Frank Buckles, American soldier (d. 2011)

Frank Woodruff Buckles: The Last American Doughboy and a Century of Service

Frank Woodruff Buckles, born Wood Buckles on February 1, 1901, and passing away on February 27, 2011, held a singular place in American history as the very last surviving United States military veteran of World War I. His remarkable life spanned 110 years, making him not just a witness to, but an active participant in, some of the 20th century's most defining global conflicts.

World War I Service: A Young Patriot on the Western Front

Driven by a profound sense of patriotism, Buckles enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1917 at the remarkably young age of 16, having convinced recruiters he was older. This was a common practice among eager young men wishing to join the war effort. Following his enlistment, he served with a detachment from Fort Riley, Kansas, a significant training base for the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF). His crucial role involved driving ambulances and motorcycles, often navigating treacherous roads and dangerous conditions near the front lines in France on the Western Front. This vital work ensured the swift transport of supplies, messages, and most importantly, the wounded from battlefields, placing him in direct proximity to the realities of trench warfare.

Enduring Hardship: A Civilian Prisoner in World War II

Decades later, at the age of 40, Buckles found himself once again entangled in global conflict, this time as a civilian. While working for a shipping company, reportedly the American President Lines (APL), in the Philippines, he was captured by Japanese forces following the invasion of the islands during World War II. For three arduous years, from 1942 to 1945, he endured the brutal conditions as a civilian internee at the notorious Santo Tomas Internment Camp in Manila. This period tested his resilience against severe deprivation, disease, and the constant threat of starvation, a testament to his extraordinary will to survive.

A Life of Longevity and Dedication Post-War

After his liberation and return to the United States, Buckles married in San Francisco and subsequently settled at Gap View Farm, his beloved cattle farm near Charles Town, West Virginia. Even after becoming a widower at the age of 98, he continued to actively work on his farm, demonstrating incredible vigor and self-sufficiency well into his second century of life, reportedly maintaining his agricultural duties until the age of 105.

Advocacy for a National World War I Memorial

In his twilight years, Frank Buckles dedicated himself to a final, profound mission: ensuring that the sacrifices of his fellow World War I veterans were appropriately honored. As the honorary chairman of the World War I Memorial Foundation, he became the leading voice for establishing a dedicated national World War I memorial in Washington, D.C., a tribute commensurate with memorials for other major conflicts. His tireless efforts included testifying before Congress, passionately advocating for the recognition of "The Great War" and its veterans, often referred to as "The Lost Generation." Although his initial proposal was to rename the existing District of Columbia War Memorial, his advocacy significantly contributed to the eventual establishment of the National World War I Memorial at Pershing Park in Washington, D.C. He also met with President George W. Bush at the White House, further amplifying his important cause.

Recognitions and Legacy

Buckles received numerous accolades for his service and unwavering commitment. These included:

Frank Buckles passed away peacefully in February 2011. His funeral, a poignant tribute to a life of extraordinary service, was held on March 15, 2011, at Arlington National Cemetery, the nation's most hallowed ground for military heroes. Prior to the solemn ceremony, President Barack Obama paid his respects, signifying the profound national importance of Buckles' legacy. He was interred with full military honors, a fitting farewell to the last American doughboy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frank Buckles

Who was Frank Woodruff Buckles?
Frank Woodruff Buckles was an American Army corporal and, notably, the last surviving authenticated U.S. military veteran of World War I. He lived to be 110 years old, serving in WWI and later enduring captivity as a civilian in WWII.
How old was Frank Buckles when he served in World War I?
Frank Buckles was just 16 years old when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1917, having misrepresented his age to join the war effort. He served as an ambulance driver and motorcyclist on the Western Front in Europe.
What was Frank Buckles' role during World War II?
During World War II, Frank Buckles was a civilian working in the shipping business in the Philippines when he was captured by Japanese forces. He spent three years as an internee at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp in Manila.
What was Frank Buckles' advocacy focused on in his later years?
In his final years, Frank Buckles passionately advocated for the creation of a national World War I memorial in Washington, D.C. His efforts were instrumental in drawing attention to the need to honor WWI veterans, eventually contributing to the establishment of the National World War I Memorial at Pershing Park.
Where is Frank Buckles buried?
Frank Buckles was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on March 15, 2011, a testament to his distinguished service and unique historical significance.