Corporal Frank Buckles, Last US WW1 Vet, Passed Away

[ny10570 745]

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"In other words, we were the typical cocky Americans no one wants around until they need help winning a war."

After serving as an ambulance driver in WW1, the great depression, surviving over 3 years of internment in a Japanese civilian POW camp during WW2, and countless other milestones Frank Woodruff Buckles has passed away as the last surviving doughboy and one of 3 WW1 vets world wide.

[calhobs 110]

Think it is fitting that the viewing will be held at the Capitol building and an honors burial at Arlington, including an escort platoon, a horse-drawn casket arrival, a band and a firing party. Deserving for the last of the doughboys, RIP Cpl. Buckles you are once again with your brothers.

Edited February 28, 2011 by calhobs

[xfirefighter484x 234]

Because Mr. Buckles served just one hitch in the Army and returned from France with no wounds or medals for bravery, he was eligible under Arlington National Cemetery protocols only for inurnment in a vault for cremated remains. In March 2008, however, the Bush administration ordered a rare exception for an old corporal of the so-called war to end all wars, and for the passing of living memory.

Mr. Buckles wanted a grave site at Arlington and a traditional white marble headstone. And he will get his wish.

I think very well deserved.

[efdcapt115 1,511]

I think this soldier deserves more consideration from our membership, so I just want to point out here on the board, that Mr. Buckles was THE LAST American left on this earth to have served in World War I. Maybe we'll get more clicks on the article and more comments.

We as a nation have gone so far from the dark days of the early twentieth century when our countrymen experienced so much hardship. From incomprehensible casualties and the cruelty of chemical weapons and trench warfare that was the horror of World War I, to terrible times back here in the Motherland of a collapsed economy, and people migrating all over through "The Grapes of Wrath", homeless and hungry until they reached a soup kitchen.

110 years for Mr. Buckles. He witnessed all of the twentieth century, served our country, and became a symbol of the gallant and brave young men America sent overseas to fight and die for a better world.

Rest in Peace Sir, you earned it many many decades ago.

Edited February 28, 2011 by efdcapt115

[BKeane 0]

Sad day, but nice to read something that makes you truly respect all that is great about this country. Its just a shame it takes something like this to remind us of what America should be, not the crap we read in the paper or see on the news on a daily basis. RIP

[yfd2007 1]

Thank you Mr.Buckles for your service to this country...The youth of today could learn alot from his story, one of the last of a dying breed....

[WHFD318 17]

I think this soldier deserves more consideration from our membership, so I just want to point out here on the board, that Mr. Buckles was THE LAST American left on this earth to have served in World War I. Maybe we'll get more clicks on the article and more comments.

We as a nation have gone so far from the dark days of the early twentieth century when our countrymen experienced so much hardship. From incomprehensible casualties and the cruelty of chemical weapons and trench warfare that was the horror of World War I, to terrible times back here in the Motherland of a collapsed economy, and people migrating all over through "The Grapes of Wrath", homeless and hungry until they reached a soup kitchen.

110 years for Mr. Buckles. He witnessed all of the twentieth century, served our country, and became a symbol of the gallant and brave young men America sent overseas to fight and die for a better world.

Rest in Peace Sir, you earned it many many decades ago.

Capt,

Couldn't agree with you more.

Mr. Buckles, thank you so much for all you have done to serve your country.

RIP. Prayers are with you and your family .

[mstrang1 213]

RIP Corporal.

[Stepjam 118]

The last of his kind, and now he belongs to the ages.

RIP Corporal Buckles. And thank you.

[BFD389RET 112]

I think this soldier deserves more consideration from our membership, so I just want to point out here on the board, that Mr. Buckles was THE LAST American left on this earth to have served in World War I. Maybe we'll get more clicks on the article and more comments.

We as a nation have gone so far from the dark days of the early twentieth century when our countrymen experienced so much hardship. From incomprehensible casualties and the cruelty of chemical weapons and trench warfare that was the horror of World War I, to terrible times back here in the Motherland of a collapsed economy, and people migrating all over through "The Grapes of Wrath", homeless and hungry until they reached a soup kitchen.

110 years for Mr. Buckles. He witnessed all of the twentieth century, served our country, and became a symbol of the gallant and brave young men America sent overseas to fight and die for a better world.

Rest in Peace Sir, you earned it many many decades ago.

Sadly, you cannot "force anyone, in this country, these Days to Understand" the type of respect and adulation this man deserves, while he lied about his age to get into the military it was Commonplace going back in history to do so. Imagine when he left home he most likley saw his 1st Motor car after getting into the army, and seeing in his lifetime everything horses as transport to the journey to Moon.. What a life, what wonderous things he and his generation saw, and how certain things must have made him ill... Rest in Peace Mr. Buckles

[PEMO3 523]

It is because of men like Corporal Frank Buckles that we enjoy the freedom to converse freely on sites such as this. He deserves our utmost respect and gratitude for all he has done for his country and in turn us.

May he rest in peace and may his family find peace in knowing that he is a born America hero.

RIP Corporal Buckles

[ex-commish 490]

Corporal Buckles....because of your selfless service we today enjoy freedoms not enjoyed in another countries. Rest in peace and God Bless all members of the armed forces both past and present.

[Stench60 29]

RIP Corporal Buckles,

Thank you for your service

[PFDRes47cue 653]

RIP. Thank you for all you did during your 110 year life. You obviously were an amazing person. God Bless!

[SRS131EMTFF 471]

Rest In Peace, end of an era for American Military History. Cpl. Buckles and the rest of the American Military Forces boots on the ground did in less than 365 days what the french, british and other allied forces could not do in more than 3 years.

Edited March 1, 2011 by bvfdjc316