The sky over the National Infantry Museum shone a bright blue with the sun’s yellow rays turning four new bronze statues into hues of gold Monday as workers installed the statues.
The statues, sculpted by Jay Warren, depict soldiers of the Korean War and honor those who served in the conflict that started over 74 years ago.
One of the sculptures, which weighs nearly 500-600 pounds and stands around 7 feet tall, depicts the late retired U.S. Army Col. Ralph Puckett Jr. Puckett was a Medal of Honor recipient who won the award for his actions at the Battle of Hill 205 near Unsan, Korea.
Puckett was a resident of Columbus and died at the age of 97 earlier this year .
The statue depicts Puckett in attire similar to what he would have been wearing at the Battle of Hill 205 while holding a M-1 Garand with a M1911A1 pistol at his hip.
Another statue depicts Gen. Paik Sun Yup, who was in command of the Republic of Korea First Division when the North Korean People’s Army attack into South Korea began June 25, 1950, according to a plaque at the memorial. Paik later became the first four star general in the history of the Republic of Korea Army, according to the plaque.