Frank Woodruff Buckles

Frank Buckles is the last known surviving U.S. veteran of World War I. Buckles, who enlisted when he was 16 years old, admits that he lied about his age to be able to enlist. He was assigned as an ambulance driver in England and France. Buckles was also taken prisoner by the Japanese during World War II. He spent several years imprisoned in a Japanese camp in the Philippines.^{1 2}

Fast Facts

1. Born: February 1, 1901
2. Birthplace: Bethany, Missouri
3. Enlisted in the Army on Aug. 14, 1917
4. Years of service: 1917 to 1920
5. Lied about his age (said he was 21) to enlist
6. Rank: Corporal
7. Awards: Legion d'honneur, 2003
8. Resides: Charles Town, West Virginia
9. Works out every day and attributes his long life to "hope"²
10. Honored by President George W. Bush and Defense Secretary Robert Gates at the White House in March 2008¹

Timeline

1. 1917: Enlists in the U.S. Army; sent to France
2. 1918: Drives prisoners back to Germany
3. 1920: Discharged from the Army
4. 1940s: Prisoner in Japan for three years
5. 2007: Story featured on NBC Nightly News on Memorial Day
6. 2008: Honored at the White House by President Bush

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