[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H4476-H4478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CAPTAIN PAUL W. ``BUD'' BUCHA VA MEDICAL CENTER
Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill
(H.R. 4647) to designate the medical center of the Department of
Veterans Affairs in West Haven, Connecticut, as the ``Captain Paul W.
`Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center''.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 4647
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha
VA Medical Center Act of 2025''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha was born on August 1, 1943, in
Washington, DC.
(2) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha, a recipient of the Medal of
Honor and an advocate for veterans, is an American hero.
(3) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha, the son of a colonel in the
Army, spent his childhood in California, Germany, Indiana,
Japan, and St. Louis, Missouri.
(4) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha turned down several scholarships
for both academics and athletics and instead enrolled in the
United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He
went on to be a two-time All-American and captain of the West
Point swim team. In 1965, he graduated in the top 5 percent
of his class and number two in Military Order of Merit.
(5) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha earned a Masters of Business
Administration from Stanford University in 1967, all while
completing Airborne and Ranger training between academic
years.
(6) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha reported for duty with the 101st
Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to prepare for
deployment to Vietnam as part of Operation Eagle Thrust in
November 1967.
(7) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha was appointed commander of
Company D, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment. His
company was the last rifle company to be formed during an
Army expansion. He jokingly recalled that his recruits were
men who had flunked basic infantry tasks, former prisoners,
and ``guys with master's degrees in Elizabethan literature''.
He took pride in his company, dubbed the ``clerks and
jerks''. They went on to become one of the most decorated
units by the end of the war.
(8) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha distinguished himself with
extraordinary heroism while leading 89 men on a
reconnaissance mission near Phuoc Vinh, Vietnam, from March
16th through 18th, 1968. As part of the Tet Offensive, his
unit was dropped by helicopter and his men set out to repel
attacks by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces. As the sun
set on March 18, 1968, he and his men advanced into a dense
jungle and found themselves outgunned by approximately 1,500
enemy troops. Under attack, he crawled 40 yards through the
hail of fire and singlehandedly destroyed a machine-gun
bunker with grenades, all while sustaining a shrapnel wound.
He then orchestrated an overnight offensive, directing his
men to spread out, throw grenades, and unleash heavy fire. He
made the enemy believe they were a much larger force. His
leadership led to the defeat of a superior Vietnamese
stronghold, leaving 156 enemy dead. Come morning, he guided
the medical evacuation of three air-ambulance loads of
seriously wounded personnel.
(9) President Richard Nixon presented the Medal of Honor to
Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha in a ceremony at the White House in
1970.
(10) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha originally wanted to turn down
the Medal of Honor because he did not feel deserving. In
Vietnam, he asked his men to trust him and, in turn, promised
to bring them home safe. 10 of his men were killed on the
night of March 18, 1968. Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha ultimately
accepted the Medal of Honor in their memory, saying it
belongs to his men.
(11) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha resigned his Army commission in
1972.
(12) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha was an active member of several
veterans service organizations (commonly referred to as
``VSOs''), including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign
Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the Vietnam Veterans of
America. He generously served on the board of directors of
Homes for Our Troops, a VSO that builds specially adapted
custom homes for severely injured veterans. He also served as
Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment and
Training Services at the Department of Labor.
(13) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha used his voice for veterans
struggling with mental health. He believed that all veterans,
whether they have ``4 stars or no stripes, man or woman'',
would be touched by post-traumatic stress. He used the term
``post-traumatic stress'' to acknowledge the impact of combat
experiences on the mental health of veterans and he
intentionally left out the word ``disorder'' to help
destigmatize their struggle.
(14) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha battled post-traumatic stress on
his own for 42 years before courageously seeking help at the
medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in West
Haven, Connecticut. In the final years of his life, Paul W.
