Cornwall-on-Hudson’s flags were lowered to half-mast last Friday in memory to Cornwall resident Capt. Paul ‘Buddy’ Bucha – the Medal of Honor recipient passed away on July 31 in West Haven, Conn.
Cornwall-on-Hudson Mayor James A. Gagliano made the announcement Friday.
“It is with heavy heart that we share in announcing the passing of Cornwall resident and Medal of Honor recipient, Captain Paul “Buddy” Bucha,” the mayor wrote on Facebook. “Captain Bucha was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his gallantry in action in the Binh Duong Province of the Republic of Vietnam between March 16th and 19th in 1968 – the peak of combat operations and U.S. force deployments during the Vietnam War. The Medal of Honor also represents the nation’s highest award for conspicuous courage and heroism.”
Gagliano suggested that those who want to learn more about “Captain Bucha’s uncommon valor while serving as commanding officer of Company D” visit the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s webpage.
“Reading his citation will leave you humbled and appreciative of the sacrifice and courage exhibited by him and his men during fierce combat actions near Phuoc Vinh,” Gagliano said.
The mayor first met Bucha when he was a cadet at West Point.
“I was honored to first meet him during the mid-Eighties when he spoke at a formal cadet company dining-in. As a young cadet, to me his prepared remarks and words of encouragement were beyond inspiring and were, in part, the reason I decided to join the Infantry.”
Bucha, for whom West Point’s natatorium is named, served as captain of the Division I intercollegiate Academy swim team before his graduation in 1965.
“A longtime resident of Ridgefield, Conn., we were lucky to share him in the greater Cornwall area when he returned to a family home near his beloved alma mater several years ago,” Gagliano wrote. “It was then that he stopped in to the mayor’s office to visit with me and yet again leave me humble and inspired.”
The flags on Village properties remained in the half-mast position until August 6. Gagliano said there are plans to honor Bucha later this year in Cornwall.
“I have spoken with Supervisor Wojehowski and members of the “Hometown Heroes” committee for Cornwall and Cornwall-on-Hudson,” he said. “In coordination with American Legion Post 353, we will seek to have Captain Bucha be our first nomination for recognition via a banner along our main streets when the first batch of nominees is considered and selected.”
The mayor and supervisor said they are looking to have that banner program in place by Veterans Day.
The mayor asked residents to keep Captain Bucha’s family – especially his wonderful wife Cynthia – in their thoughts and prayers.
He added: “And reflect on Captain Bucha’s humility when he was presented the Medal of Honor from President Nixon and flatly advised the president that ‘[t]he medal that I wear, I wear on behalf of others, not myself.’ Stirring words indeed. Rest in peace, Captain Bucha. A grateful nation and your greater Cornwall community will never forget your heroism and sacrifices on our behalf.”
Bucha was 80 at the time of his death.