Bernard Ludwig Bucher

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Bernard Ludwig Bucher (558354), Major, U.S. Air Force (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a C-130 Aircraft Commander of the 774th Tactical Airlift Squadron, 463d Tactical Airlift Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, in action at Kham Duc, Republic of Vietnam on 12 May 1968. On that date, Major Bucher volunteered to attempt the rescue of friendly forces from the Kham Duc airfield. Hostile forces had completely encircled the airfield. The surrounding terrain was extremely hazardous with 300 to 350 foot hills at each end of the runway. Shell fragments, munitions, and other debris littered the entire runway. After careful evaluation of the danger and realizing the hopeless position of the remaining defenders if they were not evacuated, Major Bucher elected to try the landing. Approaching the field from a steep angle of attack to avoid as much of the hail of enemy fire as possible, he successfully landed his aircraft and immediately began loading the defenders. After loading, Major Bucher faced the task of taking off through the heavy hostile fire. An abandoned bulldozer and a crashed helicopter blocked much of the runway. After an amazingly successful takeoff, Major Bucher’s aircraft was seen to crash and catch fire. During the entire action, Major Bucher displayed the highest traditions of a professional Air Force Officer. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Bucher reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.