[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 21, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S4615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   TRIBUTE TO FRANK WOODRUFF BUCKLES

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, one of the most distinguished 
Americans living today is Mr. Frank Woodruff Buckles. Born in Bethany, 
MO, on February 1, 1901, 2 years before Orville and Wilbur Wright made 
their historic first flight, Mr. Buckles, now 107, is the last living 
U.S. World War I veteran. He is truly a national treasure: Of the 2 
million soldiers the United States sent to France in World War I, he is 
the lone survivor.
  His life story is nothing short of amazing. In 1917, Mr. Buckles told 
his Army recruiter he was 21 years old and wanted to go to war. He was 
really just 16. Upon arrival in England, he convinced his superiors to 
send him forward to France where he would serve as an ambulance driver, 
carrying wounded allied troops to medical facilities.
  When the war ended, Mr. Buckles was responsible for returning 
prisoners of war to Germany. He separated from the Army in 1920 after 
achieving the rank of corporal, but his service to the Nation continued 
as a civilian in the Philippines, where he worked for a U.S. shipping 
company. When the Japanese took Manila in 1942, Mr. Buckles was made a 
prisoner of war for the next 39 months, until his subsequent rescue by 
the 11th Airborne Division in 1945.
  During his captivity, he developed chronic illnesses that still 
afflict him today. But there was no surrender then and there is no 
surrender today in Mr. Buckles.
  Mr. Buckles remains witty and active. During a recent interview, he 
was asked about the circumstances surrounding his questionable 
enlistment into the Army. He replied with a chuckle, ``I didn't lie; 
nobody calls me a liar . . . but I may have increased my age.'' I also 
understand he does 50 sit ups and lifts weights daily. That is more 
physical activity than most men my age and even younger!
  Today, before Memorial Day, I ask you to join me in honoring Mr. 
Buckles for all he has done for his country. The debt paid by Mr. 
Buckles and his fellow soldiers on behalf of future generations must 
never be forgotten. His life epitomizes patriotism and dedication to 
our nation. His incredible individual achievements and sacrifices, 
along with those of his fellow ``doughboys,'' deserve our ongoing 
admiration and thanks.

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