Buck Compton

From UCLA athlete to chief deputy district attorney, a life defined by duty.

Lynn Davis "Buck" Compton was an American jurist and United States Army officer who served as a paratrooper in "Easy Company" of the 506th Infantry Regiment within the 101st Airborne Division during World War II. Born on December 31, 1921, in Los Angeles, California, he earned his nickname early because he felt "Lynn" suited a girl better. Before joining the military, Compton was an All-American baseball catcher and guard at UCLA, playing alongside Jackie Robinson. His wartime actions included assaulting German artillery at Brécourt Manor and surviving Operation Market Garden, though he was later evacuated due to severe trench foot during the Battle of the Bulge.

Quick Facts

Rank: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Force Reserve) – final reserve rank, not his WWII rank

Lore & Background

Compton's military service began in early 1943 after advanced ROTC training at UCLA was suspended. He completed officer candidate school at Fort Benning, Georgia, before deploying overseas in December 1943 with E Company. During Operation Overlord, he participated in the assault on a German battery of four 105 mm howitzers firing on Utah Beach under Richard Winters. Compton disabled the guns and routed the enemy, notably throwing a hand grenade that struck a German soldier on the back of his helmet. For this action, he was awarded the Silver Star. Later in 1944, during Operation Market Garden, a bullet traveled sideways through one side of his buttocks to the other. He returned to duty for the frozen Ardennes siege but was eventually evacuated for severe trench foot.

Reader's Guide

Lynn D. "Buck" Compton (December 31, 1921 – February 25, 2012) is best known for his service in Easy Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division. His combat record includes the Brécourt Manor assault, where he earned a Silver Star, and surviving a gunshot wound to the buttocks during Operation Market Garden. He was evacuated due to trench foot during the Battle of the Bulge but returned to Easy Company before his discharge in December 1945. Post-war, he became a police officer with the LAPD in 1946, joined the District Attorney's office in 1951, and served as chief deputy district attorney by 1964. In 1970, Governor Ronald Reagan appointed him an associate justice of the California Courts of Appeal, where he served until retiring in 1990. His exploits were featured in Stephen E. Ambrose's 1992 book and the 2001 HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers," where he was portrayed by Neal McDonough.

Did You Know?

He played baseball alongside Jackie Robinson at UCLA and was named an All-American catcher in 1942.
Actor Neal McDonough developed a friendship with Compton after portraying him and named his son Morgan "Little Buck" in his honor.
Compton served as the lead prosecutor in the trial of Sirhan Sirhan for the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy.