Beaufort’s Rick Buning, 72, enlisted in the United States Marines in Orlando in 1967. After Boot Camp at Parris Island and Infantry training, he became a tank repairman. He served with the 1st Tank Battalion in Da Nang, where he was injured. After recuperating in Jacksonville, he returned for an extended second tour in Da Nang working with tank retrievers. He separated from the Marines in 1971 as a Sergeant. Thereafter, he used the GI Bill to earn an engineering degree from the University of Florida and then worked in construction for 35 years.
– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 9. For nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
