Loren Buffalo was born on March 23, 1990, in Jacksonville, Arkansas. He enlisted in the Delayed Entry Program of the U.S. Army on March 18, 2009, and went on active duty to begin basic training on May 27, 2009. PFC Buffalo next completed One Station Unit Training as a Cavalry Scout at Fort Knox, Kentucky, between May and September 2009, followed by service as a Cavalry Scout and Bradley Fighting Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Specialist with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, from October 2009 to May 2010. He then deployed with his unit to Afghanistan from June 2010 until he was killed by an improvised explosive device in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, on March 9, 2011. Loren Buffalo was buried at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

His Bronze Star Medal Citation reads:

For meritorious service from 15 July 2010 to 9 March 2011, while assigned to Troop B, 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during Operation Enduring Freedom. Corporal Buffalo's commitment contributed to our Nation's continual war on terrorism and his actions represented his dedication to the security of the United States of America. His sincere desire to bring peace and stability to a foreign nation is an example of what all American Soldiers strive to achieve. No greater honor can be demonstrated by his ultimate sacrifice, and he will be forever remembered for his actions. Corporal Buffalo's duty performance and selfless service are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Forces - Afghanistan, and the United States Army.