Celebrating An Old Soldier on Veterans Day

By Kathryn Marchi

On November 11 each year, Americans celebrate Veterans Day to honor all who served in the United States Armed Forces. Historically, on Nov. 11, 1919, one year after the end of World War I, this day was called Armistice Day to honor those who served in that war. In 1954, General Dwight D. Eisenhower renamed the day, Veterans Day. Symbolically, it begins on the eleventh hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Interestingly, there is no apostrophe in Veterans as it is FOR the veteran and does not belong TO the veteran.

Fast forward to Nov. 11, 2024 when Charles Ellsworth Otis Jr., a veteran from Centreville,

Maryland will celebrate this honorable day with all of the other American veterans. Especially noteworthy is that, on June 24, 2024, Charles Ellsworth Otis Jr. celebrated his 100th birthday! It seemed fitting that his story be told this November, around Veterans Day.

Buck, as he is known to all, is a World War II veteran who served in the United States Army and survived the Battle of the Bulge.

Buck was born in Washington D.C. His family owned several businesses there. After his father became ill, Buck left school at age 16 to help with them. At age 18, he was hired by the Defense Printing Office.

On June 12, 1944, six days after D-Day, Buck enlisted in the United States Army. He was 20. Asked why he enlisted then, Buck told me that he had been classified as 4F the first time he was drafted in 1943 because of Asthma. He persisted and the Army finally relented and gave him the letter he needed to enlist. In November, after basic training at Camp Wheeler, Georgia, he boarded the HMS Queen Elizabeth, landed in Scotland and was sent to England for training. Buck became a member of the BIG RED ONE, First Infantry, 26th Regiment. He recalled boarding a Land craft LST in December that landed his unit in Belgium at the front line … the Battle of the Bulge. He told me that the first thing he did was dig a foxhole. It was very difficult due to the bitter cold and eight inches of snow. At that time, armies were retreating. Buck and his buddies became involved in, not only fighting, but also dismantling the forces and heading to the next battlefield. During the march, Buck saw German tanks on fire and soldiers carrying their dead comrades. About 25 miles north of Bastogne, Belgium, his unit came upon a church and noted German army troops entering and leaving. After confirming that the church was used to store ammunition, artillery was called in and it exploded. Along the march, Buck’s feet became frostbitten and he was medevaced to a Belgium Field Hospital where artillery continued to bombard the area. He was then sent to a hospital in England from January to April 1945.

As he recuperated, Buck told me that he had to be carried from place to place by German Prisoners of War. To this day, his feet are extremely sensitive to the cold and are sometimes painful.

At the closing days of the War in April, 1945, Buck was sent to Germany to join Occupation forces.

His job was at the Air Depot Supply Squadron. He told me that he was also able to distribute leftover food to German refugees. In November 1945, Buck was given a compassionate, Honorable Discharge because his father was dying of cancer.

After his two-year military service, Buck returned home, married and returned to his work for the Defense Printing Office (now, the Government Printing Office) as a printing press mechanic. His work took him to the Pentagon and the Navy Yard. Buck would retire from that job in 1979 after 40 years.

Settling in Riverdale, Maryland, Buck and his wife raised eight children. They were members of Saint Bernard’s Catholic Church where Buck was an active member in the Knights of Columbus, a philanthropic organization for men in the church. One interesting aspect of that group was called the “Knights of the Clown Table.” This group of men dressed up as circus clowns and visited children’s hospitals and marched in various parades. Of course, Buck Otis was a part of that group!

But that’s not all that Buck participated in during that time. For 37 years, he was a member of the Washington Redskin Football Team’s “Redskins Utility Band.” This group would set up chairs for the band’s rehearsals and performances, make seasonal décor for the stadium fields, take care of the instruments and unfurl the American flag on the field when they performed at Griffin Stadium, RFK Stadium and FedEx Field. Buck said it was a volunteer job with benefits for himself and his family!

In 2007, at age 83, Buck studied diligently, finally earning his high school diploma.

After his wife, Marian, passed away seven years ago, Buck has continued to live alone in their home in Centreville, Maryland. He takes care of the house and mows his own lawn. One of Buck’s sons lives in nearby Centreville, and he, and Buck’s many neighbors and friends are always in line to take him any place he needs to go as he gave up his driver’s license two years ago. Additionally, his children and grandchildren keep in touch and are ready to lend a hand if needed. They are all amazed at how independent Buck is and how active he stays. Buck’s social life is full … he can be seen at his local American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Centreville, Maryland. Buck loves his God, is a devoted member of his church and is proud of his 68-year membership in the Knights of Columbus and his fourth level Knight standing.

It was at Our Mother of Sorrows, that he celebrated his 100th birthday. Buck’s family, along with his many friends and fellow Knights, planned a party of fun and comfort for all.

Buck’s fellow Knights donated and prepared hamburgers and hot dogs, and members of the church sent the side dishes and desserts. There were many accolades, gifts and presentations at the party.

Noteworthy was the letter of birthday congratulations and appreciation of his military service from the Eisenhower Foundation, signed by the granddaughter of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Members of the local American Legion also attended, offering birthday well wishes. Approximately 215 folks attended the celebration!

Buck’s family fondly calls their beloved centenarian, the “energizer bunny!” He is active, mentally sharp, and very much in charge of his life. He has medical issues and some hearing loss but, otherwise, continues to participate in his everyday activities. His life has always been centered around his family of eight children, 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren!

When asked the secret to his long and productive life, Buck said, “ LOVE, that’s all.”

To live a productive 100 years is quite an accomplishment, denied to many. Buck has seen so much in his long life. He has seen wars, poverty, peacetime, prosperity, medical innovations, technology development … Buck told me that technology has been the biggest change and improvement he has seen in our lives today …, that, and communication, and transportation have made the world closer than ever before. Buck has seen changes in fashion, music, automobiles … Just think of the presidents that have served in Buck’s lifetime! It boggles the mind to think of what has occurred in 100 years of a man’s life.

It is certainly fitting to pay tribute to a man who, as an everyday American, answered his country’s call to arms in its time of need. As a survivor of a World War, Buck lived his faith, supported a family, and contributed greatly to the community at large.

On this, and every, Veterans Day, we proudly salute Charles “Buck” Ellsworth Otis, Jr., and all other American military Veterans who served their country, with honor.

Post Script:

Sadly, Buck Otis passed away on Sept. 15, 2024 with his family by his side. I was so privileged to have known him and to have him tell me his story in his own words. His was a life well lived.

May Buck rest in peace.

Kathryn Marchi is a contributing writer to OutLook by the Bay. She especially enjoys writing human interest stories.