A Brief History
On February 27, 2011, Frank Buckles died at 110 years old, just one of the many fascinating things about his life!
Digging Deeper
Digging deeper, we find our hero born in 1901 in Missouri into a family of farmers that already had a history of service to the country in the American Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
When the U.S. entered World War I, Frank was eager to join the action and went to the nearest Marine Corps recruiting station where he was sent away for being too small. His 2nd choice, the Navy turned him away for flat feet! The Army, however, saw the error of its sister services and enlisted young Frank, only 16 years old. Eager to get to the front lines, he was told the surest way to make that happen would be to apply as an ambulance driver, which he did. Buckles’ brushes with history just kept coming as he was shipped to Europe on the Carpathia, the ship that rescued the Titanic’s survivors.
Oddly enough, Mr. Buckles received a gift from a German prisoner of war (POW) while on duty returning POWs to Germany, a belt buckle! Too bad his name wasn’t Rolls-Royce or something!
Frank worked for several shipping firms and sailed all over the world, finding himself in the Philippines when World War II came to America’s door. With patriotic blood flowing through his veins, he stayed there, in harm’s way, working to supply U.S. forces and was captured by the Japanese. Frank spent the rest of the war as a prisoner, but he worked hard to keep his fellow prisoners healthy, leading exercises and growing a garden to feed the others.
This remarkable man had learned several European languages on his voyages and port calls and now learned some Japanese, too. After the war he married and moved to West Virginia, where he farmed all the way to age 105! His wife had died when he was 98.
Buckles became the last living American veteran of World War I in 2008, and as such, was somewhat of a celebrity, visiting wounded troops, appearing on television and working toward establishing a national World War I memorial. Incredibly, Frank became the oldest person to testify before Congress when he appeared on behalf of creating the World War I memorial at age 108!
Buckles died in 2011 at age 110, the second oldest man in the United States and the last veteran of World War I in the world who had actually been in field service. The last of the two non-field veterans died in 2012, and that chapter of history is now closed. President Obama ordered government buildings’ flags to be flown at half-mast in honor of Buckles, another of the many notable, even cracked, things about his life. Sadly, another cracked angle to this story is that the World War I memorial is still not built, a victim of political wrangling.
When asked about his longevity and how one could live so long, Buckles gave some wise advice that we would encourage you to follow, “When you start to die, don’t!” Question for students (and subscribers): What wise advice would you encourage us to follow? Please let us know in the comments section below this article.
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Historical Evidence
For more information on World War I, please see…
Massie, Robert K. and Barbara W. Tuchman. The Guns of August: The Pulitzer Prize-Winning Classic About the Outbreak of World War I. Presidio Press, 2004.
Trumbo, Dalton. Johnny Got His Gun. Shout Factory, 2009. DVD.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="1280 http://www.crackedhistory.com/?p=1280">107 Comments
Mr. Buckles was an amazing man with an amazing life. His service to our country was very important and helped America to be the proud country it is today. Thank you Mr. Buckles!!
What an interesting story. He sounds like an amazing and ambitious man. I am also grateful for those who have served our country.
Definitely also thankful for mr buckles and everyone else who has served our country so faithfully! Amazing how long he lived and how well he was doing at such an old age.
It is true that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
A very amazing story, I never herd of this guy. He for sure lived a very long life. I always am amazed when I see a patient at the hospital I work at that is over 90. its a rare sight! The oldest one I saw was 100.
It’s amazing what has changed from then to now. Mr. Buckles is the idea of what a true superhero is. I am just thankful for all the soldiers that served in the wars, without them, we wouldn’t be where we are now. Rest in peace Mr. Buckles:)
Great story, and one true war hero.
Another proud and dedicated solder. Such a wonderful story.
It is amazing what people do in the military. I could never do what they do, Mr. Buckles definitely set the standards high for American civilians joining the armed forces today.
True American Hero and very interesting to read about.
