Frank Buckles

April 7, 2011 • Leslie Ford, Staff Writer  
Filed under Feature

At the age of 110 years old, America said good-bye to one of the three last living veterans of World War I. A man who has been through it all. The trench foot, being held captive, and fighting in wars that are indescribable.  Frank Buckles died on February 27, 2011. Out of the last three World War I veterans, he was the only American left.

“It is really impressive that Frank Buckles lived to be so old with everything he’s been through, he definitely was given a fulfilled life that resulted him being a hero to our country,” sophomore Dalton Skipton said.

At the age of 15, Buckles showed his commitment to our country by becoming an ambulance driver in the war. Buckle first became very interested in war and  set out to find what it was like to serve for his country. In April, 1917 Buckles enlisted in the Marines at the beginning of the involvement of World War I. When he enlisted himself into the Marines, he lied about his age, saying he was 21. He was turned down because of his weight, so he went straight into the Army.

Not only did Buckles serve for our country in World War I, but he also served for us in World War II. He was stationed in Germany during that time and was assigned to drive German prisoners of the war. Ironical Buckle was captured by the Japanese while working at a ship line in the Philippines. He spent three years there after being released.

“Serving in one war is awesome, but serving in two wars is amazing. Buckles will always be remembered for his deeds he’s done,”sophomore Kori Thornton said. “The fact he was a prisoner in the war, makes his story that much more inspiring,”

In the last two months many people have been mourning Buckles’ death.  On March 15^th, Buckles was laid to rest at the Arlington Cemetery. A very memorable and sad day for many people.  One thing people will remember is Buckles’ amazing and inspiring story.

“It is sad to hear about him dying, but he did not go down with any thing to regret, although he will be truly missed, his story will always remain,” Skipton said

Buckles now has his own website for more people to learn about his inspiring story. It also allows donations towards the family. The story of Frank Buckles continues and he will always be remembered for his true commitment to this country.

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