Arlington, Texas – It is with a heavy heart that the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation (NMOHMF) offers the following statement on the passing of Captain Paul W. “Buddy” Bucha, who earned the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions in Vietnam and was a life-long advocate for American’s veterans. With his company pinned down, Capt. Bucha crawled 40 meters through a hail of fire to destroy the enemy bunker. Throughout a night of intense combat, he rallied his men, directed artillery and at one point stood in complete view of enemy snipers while using flashlights to direct helicopters which were evacuating the wounded. With his passing there are only 60 living recipients.
“Across his remarkable life, Captain Paul Bucha – “Buddy” to his friends and family – exemplified what it means to be a hero,” said Chris Cassidy, President and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation. “From his brave actions in Vietnam, where he repeatedly disregarded his own safety to assist others, to his dedication to numerous charities supporting veterans and military families, Captain Bucha set an example of selflessness that we should all strive to follow.
“I’m grateful that the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation was one of the many causes he supported. He was a true believer in this project and all that it represents, particularly the idea that the Medal is bigger than any one person. We were thrilled to have him at our 160th Anniversary event at the Library of Congress and at other important moments throughout the Museum’s development. All of us at NMOHMF send our condolences to his loved ones and vow to uphold his legacy and preserve and share his inspirational story for generations to come.”
His full Medal of Honor citation can be found here and reads as follows:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Bucha distinguished himself while serving as commanding officer, Company D, on a reconnaissance-in-force mission against enemy forces near Phuoc Vinh, The company was inserted by helicopter into the suspected enemy stronghold to locate and destroy the enemy. During this period Capt. Bucha aggressively and courageously led his men in the destruction of enemy fortifications and base areas and eliminated scattered resistance impeding the advance of the company. On 18 March while advancing to contact, the lead elements of the company became engaged by the heavy automatic weapon, heavy machine gun, rocket propelled grenade, Claymore mine and small-arms fire of an estimated battalion-size force. Capt. Bucha, with complete disregard for his safety, moved to the threatened area to direct the defense and ordered reinforcements to the aid of the lead element. Seeing that his men were pinned down by heavy machine gun fire from a concealed bunker located some 40 meters to the front of the positions, Capt. Bucha crawled through the hail of fire to single-handedly destroy the bunker with grenades. During this heroic action Capt. Bucha received a painful shrapnel wound. Returning to the perimeter, he observed that his unit could not hold its positions and repel the human wave assaults launched by the determined enemy. Capt. Bucha ordered the withdrawal of the unit elements and covered the withdrawal to positions of a company perimeter from which he could direct fire upon the charging enemy. When 1 friendly element retrieving casualties was ambushed and cut off from the perimeter, Capt. Bucha ordered them to feign death and he directed artillery fire around them. During the night Capt. Bucha moved throughout the position, distributing ammunition, providing encouragement and insuring the integrity of the defense. He directed artillery, helicopter gunship and Air Force gunship fire on the enemy strong points and attacking forces, marking the positions with smoke grenades. Using flashlights in complete view of enemy snipers, he directed the medical evacuation of 3 air-ambulance loads of seriously wounded personnel and the helicopter supply of his company. At daybreak Capt. Bucha led a rescue party to recover the dead and wounded members of the ambushed element. During the period of intensive combat, Capt. Bucha, by his extraordinary heroism, inspirational example, outstanding leadership and professional competence, led his company in the decimation of a superior enemy force which left 156 dead on the battlefield. His bravery and gallantry at the risk of his life are in the highest traditions of the military service, Capt. Bucha has reflected great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
About the Museum, Monument and Institute: The National Medal of Honor Museum, Monument and Griffin Institute will inspire Americans by honoring and preserving the history of the highest military decoration awarded for valor in combat. Serving as a national landmark – and located in America’s heartland in Arlington, Texas – the Museum will provide an unrivaled visitor experience and illustrate the historical thread of sacrifice, patriotism and courage that runs through all U.S. military service members, past and present. Beyond its state-of-the-art, interactive experiences, a critical part of the Museum’s mission will be to use the stories of Medal of Honor recipients to inspire their fellow Americans and motivate them to be their best selves.
A National Monument in Washington, D.C., will commemorate the service and sacrifice of the bravest and most decorated members of the U.S. Armed Forces. To be located in the nation’s capital, it will give all Americans the opportunity to reflect on the courage and patriotism that safeguard freedom and democracy.
For more information please visit the National Medal of Honor Museum website or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
