Warriors’ deaths sever links to conflicts of nation’s past

How did he survive? “He ate whatever food they gave him,” Mr. Buckles’ long-time friend, Charles Printz, 95, said. “It didn’t matter if there were grasshoppers or other bugs mixed in with the rice. He ate it.”

He returned to the United States after the war and married. He and his wife, Audrey, bought a farm outside Charles Town, where they raised their daughter, Susannah.

Mr. Buckles was an active member of several historical organizations, including the Sons of the American Revolution and the Jefferson County Historical Society.

Until his last days, Mr. Buckles remained active in efforts to restore and convert a Washington monument, which honored local veterans, into one remembering the service of all veterans of World War I, Mr. DeJonge said. The monument is located on the National Mall, not far from the Korean and World War II memorials.

“There were some lessons he learned at an early age,” Mr. DeJonge said. “Keep moving and have an optimistic attitude.” Mr. DeJonge is preparing a documentary film and the first biography of Mr. Buckles.

A few years after his military service, Mr. Buckles had an opportunity to meet Gen. John “Black Jack” Pershing, family friend Hugh Voress recalled. General Pershing had led U.S. forces in Europe during World War I.

In 2006, Mr. Buckles paid a visit to General Pershing’s grave in Arlington National Cemetery.

On March 15, Mr. Buckles was buried on a knoll near his old commander.

The Block News Alliance consists of The Blade and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Len Barcousky is a staff writer for the Post-Gazette.

Contact Len Barcousky at: lbarcousky@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1159.

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