3/2/2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin issued a proclamation ordering all United States and State flags displayed at state facilities throughout West Virginia be lowered to half-staff in honor of World War I Veteran, Corporal Frank Woodruff Buckles. He died at his home in Charles Town on Saturday, February 27, 2011 at the age of 110. Flags at State facilities are to be displayed at half-staff through sunset on the day of interment at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
“Frank Buckles was our last American connection to the millions who fought in ‘The War to End all Wars’,” Gov. Tomblin said. “With his passing, we have lost a true patriot who, in his final days, continued to fight to establish a national WWI memorial in Washington D.C. Mr. Buckles’ commitment to his fellow “Doughboys” and our country was truly inspiring. He will be missed. In his honor, I ask all West Virginians to pause to remember Mr. Buckles, and all our service men and women, who deserve our unwavering respect.”
Frank Buckles joined the U.S. Army at the age of 16, ultimately earning the rank of Corporal. He drove ambulances and motorcycles for the Army’s First Fort Riley Casual Detachment, traveling across England and France and witnessing the European Theatre of World War I. Mr. Buckles later worked as a civilian for American President Lines, when he was taken captive during WWII and held for 3 ½ years by the Japanese. Upon retirement from the shipping industry, Buckles and his wife, Audrey, retired to West Virginia to raise cattle on their 330-acre Gap View Farm.
Frank Woodruff Buckles is survived by a daughter, Susannah Buckles Flanagan, and was predeceased by his wife, Audrey, who died in 1999. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.
Contact Information
Jacqueline Proctor
(304) 558-2000