Last Known WWI Veteran

Frank Woodruff Buckles is the only living American-born veteran of World War I, as far as federal officials know. The 107-year-old veteran was honored at the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City yesterday during Memorial Day celebrations.
Born in Missouri in 1901 and raised in Oklahoma, Buckles visited a string of military recruiters after the United States entered the "war to end all wars" in April 1917.

He was rejected by the Marines and the Navy, but eventually persuaded an Army captain he was 18 and enlisted, convincing him Missouri didn't keep public records of birth.

Buckles sailed for England in 1917 on the Carpathia, which is known for its rescue of Titanic survivors, and spent his tour of duty working mainly as a driver and a warehouse clerk in Germany and France. He rose to the rank of corporal and after Armistice Day he helped return prisoners of war to Germany.

Buckles later traveled the world working for the shipping company White Star Line and was in the Philippines in 1940 when the Japanese invaded. He became a prisoner of war for nearly three years.

Buckles is to attend a ceremony today in which he will be presented with the American flag from the memorial site. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jNYrbhwwpK2QFrtBHpEaPH0DFhkAD90SVBG00

(image credit: AP/Charlie Riedel)

Newest 5
Newest 5 Comments

E

do you actually for even one second think that the REST OF THE WORLD gives a good god damn about the world series of ROUNDERS?

Good god, your conceit knows no bounds.

And as for "we call it that to annoy people like you" , yeah sure mate, all part of your Master Plan.

yawn.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
"But hey the US is the country that with out a hint of self awareness holds an annual World series to which no one else is invited save Canada."

We're all aware of it dude. We just like calling it that to piss people like you off. Obviously it's working.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"Last Known WWI Veteran"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More