Gonna remember that last quote. “When you start to die… Don’t”
I agree with Matt. That last quote is advice we should all take to heart
Frank Buckles was a brave soldier with admirable actions. It’s crazy that he lived to be 110!
Frank’s positivity and eagor personality made him the man he was! From not getting excepted into the marines or the navy, he kept trying and trying until he was accepted into one of the military branches..the army!
Frank Buckles lived a long and eventful life. I’m glad to see that he did not give up when turned away by two branches of the military.
His final quote and background of his life is very inspirational. All Americans should take after such a strong man, even during a bad time he saw thee light and also continued to learn.
I think Frank represents what America used to be about. If at first you don’t succeed, try again. He didn’t go home when the Marines didn’t take him. He also used his service as a way to better himself by learning new languages. When he came home, he continued to speak about the importance of serving America in war.
Frank is a true American hero. His unselfish demeanor, and patriotism is something we lack today as Americans. We need to build memorials for all U.S. soldiers that have died fighting for our county’s freedom, or supporting other countries. It’s disappointing that the country doesn’t have memorials built across the country.
I think Frank really was a hero because he never gave up.
Amazing that he lived to such an old age even after living through two wars, which are known to heighten you exposure to pollutants and carcinogens.
This was a very interesting article, and shows what a true American hero is, and Frank is exactly that.
This truly shows that Americans cared about their country. He did many things for our country.
It’s interesting that he almost didn’t get accepted, and both times that he was denied, it was for rather obtuse reasons. What does having flat feet have to do with how well you fight? Yet he perstisted, and because of that he became one of the unsung heros of American history.
Its interesting that even after the war he continued to farm till the age of 105. Farming takes a lot of physical labor and it astonishing that he was still doing it at 105.
He had a fulfilling life, it is interesting that he tested before Congress at the age of 108.
I can’t imagine the possible stories he could have told the people he met. “When I was your age…”
It is good to see that he lived such a long prosperous life. It is also good that he kept farming. My grandfather farms and tells me that it is the thing keeping him alive!
He definitely lived a full life! It must have been amazing to see all the advances in technology and the world in his lifetime.
It is amazing how long he had lived. He went through two wars and continued to farm.
Frank was a product of old American values and never quit.
I think that this just goes to show if you stay active and never quit you can live much longer than the average person
It was cool to know that he was the last surviving field soldier of World War 1 in the entire world.
That’s crazy he was that old! The WW1 memorial should be put up soon to honor those soldiers.
I hope he felt so extremely honored.
He was turned down for flat feet at first but glad he got in
That’s so funny that get got rejected for flat feet, but impressive that he lived to be 110 and serve our country in WWI. Not only that, but still had the energy to keep farming until 105!
It is amazing how long Frank lived, proved that it is possible to outlive the average!
For being a prisoner of war, it was inspiring to hear the various ways of how he kept himself and his fellow prison mates healthy. Frank had many experiences, both positive and negative, that many American troops will not even come close to experiencing today. He was lucky to have lived so long! -ACL
It interesting to learn about the history of Frank. I had never hear of him before.
16 years old heading to the front lines yet he lived to 110 that is amazing.
What a long life Buckles had, it would have been interesting to have been able to ask him some questions.
It’s citizens like Mr. Buckles that have made America what it is today!
People like him is definitely why America is so great today
I love that he made the best of his prison experience and attempted to do so for the others. Life is what you make of it!
Buckles was such an iconic american and worked to establish a WWI memorial at the age of 108 and the memorial still isn’t completed?!
I am so grateful for soldiers like Mr. Buckles. He was a true patriot. It is really sad that we do not have a WWI memorial to honor the veterans of this war.
I enjoy reading about Mr. buckles’ persistence. He knew what he wanted and kept trying to obtain it. He made the best of his life and stayed humble.
Such an incredible story of patriotism. It is sad him or any other WWI veteran never got to see a memorial in their honor.
