Because of Buckley’s service in the war, he was awarded two medals. He was given the Purple Heart and the Air Medal. According to the United Service Organizations, Purple Heart is “an award given only to those wounded or killed in enemy action”. The Air Force’s Personnel Center describes the Air Medal as an achievement given to “U.S. and civilian personnel for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievements while participating in aerial flight and foreign military personnel in actual combat in support of operations”. Both medals were awarded posthumously. His wife also received a Gold Star Lapel Button, which is given to family of loved ones that have died in war.
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