and throw the enemy off balance, he accounted for four enemy dead and, although wounded in the left hand by grenade fragments, continued to deliver accurate fire until the rear of the patrol had left the area. Upon returning to the outpost and discovering that three of his men were missing, Staff Sergeant Puckett organized a small rescue party and went back into hostile territory to search for his comrades. After a brief skirmish with the enemy, he located the three missing men, two of whom were seriously wounded in the legs, and assisted in returning them to the outpost. By his valiant leadership, inspiring fighting spirit and determined efforts in the face of heavy odds, Staff Sergeant Puckett was instrumental in saving several lives. His gallant actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. References External links Official Marine Corps biography 1926 births 2002 deaths Sergeants Major of the Marine Corps United States Marine Corps personnel of World War II United States Marine Corps personnel of the Korean War Recipients of the Navy Cross (United States) United States Marine Corps personnel of the Vietnam War Recipients of the Legion of Merit Burials at Arlington National Cemetery People from Waurika, Oklahoma People from Roswell, New Mexico Military personnel from Oklahoma