08/05/2026
Veteran of the Month – Buford Ford
This month, we are proud to honor Buford Ford for his service to our nation.
Buford was born on December 21, 1931, and was adopted just five days later. It wasn’t until his military service that he would discover and meet his biological family. Growing up near Guthrie, Oklahoma, Buford experienced World War II as a teenager before answering the call to serve.
At just 18 years old, Buford joined the Oklahoma National Guard. Shortly afterward, his unit was activated and sent to Camp Polk, Louisiana. In August 1950, President Harry S. Truman federalized the Oklahoma 45th Infantry Division, transitioning it from a National Guard unit into active-duty Army service in preparation for the Korean War.
Before deploying overseas, Buford learned he had a biological sister living in Springfield, Missouri. He was granted leave to meet his family, where he was warmly welcomed by his mother, sister, half-brother, and half-sister. That reunion began a lifelong and cherished relationship.
Buford arrived in Korea in 1951 and served until June 1952 with the 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division as a messenger clerk. Driving a Jeep between headquarters and frontline positions, he delivered orders, reports, maps, and communications across dangerous terrain. He also transported and maintained sensitive cryptographic equipment, including the M-209 cipher machine, making him a vital link between combat units.
One memory remained with him throughout his life. Buford recalled helping place panel markers on a mountainside so medical helicopters could land and evacuate wounded soldiers following an attack that claimed the lives of seven men and left many others injured.
After returning home, Buford built a life of service in Oklahoma. He worked for an oil exploration company, delivered milk in the Del City and Midwest City areas, delivered bread in Shawnee, and later served as a police officer at Tinker Air Force Base with the Department of Defense civilian police.
On September 26, 1953, Buford married the love of his life, Wilma Louise. Together they raised three children—two daughters and a son.
We proudly recognize Buford Ford as our Veteran of the Month. Thank you, Buford, for your faithful service during the Korean War and for your lifelong commitment to serving your community. Your dedication, courage, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. 🇺🇸
