Lynn Buck Compton
February 26th saw the passing of Lynn “Buck” Compton, sadly many of us will not know of the heroic nature of this gentleman. Mr. Compton led a life of selfless service to our country, serving in many capacities from a 1st Lieutenant in World War II to a California state appellate judge. Most notably, “Buck” Compton’s military service was portrayed in the HBO series “Band of Brothers“, and his memoir “Call of Duty” (No, not the computer game series.).
This was not the only noteworthy accomplishment in Mr. Compton’s life. In his time at UCLA he was a two sport varsity athlete. He was a catcher alongside future major leaguer Jackie Robinson and played guard on the Bruins’ line in the 1943 Rose Bowl. After the war, Mr. Compton worked his way through Loyola University’s law school as a detective in the Los Angeles police department. He graduated from Loyola in 1949. In 1951, Mr. Compton became an assistant district attorney in Los Angeles, leading the team of prosecutors assigned to the 1969 trial of Sirhan Sirhan. And in 1970 Governor Ronald Reagan appointed him to the state appellate court. Toward the end of his career, he became a forceful advocate of patients in “right to die” cases. In an opinion he wrote, “If ever there is time to get government off our backs, it is when we face death – either by choice or otherwise.“.
In my opinion “Buck” Compton was a true American hero, more worthy of praise than those whom we call hero’s now days. I’m proud to say that along with Mr. Compton, I too served in the 506th Parachute Infantry. So it is with military tradition, that with the utmost honor and respect that I render a salute to Lt. Compton and sound off the regimental motto of the 506th Infantry, “Stands Alone”.
Watch this brief Tribute Video to Lt. Lynn Buck Compton. December 31, 1921-February 26, 2012
About L. Havranek
My grandfather, Lyndolph Ward, was in the Band of Brothers book. True American Heroes.
THEY deserve the flag half mast.. not Whitney.
There are so many that are a part of the “Greatest Generation” that have neither gotten the recognition or thanks that they so greatly deserve. It saddens me to see not only the Vet’s of world War II, but all veterans; be discarded after their service. Not only do they suffer this from their fellow “Americans”, but their government as well. And I agree with you about Whitney!!
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