Do you have any idea what you might say if you were to meet the very last American survivor of World War 1? Well, I can tell you exactly what I said during my face-to-face encounter with him – and I can tell you that it wasn’t a heck of a lot. Mostly I just sat there and stared in wide-eyed wonderment, basking in the unparalleled honor of meeting Frank Buckles, a 108-year old veteran of the First World War. In the entire world – at this particular time – only five men who had served in this war still survived; and Frank Buckles was the only survivor who served the United States. Mr. Buckles is and will always be the last American doughboy.
Frank Buckles had joined the Army in April of 1917 at the age of 16. His home state of Missouri had not issued him a birth certificate, so they didn’t press the issue of his age – or make him lug the family Bible down to the recruitment office. He sailed to France on the U.S.S. Carpathia, which had five years earlier rescued the survivors of the ill-fated Titanic.
Bob and I made a visit to his home in Charles Town, West Virginia, on Saturday, June 13, 2009, a meeting that Bob had arranged through Mr. Buckles’ daughter. Mr. Buckles had a book nearby about the Titanic rescue and proceeded to tell us the tales of how the rescue seen in the recent James Cameron film Titanic differed from what had actually occurred. Namely that the victims in the water were so cold that they made absolutely no noise when the rescue ship approached. He also told us of the time when he met General John Pershing in 1919 in Kansas City, Missouri during the dedication of the Liberty Memorial dedicated to the Americans who lost their lives during the war.
An unassuming house in Charles Town
He gave us each a little write-up about his life and once we had left and read it over, we learned that he was also a prisoner of war in Japan for three years, when he, as a civilian, was captured while working for an American shipping company in the Phillipines.
It was simply amazing to see how this 108-year old hero was completely cognizant and could recall with clarity events so long ago. When we arrived, he first asked me if I had ever met a World War 1 veteran before. I responded “No sir” and he said with a smile, “Well I’m the only one you’re ever going to meet.” He may have had some trouble projecting his voice, but considering his voice box had been projecting for 108 years, he did just fine.
Signed photo from George Bush to Frank from their meeting in the White House just last year
Although his caregiver told us (after the fact) that they never ask him to sign autographs any more, Mr. Buckles was kind enough to sign a WW1 first-day cover for both Bob and me. Obviously, it will be a most cherished item in my collection.
Franks Buckles signs a first day cover
First day cover signed by Franks Buckles
So what did I learn from this experience? The secret of long life of course. When I asked him to share this secret, he smiled and said, “Well there really is no secret, just be prepared.” His caregiver chimed in that he often tells folks that it is “not to worry and have a glass of red wine every night.” I’d like to think I helped him with this by bringing him a bottle of Port wine along with the See’s candy that Bob brought. And I’d like to think that I’ve been trying to live according to his prescription. Not worrying is sometimes worrisome, but the wine generally goes down without issue.
Bob and I don’t often high-five after we’ve accomplished a travel goal, but this one was an exception. No matter how good the rest of the trip would be, this was the definite high point.
With Frank Buckles
Bob with Frank
In deep conversation with an amazing man. And so was I.
The road trip will continue in Pennsylvania…
Wow! This was an unexpected entry. What a treat for both of you to have met such a wonderful man and our nation’s oldest hero. I’ll bet he is a treasure trove of information. GOD BLESS him!
Dave Chasteen
July 7th, 2009
I have met a great many of the famous, but this is one man I will never forget! What a huge honor and an awesome experience!
Bob
July 8th, 2009
Did you hear that Mr. Buckles passed away on February 27th at 110 years of age?
Chris
March 5th, 2011