[saganite]

Not really. Boehner wants to honor him, just not what the WV Senators requested. His distinction is being the last living WWI vet. He didn’t even serve overseas during the war.

“Steel said Boehner and Reid will ask Defense Secretary Robert Gates to allow a memorial service for Buckles at Arlington National Cemetery in nearby Arlington, Va., “surrounded by honored veterans of every American war.”

[ErnBatavia]

IIRC, he indeed was in France and then post-war Germany where he met his bride. No combat, but overseas.

Later, he was in the Philippines on business and ended up a civilian POW of the Nippers in World War II.

[Ratman83]

Where did you get the “He didn’t even serve overseas during the war.” The article says “He served in England and France, mostly as a driver and warehouse clerk. After the war ended, he helped repatriate German prisoners of war, returning to the U.S. in January 1920.”