#LT BUCK COMPTON SERIES#

He then attended Louisiana State University where his father, an Army officer, was an artillery instructor. Unfortunately, Chuck did not graduate from The Citadel. Chuck transferred from The Citadel in January 1942 after successfully completing three semesters. It is understandable that after so much and so many years, Buck’s memory of Chuck had blurred. Steve Smith, Class of 1984, helped me with fact checking. I am sorry to say that he was killed at Bastogne by artillery fire and was just a few feet away from me when it happened.” Both he and his father were graduates of the Citadel. He had served on the staff at SHAEF Hdqs. Your dad might be interested in the fact that after Holland and before Bastogne a young lieutenant named Charles Thirlkeld joined our outfit. That is a great institution which turns out great officers and patriots. I am impressed that your dad attended The Citadel. We only did what is to be expected from any loyal able bodied American male. I am happy that you enjoyed learning about our division. Yes, I did, and I know you will, too! Here’s an excerpt from Buck’s letter to Matthew… I thought you might enjoy reading what he had to say.”

He also speaks very highly of our alma mater. Thirlkeld, how he came to Easy Company just before Bastogne, and was next to him when he was hit. In the letter, Buck mentions his friend Lt. The envelope was postmarked October 11, 2007. Last night, I reread the letter Buck Compton sent to my son. In the letter he mentioned that one of his friends in Easy Company was Lt. Well, about two weeks later, Buck Compton sent a very nice reply to my son. In the letter, he mentioned that his Dad (me) graduated from The Citadel. Somehow, I found Compton’s address and my son wrote and mailed him a letter. My son wanted to write him a letter and tell him “thank you” for his service and let him know how much he admired him and his fellow soldiers. After searching the internet, I found that Buck was alive and living in Washington State. His favorite soldier in Easy was Buck Compton.

#LT BUCK COMPTON SERIES#

About five years ago, my younger son (now 17) and I had been watching the Band of Brothers series on TV. We must never forget the sacrifices that were made to protect our freedom.Īs I was browsing through the list of names of Citadel grads that made the ultimate sacrifice, I noticed Charles Marion Thirlkeld. Thanks to you and all the others who put this together. “I just saw the Citadel Memorial page on Facebook.

Cadet Recruit (freshman) Charles “Chuck” Marion Thirlkeld, Jr., Class of 1944.

Lt buck compton