Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives today in recognition of Ridgefield resident and Vietnam Veteran Paul William Bucha, one of 79 living Medal of Honor recipients. The brief remarks were part of a Joint Special Order – time designated for multiple Members of Congress to address a certain topic – honoring the accomplishments of all 79 recipients. Click here to watch the remarks. A transcript of the floor speech follows this release.
"Captain Bucha was awarded the Medal of Honor for incredible gallantry in action," said Himes in his remarks. "It is for his extraordinary heroism and exemplary leadership that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Captain Paul William Bucha."
Bucha served as a captain in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. In March 1968, he led his 89-man unit through intense combat, during which he single-handedly eliminated an enemy position that had pinned down the forward units of his company. Bucha was awarded the Medal of Honor for his exceptional leadership and guidance during the three-day engagement.
"Captain Bucha was awarded the Medal of Honor for incredible gallantry in action during March 16th-19th, 1968 in Vietnam."
"For three days, on a mission to seek and destroy enemy positions, Captain Bucha led his 89-man unit through intense combat. On March 18th a North Vietnamese battalion with numerical superiority pinned down the forward units of his company. When Captain Bucha discovered the origins of the heaviest fire, he maneuvered into position and singlehandedly eliminated the enemy position. Due to his exceptional leadership and guidance during the three-day engagement, Captain Bucha's men held their position, refused to yield, and inflicted considerable casualties upon the superior enemy force.
"It is for his extraordinary heroism and exemplary leadership that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Captain Paul William Bucha."