What an interesting man! I cannot believe he lived to be 110 and farmed until he was 105! He seen so many changed in the world during his life and I am sure he had some amazing stories to tell.
This is an amazing story and Frank seemed to be an incredible man full of life experiences. It would be interesting to read a biography or hear stories about what he experienced throughout his life. I would like to hear his thoughts on how times have changed too and what his point of view would be.
I love hearing these kind of stories of war heros. It’s crazy that he got to the age of 110! That is almost unheard of now a days.
What an incredible man. I was most impressed by the fact that he farmed up until her was 105. It makes me happy to read//hear stories like this.
Reading about this man was very interesting. He must have been very determined to serve his country, not only did he get turned away once, but twice, and I feel a lot of people would not have tried for a third time, but he did.
I think that it is incredible that people can live until 110 years old. This story was definately inspirational and makes me respect our veterans even more. It is really neat that he testified in front of congress at the age of 108. Not many 108 year olds can say that they did this!
What an amazing story of courage, strength and fortitude! I’m thinking he had some good genetics in play too, but also a great example of how your mind can carry you through “old age.” Many people just given into aging but not Buckles. I really think it is time to move forward with the WW1 memorial.
This article was very inspirational due to the fact that not only did he live until 110 years old but he lived a very successful, inspiring life. What courage, kindness, and gratitude he had to go and serve such hard times that this world has experienced.
What an incredible life that this man got to live. I cannot even begin to think of all of the different things that you would see in 110 years. All of the changes and different inventions have to be incredible to see. What a strong and inspiring man this was.
It was interesting that Buckles had an encounter with a German prisoner of war and then became a POW himself when he was in Japan during World War II.
I think it is amazing that even being in a prisoner to the Japanese, he still cared about his fellow prisoners. He continued to farm far longer than one would expect. Also I feel that the memorial should be built. It is upsetting to think that still hasn’t been built. I do remember hearing about his passing, and just wanted to say what a life that he had lived.
It is a great article. The man had a rich experience, which he even attended the WWI and II. In addition, it is amazing that he can live until 110 years old. This is a inspirational story.
Buckles seemed like a very wise and brave man. Not only did he live a very long life, but he lived a life of honor.
Buckles seemed to be a great man as well. It’s nice to learn about some of the honorable men.
I find it very nice to learn about a very brave man.
This man survived so many great events of history and witnessed them first hand which is so cool!
I do not know how many people played a part in WWI and WWII, but reading about everything this guy was apart of is truly special.
It seems that great people do get great things in life.
It is truly amazing that he got to speak in front of congress! He most definitely deserved their time!
Wow, 110 years old and what a life he lived!!! Definitely incredible!
I think its amazing that someone can be willing to leave there normal life and just go and fight for our freedom, and for this man to be eager to do so is mesmerizing. I enjoy that he lived 110 years, he deserved every aspect of happiness he received in his life.
I could only hope that I could live to be 110 years old.
I would bet that Buckles did not want the recognition but was humbled by the gesture. Many young men enlisted at that time by lying about their age.
This is another example of an amazing accomplishment by an American, I love that our country has so many dedicated and decorated heroes.
Buckles was a true war hero and what a life e had to be the last world war 1 survivor in 2008 Then to pass away in 2010 at the age of 110. True war hero and I respect our veterans. Thank you to all that have served
I do so enjoy reading stories like this. History is full of relatively unknown heroes, that is what makes America’s military one of the best in the world.
What a hero that served and defended his country! Amazing feature that he lived for that long that isn’t seen very often.
What an amazing life! It is wonderful to see someone so patriotic that would do anything to go off to war! He was committed! Seeing that he lived such a long life is extraordinary.
110 years-old! Wow! What a life. I hope to live at least 90 years let alone 20 more. Great story.
