with VA-174 "Hellrazors" the A-7 RAG for 6 months while awaiting flight school. I was in awe that an 06 would talk for 15-20 min to a JO. Made a big impression and I followed Bud Day stories after that.
To meet him again as an 06 at the end of my career was a perfect CAPSTONE. I was in San Diego running national NROTC training that summer, and the CO of the Ronald Reagan was an old friend. He invited me to the cocktail party ahead of the dinner for all living MOH recipients. Haven't seen him since then, but I'm eternally grateful for that invitation.
Tricare for life wasn't what was promised, but was/is a far cry from what we had (nothing). They keep trying to chip away at it by raising fees, but it is superior to what my ivilian friends have. I'll have to try to stop by and pay my respets next time I'm in Pensaola. (April '25 next planned trip).
You are right, Captain. Tricare for life wasn't what was promised. Retired in July 1991 and in September got a letter in the mail from .gov that said (and I paraphrase here): "Dear Sir. Thank you for your service. News flash. You have two options for healthcare now. 1. Pay for coverage under a Humana Healthcare HMO with a retired pay allotment. Or, 2. Go find your own healthcare plan. Because TANSTAAFL, Bucko." I'll grant that I have a healthcare plan that covers me better than most when coupled with Medicare but it isn't free. Now I hear that you, me and the rest of us get to pay for free healthcare for 10,000,000 illegal immigrants. Because sharing is caring. Gah!
Indeed.
I have a similar gripe. A friend of mine. Medal of Honor not awarded......TWICE recommended, to true soldier who would have then held, had they been awarded, more decorations than Audie Murphy. SSgt Llwellyn Chilson.
Chilson received seven awards for valor in one ceremony at the hands of President Harry Truman. At least his were timely.
Llwellyn Chilson (search him to see)
Bob Howard was awarded his MoH the third time he was recommended.
What galls me is watching the current occupant of the White House awarding the medal, any medal.
Just read his wikipedia entry. Much respect.
Very well done.
FB squared! My Dad knew him in Korea and Viet Nam. Said the Army did him a disservice for not awarding him the MOH within 5 years after Korea. The Old Man was never a fan of the way the Army promptly vetted and awarded its heroes.
Solid. Simply. Solid.
Amen. God speed.
A lot of heroism, goes unrecognized for many reasons. Korea seemed to have a number of those; it wasn't called the "Forgotten War" for nothing.
Hand Salute...............Two!!
An incredible story. Character, courage, and a deep and abiding sense of responsibility. Three traits in dwindling supply amongst the GOFOs of our Armed Forces. Worse, the Secretary of the Army made it very clear that the progeny of 1stLt Puckett are not exactly welcome in "her" Army, as she does not want to create a "warrior caste." It is to weep.
It's odd how wanting to get rid of the kids of servicemen and white people is happening at the same time as a 'recruiting crisis'. Probably just a coincidence.
OIF deaths
RACE Army Navy Marines Air Force Total
AMERICAN INDIAN/ALASKA NATIVE 27 1 15 0 43
ASIAN 63 5 9 0 77
BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN 374 12 48 7 441
NATIVE HAWAIIAN
OR OTHER PACIFIC ISLANDER 10 1 6 0 17
WHITE 2,629 86 891 39 3,645
MULTIPLE RACES 46 0 16 0 62
UNKNOWN 88 2 38 5 133
TOTAL 3,237 107 1,023 51 4,418
She would gut the military of the LT Dan's whose family held a deep commitment to this country. They are the problem along with you and I, and I suspect a good fraction of the Porch. https://today.duke.edu/2023/11/army-secretary-talks-about-recruiting-challenges-effect-political-polarization-military
“We live in an era of truth decay, with the erosion of civil discourse. Partisan polarization is putting the Army in the crosshairs of a culture war and trust in military is declining,” she said. “Today more than 80% of recruits come from military families. There is a risk of developing a warrior caste when only 1% of the population serves in the military.”
And that's a bad thing? Heaven forbid the military is filled with folks who feel a duty to their country rather than kids that are just seduced by free college!!
In the past 45 days ive just sent off 66% of my offspring to serve... (And the third would if it wasnt for a disability). And that statement the Secretary made isnt just a tiny bit disturbing. When someone worries about the military being crewed with patriots, it makes you wonder what their motives and agenda are...
Best of luck to your children. I hope the leadership of whichever service they chose is worthy of them.
One Army, one Navy. So while not super familiar with the Army- this is certainly a concern and the leadership is an obvious question mark for me at this point. And as someone about to apply for junior Porch membership, you can likely guess my thoughts on Navy leadership. Im still questioning the support I gave them both in this endeavor. Guess now all I can do is hope they both find themselves in well managed commands...
They will need to manage their own careers first and foremost. Find the front runners at their gaining command and hang with them. Do not be the person their LPO/NCO can spare.(But, you know that already. )
A perfect nugget of advice- The kind of thing Ive been drowning them in since before each one left haha!!! Between all my “one more thing- real quick”, and all the info getting packed in now, Im sure their poor heads are ready to pop!!
Five Purple Hearts, assorted Silver and Bronze Stars and he still pulled his retirement check for 50 plus years.......Full Bore indeed
He should have been a senator not John Kerry,
My Dad was CO of E/27 on hill 207 just east of 205. Capt. Reginald Desiderio, MoH (posthumous).
Thank you for posting. My sincere condolences on the loss of your father, but also since rest thanks for his service to our country. God Bless you all.
I concur with Gary. You might be interested in the comment by Andre K Blackley above
🫡
It's ironic that Joe Biden is awarding the MOH to Colonel Puckett. Under the current administration's DEI policies, it is 60% less likely that someone who looked like Puckett would get into West Point today. That number would be even lower if the admissions office were to discover that some of his ancestors in Georgia fought for the CSA.