Richard C. Bucher

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Richard C. Bucher (7530131), Hospital Apprentice First Class, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman with a Rifle Company of the SIXTH Marine Division, in action against the enemy during operations on Orote Peninsula, Guam, Marianas Islands, on 29 July 1944. Without regard for his own personal safety, Hospital Apprentice First Class Bucher went to the aid of three wounded men despite heavy enemy fire from two pillboxes, saving the life of one of them who was bleeding to death. While applying first aid, he himself received a wound in the face that destroyed his right eye. He was pulled to safety and administered first aid. Shortly after first aid had been applied he declared that he was feeling better. Despite his painful wound and the loss of sight of one eye, he began to give first aid to the wounded again until he collapsed from exhaustion. By his courage and efforts in behalf of others at great risk to his own life, Hospital Apprentice First Class Bucher undoubtedly saved many lives, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commanding General, Fleet Marine Forces, Pacific: Serial 0296/295 (February 5, 1945)