Wow, living to age 110 is an accomplishment all in itself. This man is a true American hero. I cannot believed that he farmed until the age of 105 (What a tough old man).
It is sad that all WWI veterans are now gone. I would have loved to have heard their stories, especially Frank Buckles stories. What an amazing man that lived an amazingly long life. That memorial really should be built sooner rather than later.
What a tough old guy! Crazy that he was able to stay so active even in old age.
I find it highly admirable that even as a POW, he found it important to do good for others in the form of feeding them with his garden.
Buckles was an incredible guy. I think it’s awesome that Obama flew flags at half staff in is honor. One of the few things I agree with the former President.
Wow. I can only hope to live that long. Many accomplishments to go with being a patriot to the US.
I can’t believe that there isn’t a WWI memorial. To be able to live that long and to be able to accomplish all the things that he did would be such an accomplished life.
What an amazing man! Even in a situation of tragedy and being a POW he was trying to stay busy and help others. What a feat to live to 110!
I love this story about great man, I wish I could of met him because he had seen lot. He had seen our country change over 100 plus years and he is truly a hero.
This man had so many great accomplishment! It is amazing that he loved to be 110.
“When you start to die, don’t!” When you first read this, you think what a silly quote. Digging deeper and think about what he was really saying. As you age or become ill fight for your life do not give up. Do not allow others to do for you that you can do yourself. Staying active and continuing to do things will keep life moving on. So “When you start to die, don’t!” Fight for your life, don’t give up. I am a firm believer that age and illnesses are a mental game stay positive and do not play the poor me role. As a cancer survivor I truly understand this quote.
Amazing that he was able to stand in front of congress in support of the WWI memorial. I hope this memorial comes to fruition and he is honored in it.
This was a great read. I can’t believe he lived to be 110. I would never want to be that old.
I grew up on a farm, I cant imagine farming until the age of 105!!! Its a lot of work! This guy was tough as nails!
Frank Buckles was a remarkable man and should be commended for his service to our country. Living to 110 years old is an accomplishment by itself. Sage advice he gave about dying that we all should take to heart!
Quite the life he led, Great advice that he gave on dying, too.
What an amazing life this guy lived! It is amazing that he survived basically the entire war as a POW in
notoriously awful Japanese confinement. He was captures in the Philippines, which was one of the first places the allies fought the Japanese in the Pacific.
Such bravery in this mans veins! He lived a long life too. 110 years old!!! His advice about living is spot on as well.
Wow what a figure in history, living to be 110 years old when the medical attention was not a great as it is today! He has given wonderful advise on life in this article as well .
“When you start to die, don’t.” Great advise, love it!
I am disappointed to read a monument was never built. I could only try and imagine what Buckles went through and saw. He should be honored along with many others who have sacrificed their lives for our country. Lastly, what amazing advice to live by “when you start to die, don’t”. This shows determination and faith in oneself.
To live to 110 years old is amazing itself, but to serve our country that long is great. That is a disappointment that the monument wasn’t built.
Being a prisoner would have being scary enough for me. To be so passionate about doing something at such a young age is amazing and actually serve our country for that many years is also amazing.
Wow what an amazing story! He was a true American hero.
This is so cool! What an opportunity it would have been to meet him. The last surviving member of the Doolittle Raid, as well as the remaining planes from the raid, was in Urbana, OH last weekend. I was planning on going but was unable to due to prior engagements.
I like how Frank was having patriotic blood by working and helping American military during the world war.
Frank as a patriotic guy who were brave enough by applying to the US military during the world war. He was effectively helping American people during the war could consider as a hero in the past.
This is really cool! I’m amazed that this man lived that long! He had such amazing stories to tell to his kids and grandkids, if he had any! So cool!
Frank seems like an amazing man and hero. I actually remember hearing about this on the news!
I love that “buckles” lived such a full life and impacted so many with his efforts. This article inspired me to look into the memorial he supported that is still listed as “planned” in Washington D.C.