Remembering Frank Buckles: The Last American WWI Veteran Who Survived Two World Wars
Five years ago, the last American WWI veteran, Frank Buckles, was remembered for his heroic service, survival through two world wars, and lifelong ded
Five years ago today, Americans paused to remember a living link to a war that had long passed but whose lessons and sacrifices endure: Frank Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of the First World War. Born on February 1, 1901, on a modest Missouri farm, Frank’s early years were shaped by the simplicity of rural life and the rigorous demands of farm work. Yet beneath that quiet upbringing lay a resolve that would carry him through extraordinary circumstances — a resolve first tested when the United States entered World War I in 1917. At just 16, he was too young and slight to enlist, and both the Marines and the Navy turned him away. But Frank’s determination would not be denied.
Undeterred, he returned to the Army recruiter and, claiming he was 21, secured a place among the ranks. Buckles shipped out to England and France, serving as an ambulance driver on the front lines, where he ferried wounded soldiers through the mud, shellfire, and smoke of battle. Amidst the chaos, he remained focused on helping others survive the horrors surrounding him. When the guns finally fell silent in 1918, Frank played a role in escorting German prisoners of war back to their homeland, completing his wartime service as a humble corporal.
After the war, Buckles returned to civilian life but his story was far from over. He built a career in shipping and travel, mastering multiple languages — German, Spanish, and Portuguese — and crossing oceans on business ventures. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, Frank found himself in the Philippines and chose to stay to aid the local population. Captured as a civilian prisoner of war, he endured three and a half years at Los Baños internment camp, surviving on limited rations and extreme conditions. Weighing just 140 pounds upon arrival, he emerged less than 90 pounds, yet alive, resilient, and unbroken.
Surviving both world wars, Frank returned to the United States, settling in West Virginia, where he married and raised a daughter. For decades, he lived a quiet life on his farm, working steadily and remaining a private citizen while quietly carrying the memory of history on his shoulders. Yet in his later years, his voice carried new weight. He tirelessly advocated for a national World War I memorial in Washington, D.C., testifying before Congress at the remarkable age of 108, becoming the oldest person ever to do so.
Frank’s longevity brought him the unique distinction of being the last living American link to a global conflict that had shaped an entire generation. When asked about the weight of being the final veteran, he reflected with characteristic humility: “I always knew somebody had to be last. I just never thought it would be me.” His words resonated with a sense of quiet responsibility, a testament to the gravity and continuity of history through individual lives.
He passed away on February 27, 2011, at the age of 110, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to service. His life bridged eras — from the battlefields of Europe in 1917 to the corridors of Congress nearly a century later — showing the enduring impact of one individual on the collective memory of a nation.
In recognition of his life and service, a candlelight vigil was held in Martinsburg, West Virginia, on March 26, 2011. Families, veterans, and community members gathered to honor Buckles’ extraordinary journey and the countless others who served in the First World War. The vigil became not only a commemoration of a life but also a reminder of the sacrifices of those who came before, whose bravery and dedication shaped the world we live in today.
Frank Buckles’ story remains an emblem of courage and perseverance, a living bridge between the past and present. His life reminds Americans of the costs of war, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring importance of remembering those who served. As candles continue to be lit in his memory, his legacy endures — inspiring future generations to honor history, valor, and the quiet, steadfast determination that defined his remarkable journey.