SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 55

(By Senators Unger, Fanning, Jenkins, Prezioso, Wells, McCabe, Stollings, Plymale, Browning, Palumbo, Edgell, Green, Minard, Klempa, Yost, Williams, Kessler (Acting President) and Sypolt)

Memorializing the life of Frank Woodruff Buckles, native of Charles Town, West Virginia, and the last living World War I veteran in the United States.

    Whereas, Frank Woodruff Buckles was born in Bethany, Missouri, on February 1, 1901; and

    Whereas, Frank Woodruff Buckles enlisted in the United States Army in April of 1917, at the age of sixteen years old, informing the Army that he was twenty-one years of age; and

    Whereas, While in the United States Army during World War I, Frank Woodruff Buckles served in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and France; and

    Whereas, In 1920, Frank Woodruff Buckles was discharged from the armed services having achieved the rank of corporal; and

    Whereas, For his service during World War I, Frank Woodruff Buckles received the World War I Victory Medal and qualified for four Overseas Service Bars and the Army of Occupation of Germany Medal; and

    Whereas, During World War II, Frank Woodruff Buckles continued his service to his country as a civilian working for an American shipping line in the Phillippines where he was captured and was a prisoner of war in a Japanese prison camp for three years; and

    Whereas, Frank Woodruff Buckles was married to his beloved wife Audrey, with whom he shared the joy of having a daughter, Susannah; and

    Whereas, Sadly, Frank Woodruff Buckles passed away at his farm in Charles Town on February 27, 2011, nearly a month after his 110th birthday; and

    Whereas, Frank Woodruff Buckles was the last living World War I, United States veteran to have finished basic training and to have been stationed overseas prior to the end of the war; and

    Whereas, It is fitting and proper, that we honor the life of Frank Woodruff Buckles for his dedicated service to his community, state and country; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Senate:

    That the Senate hereby memorializes the life of Frank Woodruff Buckles, native of Charles Town, West Virginia, and the last living World War I veteran in the United States; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Senate expresses its deepest sympathy to the family of Frank Woodruff Buckles on his passing; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Senate expresses its sincere gratitude to Frank Woodruff Buckles for his service and sacrifice to his community, state and country; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the family of Frank Woodruff Buckles.