Corporal Frank Buckles, Last American World War One Veteran, Passes Away.

Frank Woodruff Buckles (born February 1, 1901, died February 27, 2011) was the last surviving United States World War I Veteran. He was born in Bethany, Missouri, in 1901 and enlisted in the United States Army, in August 1917, at the age of 16. He was sent to Europe aboard the R.M.S. Carpathia (which was the ship which rescued the survivors of the Titanic, in 1912) and spent the War as a Motorcycle and Ambulance Driver. He served in the Army until January 1920. He was once again caught in war when Japan invaded the U.S. Territory of The Philippines, where he worked for a shipping company, in Manila. He was detained by the Japanese and held as a prisoner at Los Banos Prison Camp, from 1942 to 1945. He returned to the United States and married Audrey Mayo, in 1946. He lived at Gap View Farm, in Charles Town, West Virginia, and was the Honorary Chairman of the World War I Memorial Foundation. Frank Buckles reached the rank of Corporal during World War One and for his service was awarded the World War I Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation of Germany Medal and he was also awarded by French President Jacques Chirac, the French Legion of Honor. His death signifies the true end of an era. May He Rest In Peace / Que En Paz Descanse.

The U.S.S. Maine

February 15th - On this date in History the U.S.S. MAINE blew up in Havana, Cuba , in 1898.