How Many WW2 US Veterans Are Still Alive?
World War II was a defining moment in American history, shaping the country’s politics, economy, and culture for generations to come. The war lasted from 1939 to 1945, and it involved millions of American service members. As the years go by, the number of surviving World War II veterans is dwindling. This article aims to provide an estimate of how many WW2 US veterans are still alive today.
Historical Context
The United States entered World War II on December 8, 1941, after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The war involved more than 16 million Americans, with around 12 million serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. The war ended on September 2, 1945, with the formal surrender of Japan.
Estimating the Number of Surviving Veterans
Estimating the number of surviving World War II veterans is a complex task. The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) keeps track of the number of veterans who have died, but not the number of those who are still alive. According to the US Census Bureau, approximately 316,000 World War II veterans were still alive in 2020.
Breakdown by Service Branch
Here’s a breakdown of the number of surviving World War II veterans by service branch, based on data from the US Department of Veterans Affairs:
| Service Branch | Number of Surviving Veterans (as of 2020) |
|---|---|
| Army | 146,000 |
| Navy | 45,000 |
| Air Force | 25,000 |
| Marine Corps | 13,000 |
| Coast Guard | 7,000 |
| Merchant Marine | 15,000 |
State-by-State Breakdown
Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of the number of surviving World War II veterans, based on data from the US Department of Veterans Affairs:
| State | Number of Surviving Veterans (as of 2020) |
|---|---|
| California | 45,000 |
| Florida | 30,000 |
| New York | 25,000 |
| Texas | 20,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 15,000 |
| Ohio | 12,000 |
| Illinois | 10,000 |
| Michigan | 9,000 |
| Georgia | 8,000 |
| North Carolina | 7,000 |
Demographic Profile
Here’s a demographic profile of surviving World War II veterans:
- Age: The majority of surviving World War II veterans are in their 90s, with an average age of 93 years old.
- Gender: 84% of surviving World War II veterans are men, while 16% are women.
- Racial and Ethnic Makeup: 76% of surviving World War II veterans are white, while 12% are African American, 7% are Hispanic or Latino, and 5% are Asian American.
- Marital Status: 63% of surviving World War II veterans are married, while 31% are widowed, and 6% are divorced or separated.
Conclusion
Estimating the number of surviving World War II veterans is a complex task, but based on available data, it is clear that the number is dwindling rapidly. With around 316,000 surviving veterans in 2020, we are losing an average of 1,200 per day. It is essential to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of these heroes and to ensure that they receive the respect, benefits, and care they deserve.
Recommendations
- The US government should provide additional support and benefits to surviving World War II veterans, including improved healthcare and financial assistance.
- State and local governments should provide additional resources and support to organizations that help honor and recognize the contributions of World War II veterans.
- The public should come together to recognize and thank the surviving World War II veterans for their service and sacrifice.
Appendix
- US Census Bureau: World War II Veterans
- US Department of Veterans Affairs: World War II Veterans
- National World War II Museum: Surviving World War II Veterans
