"It's best for anyone who's been in the military service if he's had some disagreeable experiences... to talk about it and get it out of his system and then forget it." (Audio Interview, 1:27.23)

Frank Woodruff Buckles

Frank Buckles in uniform [ca. 1918] War: World War, 1939-1945; World War, 1914-1918 Branch: Army Unit: 1st Fort Riley Casual Detachment; 122nd Prisoner of War Escort Casualty Detachment Demobilization Group Service Location: Philippines; also: United States; England; France; Germany Rank: Corporal Status: Civilian POW: Yes

An underage but eager recruit, Frank Buckles lied to a military recruiter to get into the Army, then pestered his officers to be shipped out to France. He drove motorcycles, cars, and ambulances in England and France, and during the Occupation, he guarded German prisoners. Buckles eventually went to work for the White Star steamship line and was in Manila on business in December 1941 when the Japanese attacked. He spent over three years as a prisoner at the city's University of Santo Tomas. His collection includes two interviews, given when he was 100 and 103 years old. As of May 2007, Buckles was still among a handful of surviving World War I veterans.