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Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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Vietnam War - U.S. Army

Brian Leroy Buker

Details
  • Rank: Sergeant
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Detachment B-55, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne),
    1st Special Forces
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: April 5, 1970
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Chau Doc Province, Republic of Vietnam
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Buker, Detachment B-55, distinguished himself while serving as a platoon adviser of a Vietnamese mobile strike force company during an offensive mission. Sgt. Buker personally led the platoon, cleared a strategically located well-guarded pass, and established the first foothold at the top of what had been an impenetrable mountain fortress. When the platoon came under intense fire from a determined enemy located in two heavily fortified bunkers, and realizing that withdrawal would result in heavy casualties, Sgt. Buker unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, charged through the hail of enemy fire and destroyed the first bunker with hand grenades. While reorganizing his men for the attack on the second bunker, Sgt. Buker was seriously wounded. Despite his wounds and the deadly fire, he crawled forward and destroyed the second bunker. Sgt. Buker refused medical attention and was reorganizing his men to continue the attack when he was mortally wounded. As a direct result of his heroic actions, many casualties were averted, and the assault of the enemy position was successful. Sgt. Buker's extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
Medal of Honor Recipient Brian L. Buker
Medal of Honor Recipient Brian L. Buker
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: December 16, 1971
    Old Executive Office Building, presented by Vice Pres. Spiro T. Agnew to his family
  • Born: November 3, 1949, Benton, Kennebec County, ME, United States
  • Died: April 5, 1970, Republic of Vietnam
  • Buried: Brown Cemetery (MH), Benton, ME, United States
  • Location of Medal: Lawrence High School, Kennebec, ME
 

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