Lewis Christian Buffington

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

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

Lewis Christian Buffington Born August 13, 1928 - Died May 25, 1981 Lewis Christian "Lew" Buffington was born in Elizabethville, Pennsylvania on 13 August 1928 and was appointed to West Point from the 15th Congressional District. His West Point classmates recall: "Lew, a red-headed Pennsylvania Dutchman, came to West Point after service in the Marine Corps. Never burdened with excessive academic problems Lew unselfishly used his spare time to aid his fellow cadets found wandering down the bumpy academic road. His keen insight to the big picture has always enabled him to maintain a solid footing when West Point tempests blew their strongest." During his cadet days Lew was with the Golf Club cow and first class years; with the Ski Club yearling and first class year; was Athletic Representative first class year; and was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. Upon graduation Lew went in the Air Force and after flying training reported to the 90th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing where he served from 1952 to 1953 and then followed a tour with the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron stationed in Japan but flying over North Korea through 1954 for which he was decorated with the Commendation Medal for distinguished service. In 1962, Lew earned a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Colorado after which he was assigned to Aeronautical Systems Division at Wright-Patterson, Ohio where he served until 1966. Next Lew went to Headquarters, 355th Combat Support Group, Pacific Air Force where he served until 1967; was awarded the Air Medal for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight and a second Commendation Medal for distinguished service. Lew's next assignment was to North American Air Defense, Ent AFB, Colorado where he served until 1971 and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. From 1971 to 1972 Lew was back at Aeronautical Systems Division at Wright-Patterson, Ohio and then went with Space and Missile Systems Organization, Los Angeles, California. He served as Assistant Commanding Officer until he retired from the United States Air Force in 1973 as a Lieutenant Colonel. After retirement, Lew went back to school, earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Dickinson School of Law in 1976, and then practiced law until his death in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on May 25, 1981. Click on Air Force Values to understand fly boys. ufa

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