CT Mourns Death Of Ridgefield Resident, Medal Of Honor​ Awardee

RIDGEFIELD, CT — State leaders are mourning the death at age 80 of longtime Ridgefield resident U.S. Army Capt. Paul W. Bucha, who had been the only living recipient of the Medal of Honor from Connecticut.

The medal is the highest military decoration awarded by the U.S. Armed Forces to members of the service who have distinguished themselves for bravery above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in military action and at the risk of their own life. President Richard Nixon honored Bucha with the award in 1970 for his heroic service while on active duty during the Vietnam War.

Gov. Ned Lamont called Bucha "an American hero whose service to our country inspired many, including those who went on themselves to make the selfless decision to enlist in the military."

Bucha received the award for actions he took between March 16 and March 19, 1968, as commanding officer, Company D, on a reconnaissance-in-force mission against enemy forces near Phuoc Vinh in the Binh Duong province of Vietnam.

"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," according to his obituary posted by the National Medal of Honor Museum.

With the passing of Bucha, there are only 60 living recipients of the Medal of Honor.

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said she "had the privilege of meeting Mr. Bucha in Ridgefield a number of years ago. Not only was he a man of honor and distinction, but a gentleman who spent his life in service to his community. Mr. Bucha continued his public service by helping veterans by serving on a dozen military boards and organizations including the Board of Veterans Advantage and the Medal of Honor Society."

On X, Sen, Richard Blumenthal posted that "Paul (Bud) Bucha of Ridgefield was a true hero & treasure—a Medal of Honor recipient for his bravery in Vietnam, a tireless advocate of all veterans, a community & national leader. I will miss him as a friend. My heart goes out to all his family."