When Calvin Graham was 11 years old, he began shaving, convinced it would make him look older than he was. Before he could be shipped to the Pacific, the Army found out the now Purple Heart recipient was only 14 years old. He forged his mothers signature on the enlistment papers, but they needed to be notarized. Previous Occupation(s): Waiter, dish washer, and telegraphist. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. [5][6] Though he received fragmentation wounds, he helped in rescue duty by aiding and pulling the wounded aboard ship to safety. And his story is one of the saddest youll ever hear. Hermanns enlisted in the Territorial Air Force in 1937 and two years later when World War II was declared, he joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force. His name was Anthony Marchione. It was a long night. How many ww2 veterans are still alive 2022. He served in the Army, the Army Air Forces, and he was there for the beginning of the U.S. Air Force. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. But he wasnt the youngest to serve. Current Age (as of February 2021): 109 years, 2 months, 20 days According to the VA, they are generally in their 90s. [6][4] At age 14 he married and became a father the following year. Who is the youngest ww2 veteran? Home | All Posts | Who is the youngest ww2 veteran still alive? Mr. John Tosh, the Director of the Texas Air Museum in San Antonio, Texas, is 87 and still going strong. . He attempted to go back to school, get married, and start a life though by age 17, he was a divorced high school dropout and a father of one. Military Branch: U.S. Army On , the British cruiser HMS Dido was en route to Copenhagen Denmark. Gertrude Noone is the second oldest female World War II veteran ever. In October, he steamed out as part of a task force with the carrier USS Enterprise to engage the enemy at Guadalcanal. [3][8] He was buried at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Fort Worth, Texas.[11]. His story is like something out of a Boys Own comic. Which Is Stronger Pramoxine Or Lidocaine? Gerald Herbert/AP. Back in 2015, 939,000 U.S. WWII veterans were still alive and the number of stories and memories being lost daily is accelerating. But the number of survivors is dwindling. It is based on the real-life story of the youngest soldier in World War II, Sergei Aleshkov, who was only 6 years old. Having lost his father before the war along with the rest of his family, he was left an orphan at a very young age. Current Age (as of February 2021): 109 years, 2 months, 5 days This was the first time in the history of the United States that there had been a peacetime draft. The South Dakota and her crew received a Navy Unit Commendation for the action. Still Living? Graham was most worried that the dentist, who checked the teeth of all recruits and would undoubtedly be able to tell his age, would call his bluff. It aged me . His mother complained to the Navy about recruiting a 12-year-old. A few years later, Hills mother lent him $50 to open a shoe store after friend told him, There are enough doctors and lawyers. Walker is the second-oldest living person who was born in Wales, after Lilian Priest. "If I'm still alive on December 23, I will have broken all records; 40 years on a . Born in 1901, Frank Buckles enlisted in the army in 1917 where he went on to drive ambulances and motorcycles during the conflict in Europe before passing away in February 2011 at the ripe old age of 110. He was only 12 years old, but was able to get . After the war, Brooks worked as a fork lift operator until he retired at 70. Lucas is the youngest U.S. Marine and serviceman in World War II to receive the United States highest declaration of valor. Military Branch: United States Marine Corps He was in fact, only 13 years old. The Purple Heart, however, was the exception. He was married at the age of 14, became a father at 15, and divorced at 17. Calvin Graham, the fresh-faced seaman who had set off for battle from the Philadelphia Navy Yard in the summer of 1942, was only 12 years old. At 52 and 125 pounds, Calvin didnt look anything close to enlistment age. Mostly called Sergei, he won the For the Combat Merit medal for saving his adoptive father, Mikhail Vorobyov. A movie, Too Young the Hero, was created in his honor. Graham worked as a loader for an anti-aircraft gun. The following year, President Jimmy Carter approved the converted discharge and restored all his medals but the Purple Heart. Required fields are marked *. Soon he was reduced to a life of selling magazine subscriptions after breaking his back while enlisted in the Marine Corps. In 2022, only 167,284 of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II are still alive, reports the US Department of Veteran Affairs. In 1978, he was finally given an honorable discharge for his service in the Navy, and after writing to Congress and with the approval of President Jimmy Carter, all medals except his Purple Heart were reinstated. . At six feet tall, no one questioned his age. But in the battle tested eyes of America's youngest ever World War II hero, the fight is still there! What happens if you get a tattoo in the Army? At the age of eight, Momilo Gavri joined the Serbian army. Who is the youngest ww2 veteran still alive? JFFCESTORE Molle Web Retainer Buckle Tactical Gear Holder Clip, [DEAL!] Kopelman was the last surviving soldier of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Marchand had been into cycling his entire life, but as a young man he was told by his coach that he would never make it professionally. He passed away at the age of 112. Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart was a one-eyed, one-handed war hero who fought in three major conflicts across six decades, surviving plane crashes and PoW camps. He served as a loader for a 40 mm anti-aircraft gun and was hit by shrapnel while taking a hand message to an officer. 