Private Bullinger was a member of the 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy near Seoul, South Korea on 11 June 1951.

For his leadership and valor, Private Bullinger was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.