Command Sgt. Major C.W. "Buck" Buchanan, US Army, Ret.

Command Sgt. Major C.W. “Buck” Buchanan, US Army, Ret.

Buck Buchanan was born July 24, 1921 in Duke Center, Pa. and died July 1, 2010 in Temple, Texas at the age of 88.

Buck proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and in the United States Army in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.  He retired after 27 years of active service with the rank of Command Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted rank in the Army.  His many decorations include the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

After retirement he served as Mayor of Nolanville, Texas for several years and was active in the community, including membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Purple Heart Association, Elk Lodge, Moose Lodge, Masonic Lodge and the Karem Temple Shriners.

Funeral services were held on July 5, 2010 at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas.  Present were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance of the funeral home to welcome the arriving family and friends.

The Riders then led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, for interment with full military honors.  Lining the street at the committal shelter were fifty American flags blowing in the bright summer sun.

The Riders formed a line of flags around the committal shelter as final prayers were said and military honors were rendered by the Army Honor Guard.  A rifle detail fired three rounds of fire representing  Duty, Honor and Country.  The Army bugler played taps, and the flag which had draped the casket was folded into a tight triangle and presented to Buck’s wife, Peggy, on behalf of a grateful country and the United States Army.

Command Sgt. Major Buchanan was then laid to rest on the gentle slope of the cemetery overlooking the beautiful Texas hill country as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, two daughters, three sons, five grandchildren, two great-grandsons and numerous other dearly beloved family and friends.

Buck lived life like it ought to be lived, and he touched many hearts.


With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information.