10 Oldest World War II Veterans (Updated 2020) : Died August 13, 2021 Your email address will not be published. "They put me humping ammunition taking it from this point to the gun to be loaded and fired," explained Kelso. [2] Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the United States Navy from Houston, Texas on August 15, 1942, at the age of 12. Reed used to grow primroses that would be sent to the London Flower Markets to sell. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Currently, Corbin is the oldest resident across RMBI (Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution) Care Co.s system. According to Ronald Hermanns he was only the 19th person to join the Royal New Zealand Air Force, which was only a few years old by the time World War II started. I took belts off the dead and made tourniquets for the living and gave them cigarettes and encouraged them all night, he later said. In December 2020, Margaret Reed became one of the oldest people in the world to receive the PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. How Do You Clean Cows Udder Before Milking? In the US over 16 million men served during WWII, so they are likely still quite a number still alive. He joined the war at 17 years old. tommy.livingston@stuff.co.nz. Thank you. 9 Largest Battles in History, Your email address will not be published. He is a WWII, Korean, and Vietnam was veteran. They also may be restricted in sharing specific names and birth dates of individuals for reasons of privacy. Thanks for stopping by! During enlistment for the war, young boys had to be at least 17 to join. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) May 8 marks the 75th anniversary of V-E Day, when World War II came to an end in Europe.In the United States, V-E Day commemorations will honor the 16 million Americans who served during the war, even as only a small share of those veterans are alive today. Sergei survived a lot at war, including drowning, mines, and gunfire, but he miraculously survived each of these events. Kelso was sent home where he made front page news across the country. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. He got his GED, then went to college, then signed up to serve again. Still Living? When the dentist attempted to call him out for his age, Graham told him that he knew for a fact that the boys ahead of him were underage and had been let through anyway. The Soviet Union lost around 27 million people during the war, including 8.7 million military and 19 million civilians. How many survivors are still alive from ww2, How many ww2 veterans are still alive 2022, Who is the oldest ww2 veteran Still Alive 2022, Can you join the military if you have autism, [DEAL!] Jack Warner Hill joined the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 16, but lied that he was of eligible age. Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last known living American veteran of World War I, died on Sunday, February 27, three weeks after celebrating his 110th birthday. "You had to be a certain age to buy beer," Kelso said with a laugh. 8 Youngest Medal of Honor Recipients in History Whether working as porters or messengers, or giving their lives on the frontline, there were numerous young men involved in World War II. Military Branch: Royal New Zealand Air Force https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10667014/calvin-leon-graham. Who is the youngest ww2 veteran alive? He was released after his sister threatened to contact the newspapers. Country of Origin: Harris, Saskatchewan, Canada Year of birth: February 14, 1928 The graph below uses statistics from the US Department of Veterans Affairs to emphasize the urgency of our mission. In the fall of Hitlers Third Reich, Germany did not observe Veterans Day. Military Branch: United States Army Country of Origin: Norwood, Louisiana, USA Ezra Hill, who turned 110 a few months ago, has lived an interesting life and has tried his hand at many different career paths. You should sell shoes. Hill ended up opening a successful shoe store that he named Avalon. Man shot twice in the head near downtown; King William Fair plagued with payment problems | KENS 5 News Now, David Robinson snags a foul ball at San Antonio Missions game, Next chance for rain on Thursday | FORECAST, Viewers send photos, videos of hail and lightning as severe thunderstorms roll through San Antonio, K9s for Warriors: Veteran and service dog share unbreakable bond, K9s for Warriors: Saving two lives at once, No, Veterans Day does not honor active-duty service members. [3], Graham's Purple Heart was finally reinstated, and presented to his widow, Mary, on June 21, 1994, by Secretary of the Navy John Dalton in Arlington, Texas, nearly two years after his death from heart failure. Country of Origin: Baltimore, Maryland, USA He and his wife received just $15,000 before taxes. How many ww2 veterans are still alive 2020? Pat joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), the womens branch of the British Army during World War II. Four months into the action, Kelso and a couple of soldiers went looking for food in an area they thought was liberated. Current Age (as of February 2021): 110 years, 9 months, 23 days Reports from the Department of Veterans Affairs say about 240,300 World War II veterans are still alive in 2021. Initially, he was not scared of the Japanese soldiers, but after his capture, he was in for a shock when he realized the extent of the Japanese brutality. He served in the Army, the Army Air Forces, and he was there for the beginning of the U.S. Air Force. Military Branch: 62ND Red Army Regiment In 2022, only 167,284 of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II are still alive, reports the US Department of Veteran Affairs. On , the United States instituted the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, which required all men between the ages of 21 and 45 to register for the draft. His mother had previously been deported to Treblinka. [5] He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart, and he and his crewmates were awarded another Navy Unit Commendation. Sergei rose in the ranks, and became a junior lieutenant in his army. On Monday night, April 19 at 7:00pm, we will welcome two WWII veterans, 99-year-old Phil Horowitz in Florida and 92-year-old Harry Miller in Manchester, PA. How many WWII veterans are still alive 2021? 