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. |
Yoko Ono to receive Edward MacDowell Medal for lifetime achievementWhat the cost of insulin may mean for Biden's campaignDavid Beckham moves wife Victoria to tears with emotional speech at her starNo rest for Rodgers! Controversial New York Jets quarterback continues Achilles recovery with earlyCPC issues revised regulations on disciplinary inspectionsHarmonious picture of human and nature in China's coastal city XiamenBritain's Got Talent judges are shocked as stuntman's deathDoja Cat closes Coachella in a hairCruz Beckham's VERY sweet tribute to mum Victoria at her starSizzling Scottie Scheffler holds five