``Bud'' Bucha also received neurological care at that medical
center. His family expressed deep gratitude for the
compassionate and skilled care he received, especially
recognizing the leadership of Dr. Huned Patwa, Chief of
Staff, and Dr. Becky Rhoads, Executive Director. His family
also commended the dedicated
[[Page H4477]]
neurologists, psychiatrists, and oncologists who supported
him as his health declined.
(15) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha spent the last two weeks of his
life at the medical center of the Department in West Haven,
Connecticut, and passed away from complications of
Alzheimer's disease on July 31, 2024. In his final act of
courage and service, he donated his brain to the Center for
Human Brain Discovery at Yale University.
SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF CAPTAIN PAUL W. ``BUD'' BUCHA VA
MEDICAL CENTER.
(a) In General.--The medical center of the Department of
Veterans Affairs in West Haven, Connecticut, or any successor
location for such medical center, shall after the date of the
enactment of this Act be known and designated as the
``Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha Department of Veterans Affairs
Medical Center'' or the ``Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA
Medical Center''.
(b) Reference.--Any reference in any law, regulation, map,
document, paper, or other record of the United States to the
medical center referred to in subsection (a) shall be
considered to be a reference to the Captain Paul W. ``Bud''
Bucha VA Medical Center.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Conaway)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.
General Leave
Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4647, the Captain Paul
W. ``Bud'' Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025, sponsored by
Representative DeLauro.
This bill would designate the West Haven VA Medical Center in
Connecticut as the Captain Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha VA Medical Center.
Captain Paul ``Bud'' Bucha was an American hero whose life
exemplified courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to his
fellow veterans, both on the battlefield and at home.
After graduating from West Point, Captain Bucha was sent to Vietnam
where he commanded his company during an intense recon mission.
In March 1968, Captain Bucha displayed extraordinary courage while
leading his company against a larger enemy force.
Under intense fire, he destroyed an enemy bunker, directed the
withdrawal of his men, coordinated artillery and air support, evacuated
wounded soldiers, and led the recovery of casualties.
{time} 1140
For this, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. His actions saved
countless lives and are a tribute to the highest ideals of military
service.
Captain Bucha's service did not end when he came home. For decades,
he dedicated himself to serving veterans, focusing on those struggling
with the invisible wounds of war. After experiencing post-traumatic
stress himself, he became one of the Nation's strongest advocates for
getting veterans out of the rut and back to living. He challenged the
stigma surrounding mental health care and encouraged countless fellow
veterans to seek help.
The West Haven VA Medical Center became an important part of that
journey. It was there that Captain Bucha received treatment, continued
his advocacy, and ultimately spent his final days. Naming this facility
in his honor would ensure that future generations of veterans remember
Captain Bucha and his service, not only for his actions in combat, but
for what he continued to do for his fellow veterans long after his time
in uniform was over.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4647 honors a Medal of Honor recipient, a tireless
advocate, and a man whose life was defined by service to others.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4647, and I reserve
the balance of my time.
Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4647 to name the Department of
Veterans Affairs Medical Center in West Haven, Connecticut, the
``Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center.''
I thank my colleagues from Connecticut Senator Blumenthal and
Representative DeLauro for their leadership to honor Captain Bucha's
legacy.
Captain Bucha's dedication to his country exemplifies service. As a
young man, he turned down multiple athletic and academic scholarships,
choosing, instead, to enroll in the United States Military Academy at
West Point, where he was a two-time All-American and captain of the
swim team. He graduated in the top 5 percent of his class and number
two in the Order of Military Merit.
In 1967, Captain Bucha deployed to Vietnam as part of Operation Eagle
Thrust. As commander of Company D, Third Battalion, 187th Infantry
Regiment, he oversaw a motley crew that he lovingly referred to as
``clerks and jerks.'' They went on to become one of the most decorated
units by war's end.
As part of the Tet Offensive, in March 1968, Captain Bucha and his
men were dropped by helicopter to repel attacks by the North Vietnamese
and Viet Cong. They found themselves outnumbered by 1,500 enemy troops,
and Captain Bucha crawled 40 yards through a hail of gunfire and
singlehandedly destroyed a machine-gun bunker with grenades.
