Blumenthal, Murphy, DeLauro & Himes' Bill to Name West Haven VA Medical Center After U.S. Army Captain Paul "Bud" Bucha Clears the Senate

[HARTFORD, CT] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Jim Himes (CT-04) applauded Senate passage of their new legislation to name the West Haven VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Connecticut in honor of U.S Army Captain Paul “Bud” Bucha—a longtime resident of Ridgefield and Medal of Honor recipient, who died on July 31^st, 2024.

Just days after the first anniversary of Captain Bucha’s death, the Senate approved the legislation, the first step to naming the West Haven VAMC in his honor. Captain Bucha received care at the West Haven VAMC after his service and notably, at the end of his life.

Captain Bucha received the Medal of Honor in 1970 for his heroic service while on active duty during the Vietnam War. Captain Bucha distinguished himself with extraordinary heroism while leading 89 men on a reconnaissance mission near Phuoc Vinh, Vietnam from March 16-19, 1968. Under heavy enemy fire from about 1,500 soldiers, he fearlessly directed 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. Under his leadership, D Company went on to become one of the most decorated units by the end of the war.

"Captain Paul 'Bud' Bucha was a true American hero and treasure—a Medal of Honor recipient for his bravery in Vietnam, a tireless advocate for all veterans, and a prolific leader. I’m proud to lead this effort to recognize his courageous service by naming the West Haven VA Medical Center in his honor," said Blumenthal.

“Captain Bucha was a giant—on the battlefield, in the veterans’ community, and in his hometown of Ridgefield, where he was a beloved neighbor and friend. We will never forget his bravery in Vietnam and unwavering dedication to his country and fellow veterans. Naming the West Haven VA Medical Center after him is a fitting way to honor a man who spent his whole life serving others, building community, and helping veterans access mental health care,” said Murphy.

“Captain Paul ‘Bud’ Bucha embodied the highest ideals of service to his country, his fellow soldiers, and his community,” said DeLauro. “Naming the West Haven VA Medical Center in his honor is a deserving tribute to a hero who fought for this country, earned its highest military distinction, and then continued to fight for veterans throughout his life. His legacy of courage and compassion will live on through the care provided to every veteran who walks through those doors.”’

“Naming the West Haven VA Medical Center in honor of Captain Bucha is a fitting way to immortalize the legacy of a true American patriot. He led an extraordinary life, marked by astounding courage in battle and advocacy for his fellow veterans. I hope everyone who passes through the doors of this facility finds inspiration in Captain Bucha’s story, strength in his tenacity, and comfort that, in our state, we do not forget our heroes,” said Himes.

“The family of Paul W. “Buddy” Bucha is humbled by this incredible honor,” said Cynthia “Chintz” Bell-Bucha, Captain Bucha’s wife. “Paul first went to the West Haven VA Hospital many years ago and did so until his final days. We will be forever grateful to the doctors and staff who took such excellent care of him during his times of need. We cannot thank you enough for recognizing Paul’s service to the men and women of our United Stated Armed Forces…they were his brothers and sisters.”

Captain Bucha’s dedication to serving others continued after his time in service. Bucha served as the President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society from 1995 to 1999, and advised President Obama on foreign policy during his 2008 Presidential campaign. He also served on the board of directors of Homes for Our Troops, a Veterans Service Organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes for severely injured Post-9/11 veterans, and as Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment and Training Services at the U.S. Department of Labor.

Bucha received care for PTSD at West Haven VAMC, and received neurological care for Alzheimer’s disease there. Bucha sadly passed at West Haven VAMC in July 2024. With the assistance of the West Haven VAMC, his brain was donated to the Center for Human Brain Discovery at Yale University. Under the lawmakers’ legislation, the West Haven VAMC will be the second Department of Veterans Affairs facility named in honor of a veteran in Connecticut.

The lawmakers’ effort to honor Captain Bucha have been endorsed by veteran advocates in Connecticut.

“…[O]ur organization wholeheartedly supports the renaming of the West Haven VA Medical Center in honor of our Connecticut hero, Captain Paul W. “Bud” Bucha. Captain Bucha’s heroic actions while in uniform are no less than inspiring. However, his efforts out of uniform on behalf of his brothers and sisters in arms carry their own quiet bravery and make it fitting that this facility should be named in his honor,” said the Department of Connecticut Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Benefits Protection Team Lead Emily Trudeau. “…It is our hope that in renaming one of the finest veteran health care facilities in the nation in his honor, we will encourage others to learn his story and be inspired by his acts of selflessness and integrity both on and off the battlefield.”

“Mr. Bucha, having distinguished himself in battle and for actions ‘Above and Beyond the Call of Duty’, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during this period… [He] was a member of the American Legion and was a vocal proponent of seeking help with PTSD issues,” said Thomas Moore, Department Adjutant of the American Legion Department of Connecticut. “The [American Legion] Department of Connecticut wholeheartedly supports this Bill, to honor Paul W. "Bud" Bucha for his service to veterans, Connecticut and the United States of America.”

“Captain Bucha’s strong ties to Connecticut and his distinguished military service in Vietnam… makes him a deserving candidate for such a tribute,” said Charles Picket, State Commander of the Department of Connecticut Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). “We support Senator Richard Blumenthal’s efforts to redesignate the West Haven VA Medical Center in Captain Bucha’s honor.”

“…CPT Bucha dedicated decades of his life to public service and veterans’ causes… advocating for mental health services, improved access to care, and equitable treatment for all veterans,” Commissioner of the State of Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs Ron Welch said. “With profound respect and strong conviction, I recommend the naming of the West Haven VA Medical Center in honor of Medal of Honor Recipient CPT Paul W. Bucha, U.S. Army. CPT Bucha’s legacy of extraordinary valor, lifelong service, and tireless advocacy for veterans embodies the very spirit of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the values it upholds.”

“The Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) proudly announces its strong endorsement for the passage of the naming bill that honors Captain Paul W. ‘Bud’ Bucha by designating the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center in West Haven, Connecticut, as the “Captain Paul W. ‘Bud’ Bucha VA Medical Center,” said James McCormick, Executive Director of Government Affairs of Vietnam Veterans of America. “Captain Bucha’s remarkable life and service exemplify the indomitable spirit and character of Vietnam veterans and the great generation of Americans who stepped up to serve our nation.”

“Captain Bucha’s heroic leadership in Vietnam, lifelong advocacy for veterans, and principled public voice exemplify the highest ideals of the Medal of Honor,” said Executive Director Chad Graham of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. “Honoring his name in this way ensures that future generations of veterans will recognize the impact of a man who stands as a lasting symbol of the courage, character, and sacrifice he carried on behalf of his fellow service members…The Congressional Medal of Honor Society proudly supports Senator Blumenthal’s effort to name the West Haven VA Medical Center in honor of Captain Paul W. “Buddy” Bucha.”

The bill text is available here.

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