Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero, Captain Paul Bucha, a Medal of Honor recipient and a longtime resident of Ridgefield, Connecticut. Captain Bucha was the son of a World War II veteran, attended West Point, and ultimately earned a master's degree from Stanford University. He was deployed to Vietnam in 1967 and assumed his first command after only 2 months in country. In March 1968, Captain Bucha and his men encountered a North Vietnamese force more than 10 times the size of their own. Outgunned and outmanned, Captain Bucha rallied his troops, commanding a vigorous all-night defense that deceived the 1,500 enemy combatants into believing that his own force of 89 was much larger. He personally eliminated a fortified enemy position and directed the medical evacuation of his wounded men, all while coping with his own shrapnel wounds. President Nixon bestowed the Medal of Honor upon Captain Bucha 2 years after his courageous actions, citing his ``extraordinary heroism, inspirational example, outstanding leadership, and professional competence.'' At the time of his death, he held the distinction of being Connecticut's only living Medal of Honor recipient. Captain Paul Bucha passed away in July 2024 and is survived by his wife, Cynthia, his four children, and his nine grandchildren. A true American hero, may he rest in peace. ____________________”