[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 61 (Tuesday, April 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MR. FRANK BUCKLES

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                       HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2007

  Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate 
the long life and continuing achievements of Mr. Frank Buckles. One of 
four known surviving veterans of the WWI, Frank recently celebrated his 
106th birthday.
  Frank was born in Missouri in 1901 and was only 16 when the United 
States entered the First World War. Frank's age, however, did not 
prevent him from serving his country. After being turned away by the 
Navy and Marines, he convinced an Army recruiter he was old enough to 
enlist.
  Frank served in England and France during the war; first as a car and 
ambulance driver and later as an escort for returning German POWs. 
After the war, he returned to America and worked for the White Star 
Line Steamship Company and the Banker's Trust Company.
  In 1941 Frank became entangled in the Second World War. The Japanese 
Army invaded while Frank was working in the Philippines and he spent 
three years as a prisoner in Japanese war camps.
  These remarkable experiences could easily fill two full lives, but 
for Frank it was only the first half. He came home from the war and 
settled down to start a family, moving to West Virginia in 1954 and 
managing Gap View Farm.
  Frank has been there ever since. At 106, he is still active on his 
330 acre cattle farm.
  Madam Speaker, in a time when America faces a grave external threat, 
we can find comfort and strength in our Nation's history. During the 
106 years since Frank Buckles' birth, the United States has grown into 
the greatest Nation on earth. The service, determination, patriotism 
and love that Frank has shown throughout his life represents the very 
best of this great country. West Virginians are honored to call Frank 
one of our own.




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