Frank Joseph ‘Buck’ Bochnowski was born in Hammond, IN on June 9, 1938, the son of Colonel and Mrs. Joseph S. Bochnowski. Growing up as an Army brat, Buck followed in his father’s footsteps. His goal from early on was to graduate from West Point and serve in the Army. He realized that goal when he became a member of the Class of 1960.

While his father was in the Army, Buck saw much of the United States and also traveled abroad to Japan, where he attended school during his father’s tour of duty after World War II. He was the president of his 8th grade class in Tokyo. One of his fondest memories of Japan was climbing Mount Fuji.

After his Dad’s tour of duty, the family returned to the United States and settled in Anniston, AL, where Buck graduated from Anniston High School. He played football for the Anniston Bulldogs, for which he received All-State and All-County recognition and was voted “Lineman of the Year” in 1955. Even before knowing that he was appointed to West Point, he turned down athletic scholarship offers from the universities of Alabama, Auburn, Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech. Then the telegram came stating that he was appointed to West Point. While attending West Point, Buck played on the Army “B” Squad Football Team. He became a cadet captain and company commander of Company G-1 in his First Class Year. After graduating in 1960, he successfully completed the Army’s Airborne and Ranger Schools and the Artillery Officers Basic Course. Buck served 21 years in the Army as a Field Artillery Officer.

Buck received numerous service decorations, including multiple Bronze Stars during his tour of duty in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division. He was also awarded the Air Medal with “V” Device (First Oak Leaf Cluster). His award citation states that he distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action while serving as Operations Officer, 2nd Battalion, 319th Artillery during Operation Rawlins Valley. “Early that afternoon Major Bochnowski was on a reconnaissance flight along the Song Bo River. While investigating the area for future positions, Major Bochnowski’s UH-1D helicopter was taken under heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire. Major Bochnowski immediately ordered the pilot to make a low level pass over the area in an effort to locate the exact position from which the enemy was firing. Major Bochnowski’s aircraft made repeated low level passes over the area, and, at great danger to himself and also to his pilot, he carried out the remainder of his reconnaissance mission. Through his courage and devotion to duty Major Bochnowski contributed immeasurably to the successful outcome of Operations Rawlins Valley, which resulted in a body count of six enemy killed and the capture of vast amounts of enemy material. Major Bochnowski’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.” 

His Army assignments included serving on the faculty at West Point in the Tactical Department. Buck was also a graduate of the Army’s Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS. During his last assignment, Buck served as the Senior Advisor to the New York City National Guard and at the same time, he successfully completed a Masters of Business Administration and Law Degree at St. John’s University as an evening
division student.

Following his retirement from the military in 1981, Buck returned to his family roots in northwest Indiana and opened a law practice. He later joined Peoples Bank as its general counsel in 1984. While at the bank he developed the bank’s Wealth Management Trust Department. Buck retired from his position as Executive Vice-President, General Counsel, Trust Office and Corporate Secretary in December 2000. He served as a Director of the Bank and its holding company from 1999 until his death. He is survived by his wife, Pat, and two daughters from a previous marriage, Peggie and Susan. Buck had four grandchildren: a granddaughter, Maggie, who is serving in the U.S. Air Force and studying to become a doctor; and three grandsons: Matthew, who is studying organic gardening and wants to become a chef; Christopher, who is currently attending Santa Clara College through ROTC and someday hopes to be appointed to West Point following in his grandfather’s footsteps; and Mark, who is attending high school.

Buck is also survived by his sister, Geri Noel, wife of his USMA Classmate Tom Noel, and two brothers: Jim Bochnowski and John Bochnowski.

 Thank you God for Buck. It is not often that someone comes along who was as wonderful as Buck. He had a very compassionate heart and gave of himself in so many ways. He only saw the good in others, never held a grudge and forgave a lot. His wisdom in so many things made people respect and love him, and he knew right from wrong and was never afraid to speak out for the truth no matter the consequences. He loved his family and friends and his country. Put all of this together and so much more and you get a much loved husband, father, grandfather and great human being.

Postscript: To each and every member of USMA, who have served, dedicated their lives to Duty, Honor and Country. We love you, respect you and thank you for your service to this country.

— Patricia Bochnowski, wife, with portions from Roy O’Connor