How Old are World War 2 Veterans?
As we approach the end of World War 2, many of the remaining veterans are in their 90s, with some living into their 100s. It’s a reminder of the sacrifices they made and the impact they had on the outcome of the war.
The Demographics of World War 2 Veterans
According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, there are approximately 496,777 living World War 2 veterans. This number is expected to continue to decline as more veterans pass away.
| Year | Number of Living World War 2 Veterans |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 496,777 |
| 2020 | 466,117 |
| 2021 | 433,119 |
As shown in the table above, the number of living World War 2 veterans is declining rapidly.
Average Age of World War 2 Veterans
The average age of a World War 2 veteran is approximately 95-96 years old. However, it’s important to note that this number is skewed due to the remaining veterans being among the oldest and healthiest individuals from the time period.
| Age Range | Number of Living World War 2 Veterans |
|---|---|
| 90-94 | 144,119 |
| 95-99 | 129,318 |
| 100-104 | 24,411 |
| 105+ | 1,229 |
Oldest Living World War 2 Veterans
As of 2022, the oldest living World War 2 veteran is Lawrence Brooks, who was born on September 12, 1913, and is currently 109 years old. He served in the US Army from 1940 to 1945 and was stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines.
Notable World War 2 Veterans
Some notable World War 2 veterans include:
• Audie Murphy, a Medal of Honor recipient and the most decorated American soldier of the war. He passed away in 1971 at the age of 58.
• Clint Eastwood, an actor and filmmaker who served in the US Army from 1951 to 1953, including during the Korean War.
• Chuck Yeager, a fighter pilot who became the first person to break the sound barrier and served in World War 2. He passed away in 2020 at the age of 97.
• Bob Dole, a former US Senator and presidential candidate who served in World War 2 as a staff sergeant in the US Army. He is currently 99 years old.
Health and Longevity of World War 2 Veterans
World War 2 veterans have a unique perspective on life, having lived through some of the most significant events in world history. While many have passed away, those who remain are largely in good health, considering their age.
• Physical Health: Many World War 2 veterans continue to maintain a high level of physical fitness, often due to their active lifestyle during the war.
• Mental Health: However, many veterans struggle with mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, which were often overlooked or undiagnosed during the war.
• Social Health: Many World War 2 veterans have strong social connections, often through veterans’ organizations and reunions, which have helped them stay engaged and active.
Conclusion
As we continue to lose World War 2 veterans, it’s essential to recognize their contributions and sacrifices. Their experiences and perspectives are a reminder of the importance of national service and the impact it can have on individuals and society. While the average age of World War 2 veterans is 95-96 years old, there are still many individuals living among us who were part of this pivotal moment in history.
