[courtesy of "Glenn & Kathy"]

Grave marker and inset for Royal L. Buss in Sunset Hills Cemetery, Eugene (Lane county), Oregon.

Royal was drafted in December 1942 ands volunteered fot parachutist duty.

Pfc Buss was transferred from the 509th PIR to Co G, 508th PIR on 7 February 1945.  On 28 February, he was evacuated as a non-battle casualty.  It is unclear whether he rejoined the regiment prior to his discharge in November 1945..

Lack of Stature Helps This Boy
Realizing His Great Ambition
   MONMOUTH Royal Buss, 17, who was graduated last summer from Monmouth high school, is probably the smallest boy ever to spend lour years in the local school.
   He is five feet four inches and his weight averages 115.  But being small doesn't worry Royal at all. He figured out some time ago that there are suitable occupations or vocations, for everyone, and he decided, since he is very fond of horses, to become a second Earl Sande. Working on the farm for his father,. Harold Buss, he could ride a lot, and he discussed his heart's desire with horse-minded friends, including W. Ray Adams, long-time horse dealer of this community.
   Adams kept the boy in mind, and when George Macauley, Eugene, owner of a string of racing horses, came to the Adams' ranch to look at some animals for sale, he was told about the local boy who wanted to become a jockey. Result --- Royal Joined up with Macauley, went to Klamath Falls, Seattle, Salem and other fairs where racing events were scheduled. He rode in 15 races last fall, won seven of his rides, and at present is employed in Eugene waiting for the spring racing season to open. Of course, he admits he's a long way yet from emulating Earl Sande, but he believes he's on the right track.

[Statesman Journal, Salem, OR, 12 Nov 1941, Wed, Page 7]

[Jumpmaster note: Earl Harold Sande (November 13, 1898 – August 19, 1968) was an American Hall of Fame jockey and thoroughbred horse trainer]

Royal Buss, Leading Jockey,
Hurt in Fairgrounds Race Meet
    The Lane county fair racing program, lacking the punch of pari-mutuel wagering, closed Its three-day meet under favorable weather conditions and a heavy track Saturday afternoon at the fairgrounds before a fair-sized crowd. There were thrills, and one heart-thumping spill that looked like the first casualty in local racing for several years.
   Royal Buss, hard-riding apprentice jockey for Harley Harms, Cottage Grove stables, was thrown from bad-acting Betty's Pride on the first turn of the feature mile, 70 yards event. The entry had balked at the start and stumbled over Mar Roam when the horse stumbled on the first turn. Chum Summer regained his May Roam mount, but Buss remained on the track until after the horses had completed their second turn. Although knocked unconscious he suffered only painful bruises.

[The Eugene Guard, Eugene, OR, 21 Sep 1941, Sun, Page 6]

DRAFTED Must sell '35 Ford coupe, good tires A-l condition. Royal Buss, 1175 Charnelton.

[The Eugene Guard, Eugene, OR, 5 Dec 1942, Sun, Page 5]]

Three Years later ...

[The Capital Journal, Salem, OR, 30 Nov 1945, Fri, Page 2]

And ... things changed again

Royal Buss married Barbara Leonard at Eugene in April. A paratrooper in France during combat days, he started out to be a jockey after graduation from Monmouth high school, but after serving in the war found he had gained too much weight to follow that line of work.

QUALITY LAUNDRY DRIVER desperately in need of 1 or 2 bedrm, unfurn. hse. Veteran, married. Royal Buss. Ph. 4B44- R,

[The Eugene Guard, Eugene, OR, 17 Nov 1948, Wed, Page 22]