On January 16, 2025, Capt. Paul W. Bucha, Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam War hero, was laid to rest during a poignant memorial service at the U.S. Military Academy’s Cadet Chapel. The ceremony, held on a serene winter’s day at West Point, honored the extraordinary life of a man whose courage and leadership continue to inspire.
Emmy-winning journalist and former Ridgefield resident Morton Dean, a close friend of Bucha, offered moving reflections on the day: “On this special winter's day, West Point was very West Point. Snow fell softly and embraced the hallowed ground. The Hudson River, which played such a determinative role in the academy’s history, was locked in ice from shore to shore.”
The ceremony was a fitting tribute to a remarkable life. Gunfire salutes, stirring patriotic music from the Cadet band, and heartfelt singing by the Cadet chorus echoed across the grounds, adding solemn dignity to the occasion. Inside the chapel, Dean noted, "Testimony to Paul's greatness as a soldier, as an American, as a friend, and as a father filled the Cadet Chapel time and time again. A fellow soldier delivered the main eulogy, Paul's radio man, who repeatedly faced death with him in the jungles and rice paddies of Vietnam. It was an extraordinary day for an extraordinary man."
Capt. Bucha distinguished himself through extraordinary bravery during a reconnaissance mission near Phuoc Vinh, Vietnam, from March 16-18, 1968. Leading his men under heavy enemy fire, he destroyed an enemy bunker single-handedly, coordinated defenses, and directed the evacuation of the wounded, all while exposing himself to immense danger. He received the Medal of Honor from President Richard Nixon on May 14, 1970, for his heroism. Yet, ever modest, Bucha said of his award, “The medal that I wear, I wear on behalf of others, not myself.”
Paul Bucha, who lived for many years on Main Street in Ridgefield, was a beloved member of the community. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and their four children.
As the snow blanketed West Point on that day of remembrance, Paul Bucha’s legacy was celebrated not only for his remarkable military achievements but also for the deep impact he left on all who knew him. His life stands as a testament to courage, humility, and unwavering commitment to others.
Thank you, Captain Bucha, for your heroism and dedication to your country. May you rest in peace.
Read Captain Bucha’s obituary via Congressional Medal of Honor Society https://www.cmohs.org/news-events/press-releases/medal-of-honor-recipient-paul-w-bucha-passes-away-at-80
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