Richard Joseph Buck

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose A. "Andy" Chacon on August 23, 2004:

Richard Joseph Buck Born December 25, 1926 - Died July 18, 1989 Richard Joseph "Rick" Buck was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania on 25 December 1926 and was appointed to West Point on a Senatorial appointment. His West Point classmates recall: "Rick is a doughfoot from way back. He occupied Germany as a lieutenant in the First Division before coming to Stewart Field, and when he gets those shoulder ingots, it's back to the Infantry (airborne, this time). I've never met a better Catholic than Rick. He is a man who gains strength from his faith. With his conscientious attitude he will be favorably known throughout the army." During his cadet days Rick was on the Hop Committee, an Acolyte, on the Catholic Choir, and on the Debate Council all four years, serving as Chairman of the Student Conference his last year; went out for Wrestling plebe year; for fencing yearling, cow and first class years and earned a Monogram; was with the French Club first class year, and was a Cadet Lieutenant his first class year. Upon graduation Rick went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia reported to the 504th Airborne Infantry Regiment where he served from 1951 to 1952 and then went to Korea as Company Commander with the 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Division; served until 1953 and was decorated with the Silver Star for distinguished gallantry in action; 3 Bronze Star Medals for distinguished heroism against an enemy; 4 Purple Hearts for wounds in action against an enemy; and the Combat Infantryman Badge. In 1956 Rick earned a Master of Arts degree from Yale in International Affairs. Next Rick was assigned to The Armored School, Fort Knox, Kentucky where he served in 1960 and then went to the 101st Airborne Division, served until 1962 and then went with the 1st Special Forces Group from 1962 to 1963. From 1964 to 1965 Rick was the S1 with the 97th Civil Affairs Group and then was assigned to Headquarters, 82nd Airborne Division where he served from 1965 to 1966 when he received orders to Special Warfare Agency, Fort Bragg, North Carolina where he served until 1967. Next Rick went with the Advance Research Projects Agency, Office, Secretary of Defense and served until 1968 and was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. Rick then went to United States Army Republic of Vietnam was decorated with a second Silver Star for distinguished gallantry in action; 4 additional Bronze Star Medals (two for valor) for distinguished heroism against an enemy; 4 Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight; the Commendation Medal for distinguished service; and 4 more Purple Hearts for wounds in action against an enemy. Rick's last military assignment was to Headquarters, Combat Development Command in 1969 and served until 1970 when he retired from the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after a distinguished career in which he earned two Silver Stars and the Purple Heart eight times. Rick died in McLean, Virginia on 18 July 1989, where Mrs. Richard J. Buck (Julie) continues to make her home. jac; 18239, wc 508

admin