Who is Captain America's best friend from childhood?

Who is Captain America's best friend from childhood? The answer is Bucky Barnes.

Bucky Barnes grew up with Steve Rogers in Brooklyn and became Steve's closest friend before either man became a super-soldier. While Steve was physically frail and frequently bullied, Bucky was more confident and protective, helping anchor their friendship during the difficult years before World War II.

Bucky served in the U.S. Army during World War II and fought alongside Steve after Steve became Captain America. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Bucky is believed to have died after falling from a train during a mission, but he survives and is captured by Hydra. The organization transforms him into the brainwashed Winter Soldier.

A common mix-up is confusing Bucky with Sam Wilson, who becomes one of Captain America's closest allies much later. Peggy Carter is also important to Steve's story, but she is his wartime love interest, not his childhood best friend. Bucky's eventual recovery and friendship with Steve are central to Captain America's personal history.