Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last known surviving American World War I veteran, has died. Buckles died, reportedly of natural causes, on Feb. 27 at his home in Charles Town, W.V., at age 110. “We have lost a living link to an important era in our nation’s history,” said Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. Born in Bethany, Mo., Buckles enlisted in the Army in 1917. He drove an ambulance during the conflict, rising to the rank of corporal before his discharge in 1920. In his later years, Buckles dedicated himself to the establishment of a national memorial honoring World War I veterans. President Obama said Buckles led “a remarkable life” that “reminds us of the true meaning of patriotism and our obligations to each other as Americans.” Buckles’ burial, with full military honors, will be held at Arlington National Cemetery. More than 4,700,000 Americans served in the US military during World War I. (White House statement) (DOD release) (Army release) (See AFPS report by Fred W. Baker)
Due to the prolonged delay in deliveries of the Tech Refresh 3 version of the F-35 fighter, Denmark is pulling six of its TR-2-configured F-35 jets stationed in the U.S. back to home base in order to consolidate aircraft and get better training for its pilots and maintainers, the Danish…