SGT Brian L. Buker

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

Sergeant Brian L. Buker, United States Army, Detachment B-55, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces distinguished himself on 5 April 1970 while serving as a platoon advisor of a Vietnamese mobile Strike Force Company during an offensive mission in Chau Doc Province, Republic of Vietnam.

Sergeant 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, Sergeant 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, Sergeant Buker was seriously wounded.

Despite his wounds and the deadly enemy fire, he crawled forward and destroyed the second bunker. Sergeant 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.

Sergeant Buker’s conspicuous gallantry and 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 United States Army.