Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Happy Birthday Mr. Buckles



The last of almost five million Americans to serve in WWI turns 110. Impressive.

From CNN...
Today, on the 110th birthday of Frank Buckles, it's worth pausing for a minute to reflect on the sweep of this man's remarkable life. He served in the ambulance corps during World War I in France and Germany, where he evacuated wounded soldiers from the horrific battlefield. As if that weren't enough, he was drawn into World War II, where he survived three years in a Japanese POW camp after his freighter was captured.

The West Virginia resident is the last of 5 million Americans who served in World War I. Born in 1901, Buckles was 16 when he enlisted but persuaded the Army he was 18. He saw no combat but worked as a driver and warehouse clerk in Europe and helped repatriate German prisoners after the war.

Update: Mr. Buckles passed away on February 27, 2011. Rest in peace, Mr. Buckles.

No comments:

LinkWithin

Related Posts