CREEL Buckner Miller Creel III, Colonel U.S. Army Infantry (retired) Died peacefully in his home on October 24, 2016. A veteran of three wars, COL. Creel served on active duty for over 32 years. Entering the Army in 1942, he was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant of Infantry. His World War II service was with the 77th Infantry Division in the Pacific Theater of Operations and included the amphibious landings on Guam, Leyte in the Philippines, and Okinawa, where he was promoted to captain at the age of 21. In August 1950 he joined the 25th Infantry Division in Korea at the Pusan perimeter and served with them for 15 months, beingwounded twice. COL Creel served with the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam, commanding the Division's Support Command for a year during 1967-1968. He was born on August 4, 1923 at Fort H.G. Wright, Fishers Island, New York, the sixth generation of his family to serve in the U.S. Army. His peace time service included a four-year tour in Germany, two tours with the Army Staff and a tour with the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. COL Creel graduated from the Infantry School, the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. His military decorations include the Combat Infantry badge with star, the Silver Star, three awards of the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, six Bronze Stars, two awards of the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, eight Air Medals, two Commendation medals and thirteen battle stars on three theater service medals. COL Creel is survived by his sister, Margaret, two brothers, Tilford and George; five children, Buckner IV, Madeleine, Patricia, Mary and Howard; fourteen grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. His sister, Cornelia predeceased. His wife of 66 years, Mary Madeleine O'Neill, died in 2014. He will be buried with her in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Museum of the U.S. Army, through the Army Historical Foundation, Inc, 2425 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201.