War Stories with Preston and Sayre11 Nov 2020

Frank Buckles & an ask of all veterans

The last surviving American World War I veteran, Frank Buckles passed away at the age of 110 in 2011 after an incredible life.

Attempting to enlist in the military as the US entered the First World War, Buckles was turned away by the Marines for being too small, the Navy for being flat-footed but accepted by the Army. Only 16 years old, Buckles incredibly convinced recruiters he was older despite looking young for his age, convincing a captain that he didn't have a birth certificate.

Asking to get to the front lines as soon as possible, he was told that being an ambulance driver would get the job done. He went through basic training at Fort Riley, KS and quickly shipped out to Europe. After a few months in England, he was sent over to France where he was assigned to escort an American dentist. He was in that job when the war ended in 1918.

After returning home, Buckles worked in a few jobs before landing a gig with a shipping company called the American President Lines. In 1941 he found himself running the Manila office in the Philippines when the Japanese attacked. Quickly, Buckles was taken prisoner and would serve 39 months in captivity. After three long years, he and his fellow prisoners were liberated on 23FEB1945 and sent home.

After the war, Buckles purchased some land in rural West Virginia to farm and raise a family. Buckles would stay involved in veterans affairs, especially those around WWI throughout his life. When he passed away at the age of 110 in 2011, Fred Buckles was the last surviving US WWI veteran. His death marked the end of an era.

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