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American Warriors
Ranger: A Soldier's Life
On November 25, 1950, during one of the toughest battles of the Korean War, the US Eighth Army Ranger Company seized and held the strategically important Hill 205 overlooking the Chongchon River. Separated by more than a mile from the nearest friendly unit, fifty-one soldiers fought several hundred Chinese attackers. Their commander, Lieutenant Ralph Puckett, was wounded three times before he was evacuated. For his actions, he received the country's second-highest award for courage on the battlefield -- the Distinguished Service Cross -- and resumed active duty later that year as a living legend.
In this inspiring autobiography, Colonel Ralph Puckett recounts his extraordinary experiences on and off the battlefield. After he returned from Korea, Puckett joined the newly established US Army Ranger Department, serving as an instructor and tactical officer, and commanding companies at Fort Benning and in the Ranger Mountain Camp in north Georgia. He went on to lead companies in Vietnam, train cadets at West Point, and organize the Escuela de Lancero leadership course in Colombia. Puckett's story is critical reading for soldiers, leaders, military historians, and others interested in the impact of conflict on individual soldiers as well as the military as a whole.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2017
11 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 7, 2018
A Strong Story About A Legendary Soldier
Such a great man, father, soldier and Ranger...fortunate for all he has shared his story. For those who have met him personally, it is clear he builds everything off of his high character demeanor.
The book is interesting as it gives a true leader’s perspective while leading soldiers in combat. It also lays out the full career contrasted with the pull of being a family first man as well.
If you’ve met Colonel Puckett, read. Read it just to know the man better, even if you know nothing of “Ranger”.
RLTW!
Such a great man, father, soldier and Ranger...fortunate for all he has shared his story. For those who have met him personally, it is clear he builds everything off of his high character demeanor.
The book is interesting as it gives a true leader’s perspective while leading soldiers in combat. It also lays out the full career contrasted with the pull of being a family first man as well.
If you’ve met Colonel Puckett, read. Read it just to know the man better, even if you know nothing of “Ranger”.
RLTW!
June 29, 2023
Great read.
This was a great read. Colonel Puckett is a man of great integrity and vision. He won two Distinguished Service Crosses. One in Korea, one in Vietnam. I just read his Korean award was upgraded to the Medal of Honor.
This was a great read. Colonel Puckett is a man of great integrity and vision. He won two Distinguished Service Crosses. One in Korea, one in Vietnam. I just read his Korean award was upgraded to the Medal of Honor.
February 17, 2022
Great autobiographical read.
March 14, 2025
Great story of a great Army leader. Very inspiring, especially his continued service to our youth and you g leaders after his retirement. Must read for professional leader development!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews