DOB/DOD: October 26, 1946 (unknown place of birth) – present
MARITAL STATUS: Married Linda L. Leavitt (1949-) on January 18, 1969, in Norwalk, CT. Married Claire Jansen Furnari (1953-2015) on January 26, 1986, in Norwalk, CT
CHILDREN: Unknown
LOCAL ADDRESS: 19 Deerwood Court, Norwalk
ENLISTMENT: Unknown
SERVICE NUMBER: 2368711
UNIT: 3rd Platoon, L Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division
FAMILY: Born to Edward W. (1915-1992) and Stella Czulewicz Budnik (1920-2006). Victor was their only child.
CIRCUMSTANCES: Wounded in action. Recipient of the Purple Heart Medal and Navy Achievement Medal with “V” device for Valor.
Central Catholic High School Class of 1964
From The Norwalk Hour March 11, 1969
Victor E. Budnik, husband of Linda Leavitt Budnik of 2 Couch Street and son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Budnik of 21 Sniffen Street, received his Navy Achievement Medal and citation in the mail about two weeks ago. He is the former Lance Corporal Victor E. Budnik of the United States Marine Corps. Corporal Budnik was discharged from active duty in December after two years. Thirteen months of those two years were spent in Vietnam, where Budnik was wounded and received a Purple Heart Medal. Lance Corporal Budnik is a graduate of Central Catholic High School and was continuing his education at Norwalk Community College prior to his service stint. He is employed at the Stop & Shop in Westport. Lance Corporal Budnik’s most recent citation reads: “The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Achievement Medal to Lance Corporal Victor E. Budnik of the United States Marine Corps for outstanding achievement in the superior performance of his duties in the field of leadership achievement as set forth in the following citation:
“While serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company L, Third Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 14 November 1967 to 30 November 1968, Lance Corporal Budnik performed his duties in an exemplary manner. Participating in eleven major combat operations, including Operation Badger Tooth, Badger Catch, and Charlton, he repeatedly distinguished himself by his courage and composure under fire. During Operation Badger Catch, he delivered accurate fire upon the enemy position, enabling helicopters to land for the medical evacuation of his wounded companions. Constantly concerned for the combat readiness of his unit, he tirelessly trained his men and molded them into an effective fighting force. Lance Corporal Budnik’s leadership, professional competence, and steadfast devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the Naval Service. Lance Corporal Budnik is authorized to wear the Combat ‘V.'”
The citation is signed by H.W. Buse Jr., Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.
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