John W. Buckstead

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

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

John Wendell Buckstead Born February 15, 1928 - Died July 18, 1987 John Wendell "Buck" Buckstead was born in Centerville, South Dakota on 15 February 1928 and was appointed to West Point from the 1st Congressional District. His West Point classmates recall: "Buck's good humor and natural ability allowed him to smile his way through four years of jousting with the Academic and Tactical Departments. No one who comes in contact with him can resist his joviality or keen wit. As a representative of the Corps he is one of the best. His many friends expect big things from Buck with his variety of attributes. It is evident that he will go far in the Army." During his cadet days Buck went out for Baseball plebe year and earned Numerals in the sport; was with the Duty and Policy Committees and the German Clubs cow and first class years; and was a Cadet Lieutenant his first class year. Upon graduation Buck went in the Armored Corps and after completing the Basic Armored Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky reported to the Tank Battalion at Fort Bragg in 1951 and then went with the 73rd Tank Battalion, 7th Division in Korea from 1952 to 1953. Buck's next assignment was as Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General of the III Corps and served as such until 1956 when he resigned his commission as a First Lieutenant. After retirement Buck accepted a position as an engineer with the Caterpillar Tractor Company and in 1974 became General Manager of the Dart Truck Company and served as such until his death in Seattle, Washington on 18 July 1987. Mrs. John W. Buckstead (Jill) makes her home in Overland Park, Kansas. jac; 18228, wc 274

admin