- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Private First Class (Marine)
- Unit:
- 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps
- Awarded on:
- February 1st, 1945
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, 6 October 1944. Valiantly disregarding his own personal safety, Private First Class Buckley unhesitatingly exposed himself to annihilative enemy machine-gun and rifle fire in a daring attempt to wipe out a strongly defended hostile emplacement which had pinned down the rest of his platoon. Having succeeded in silencing the Japanese strong point, Private First Class Buckley, although himself mortally wounded by enemy fire, unselfishly assisted another Marine to safety. His unflinching courage in the face of grave peril and his exemplary, unwavering devotion to duty reflect great credit upon Private First Class Buckley and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
Posthumously awarded. Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 0117.