He then spearheaded an overnight offensive, spreading his men out to
throw grenades to convince the enemy that they were the ones who were
outnumbered.
He was also instrumental in enabling the medical evacuation of three
air ambulance loads of his personnel.
For these heroic efforts, Captain Bucha was awarded the Medal of
Honor in 1970. He considered turning it down, feeling undeserving.
Ultimately, he accepted, saying that the medal belongs to his men.
After his service, Captain Bucha taught at West Point to help shape
the next generation of servicemembers. He also worked with several
veterans organizations to advocate for mental health support, job
training, and housing for veterans.
Captain Bucha's connection to the West Haven VA Medical Center is
deeply personal. He battled post-traumatic stress disorder for 42 years
before courageously seeking help at West Haven, where he received
compassionate and skilled care in the final years of his life. He
passed away at the medical center in 2024 from complications of
Alzheimer's disease.
I understand that our colleagues in the Senate passed the companion
to this bill in their Chamber last August and have been waiting for the
House to take it up for almost a year. I am disappointed that we are
not considering the already-passed Senate bill today. This House should
have passed that Senate bill long ago.
A well-deserving veteran such as Captain Bucha should have been
honored as swiftly as possible. I am concerned that by not taking up
the Senate version of this bill today, it will only further delay this
bill from getting to the President's desk for signature. Captain
Bucha's friends and loved ones should not have to wait so long to see
his legacy honored.
Nevertheless, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I hope
that it will become law without delay. I can think of no better way to
express gratitude for Captain Bucha's lifelong commitment to service of
his community and his country than to name this VA medical center in
his honor. I urge all Members to support this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut
(Ms. DeLauro), the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee
and the author of this legislation.
Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I am honored and grateful for this
opportunity to put forward this legislation. It is legislation that
honors a man who embodied the highest ideals of service to his country,
his fellow soldiers, and his community, Captain Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha,
a longtime resident of Ridgefield, Connecticut, and a Medal of Honor
recipient.
The bill would rename the West Haven Veterans Affairs Medical Center
in West Haven, Connecticut, where Captain Bucha received care for PTSD
after his service and neurological care for Alzheimer's disease before
he passed away on July 31, 2024.
Captain Bucha received the Medal of Honor in 1970 for his heroic
service while on Active Duty during the Vietnam war. He distinguished
himself with extraordinary heroism while leading 89 men on a
reconnaissance mission in Vietnam under heavy enemy fire
[[Page H4478]]
from about 1,500 soldiers. He fearlessly directed our
defenses, personally destroyed a machine-gun bunker, and sustained a
shrapnel wound. Using flashlights in complete view of enemy snipers,
Captain Bucha also directed the medical evacuation of three air
ambulance loads of seriously wounded personnel.
The captain's dedication to serving others continued after his time
in uniform. He served as president of the Congressional Medal of Honor
Society from 1995 to 1999. He advised President Obama on foreign policy
during his 2008 Presidential campaign. He served on the board of
directors of Homes For Our Troops, a veteran service organization that
builds and donates specially adapted custom homes for severely injured
9/11 veterans. He also served as chairman of the Advisory Committee on
Veterans' Employment, Training and Employer Outreach Services at the
United States Department of Labor.
Even after his death, Captain Bucha's selflessness lives on. His
brain was donated to the Center for Human Brain Discovery at Yale
University for research.
Naming the West Haven VA Medical Center in his honor is a deserving
tribute to a hero who fought for this country. He earned this highest
military distinction and then continued to fight for veterans
throughout his life.
His legacy, a legacy of courage and compassion, will live on through
the care provided to each and every veteran who walks through its
doors.
Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to propose this legislation. I urge my
colleagues to support it. I hope that we can move it quickly, with the
Senate, and bring it to the President for signature.
Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 4647 to honor this very
deserving veteran.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support
this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and
pass the bill, H.R. 4647.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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