Frank Buckles, the last surviving U.S. veteran of World War I, passed away at age 110. Eager to serve his country, Buckles lied about his age and enlisted in August 1917 at age 16, escaping the monotony of farm life in Missouri. During the war, Buckles served in the Army’s ambulance corps in England and France, evacuating soldiers wounded on the field. Asked about the secret to long life, Buckles replied, “Hope,” adding, “When you start to die … don’t.” Despite not being awarded a Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, or having been killed in action, Buckles will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery thanks to special approval he received in 2008.
