PFC Walter Clifford Bunyea Jr. US Army
Bronze Star w/ Oak Leaf Cluster and “V” Device
Walter Clifford Bunyea Jr. was born June 1, 1947 in Roanoke VA to Mr. and Mrs. Walter G Bunyea Sr. In 1949 the family moved to Las Cruces where his father was employed as an engineer. After graduating from Las Cruces HS in 1965 he enrolled at NMSU. He was brought into the army through selective service the following year. In June 1967 he entered combat in Vietnam as part of Company D, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. On 29 September the division initiated Operation Shenandoah II, one of the most significant and costliest operations of the war. The object was to seek out, engage and destroy the enemy Viet Cong forces operating along Highway 13 that led north from Saigon to the Cambodian border. The operation yielded a number of significant battles and it was during one of these that PFC Bunyea earned his first Bronze Star. In early November 1967, US and ARVN forces joined US Special Forces in countering a VC move against the Loc Ninh airstrip. On 7 November 1967, the final engagement of the battle of Loc Ninh occurred when two companies of the 1st Battalion engaged the 3rd Battalion of the 272nd Viet Cong Regiment.
The battalion air-assaulted into an area roughly eight kilometers northeast of Loc Ninh on 6 November. The day after the air assault, Companies C and D and Colonel Stigall's command group engaged the enemy force. As the US Army battalion moved through a rubber plantation it was suddenly swept by enemy fire, wounding several men. PFC Walter C Bunyea Jr. moved without regard for his personal safety to the lead platoon. Although continuously exposed to enemy fire he moved about the area and assisted in evacuating his wounded comrades. He then returned to the lead platoon which was receiving the brunt of the attack and began to return fire.
When the lead elements were ordered to withdraw, he remained behind to provide covering fire allowing their safe withdrawal. Before he could rejoin the main body he was mortally wounded. This was a vicious firefight and before the day was over the actions of PFC Bunyea and his comrades would result in the award on one Medal of Honor, two Distinguished Service Crosses, two Silver Stars and two Bronze Stars w/Valor device. PFC Bunyea and 17 of his fellow soldiers paid the ultimate price that day. His body was returned to Las Cruces and today he is buried in Hillcrest Cemetery. Former President Hugh Milton would personally present the award of his Bronze Star w/Oak Leaf Cluster and “V” Device to his parents on the campus of NMSU shortly after his death. Walter Clifford Bunyea Jr. was 20 years old at the time of his death in service to his nation.