8 Youngest Soldiers in World War I (WWI) The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Country of Origin: Plymouth, North Carolina, USA. Lucas joined the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 14, having lied that he was 17 years old. Germany concluded a variety of treaties with Western and Eastern countries as well as the Jewish Claims Conference and the World Jewish Congress to compensate the victims of the Holocaust. Still Living? During World War II Walker was apart of the Womens Voluntary Service (WVS) and helped out at Kingwood Camp, a hospital for German troops, guarded and run by the Americans. What is age of the youngest surviving WWII veteran? According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, only 25% of Americans who served in World War II are still alive today. Upon his return from war, Lucas obtained the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart Medal two of the highest honors one could receive while serving in the U.S. armed forces. There are more than 200,000 World War II veterans who are still alive today. Through some cunning lies, Calvin Graham is the youngest confirmed soldier to serve in World War II. That raises a sad and depressing question: when will America lose its last World War II veterans? Soldier Boy (Russian: , romanized: Soldatik) is a 2019 Russian-language film. He was discharged after only five months of service. Previous Occupation(s): Fork lift operator and several odd jobs. Country of Origin: Amiens, Hauts-de-France, France Hes listed as the last man killed in World War I. Frank Woodruff Buckles (born Wood Buckles, ) was a United States Army corporal and the last surviving American military veteran of World War I. He was left an orphan at a young age after his father died in the war. When Calvin Graham was 11 years old, he began shaving, convinced it would make him look older than he was. Brooks received his draft notice when he was 31 years old and ended up joining the U.S. Army. Yes, World War II veterans are still alive, although many were well into their 90s or 100s before their passing. Year of birth: 1928 How Much Does It Cost To Sell Nfts On Opensea? Finally, read up Desmond Doss and the real-life story of Hacksaw Ridge. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". He stayed in the United States until 2011, when he moved back home to Selce, Croatia. Kabance then worked for the Air Force in Topeka, Kansas until the base closed. During World War II, Hill enlisted in the Army and found himself on the Queen Mary sailing to England. Previous Occupation(s): Baseball player and shoe store owner. They guarded posts and supplies, carried messages, and rescued downed pilots. His efforts got nowhere until 1977, when US Senators Lloyd Bentsen and John Tower took up the cause. Year of birth: February 5, 1927 Estimates of the total number of people killed during World War II have ranged from 35,000,000 to 60,000,000a significant span, because statistics about the wars casualties are inexact. 8 Youngest Medal of Honor Recipients in History, 10 Oldest World War II Veterans (Updated 2020), 10 Oldest Women Currently in Congress (Updated 2023), 6 Oldest Living Presidents in the United States (Updated 2022), 8 Youngest People in the House of Representatives, 8 of the Youngest US Congresswomen in History. Lumby became a tank commander with the Lord Elgin Regiment during World War II. How Calvin Graham Fought In World War 2 At Just 12 Years Old. Just months after arriving on board, and just over a week after Grahams 13th birthday, the ship encountered eight Japanese destroyers. He is a member of the Veterans of Underage Military Service, being only 15 or so when he enlisted in the U.S.Army. SAN ANTONIO On this Veterans Day we are honoring the youngest living World War II veteran. How old is the youngest WWII veteran? Calvin had been manning the guns when he caught shrapnel in the face and arm. Graham finally joined the United States Marine Corps in 1948 at age 17, but his enlistment in the Marines also ended early when he fell from a pier and broke his back in 1951 during the Korean war. And he wasnt. The youngest World War II vet is Michael, who is just over 10 years old. Through some cunning lies, Calvin Graham is the youngest confirmed soldier to serve in World War II. Though his behavior wasnt entirely unusual for a young child wanting to be a grown-up, his motives were decidedly unique. Claude Choules, who served in the British Royal Navy and later the Royal Australian Navy, died at the age of 112. Today, Hermanns still lives independently, but has carers who stop by and check in on him. The Navy responded by taking away Calvins medals and issuing him a dishonorable discharge, but not before subjecting him to three brutal months in the brig. Later on in his life, Zech met Adolf Hitler in Berlin, and from there, he volunteered to fight at the war frontline rather than go back home. Due to the number of blows received, the Japanese navy believed they had sunk the USS South Dakota and retreated, leaving the American ship to quietly make the long return to port in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Nine million members of the armed forces served during a 20 year period from 1955 to 1975, and it took a toll on them. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Calvin Leo Graham joined the United States Navy at the age of 12. When Pearl Harbor was attacked, he decided to enlist. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The youngest soldier ever was a 1-year-old boy who was born in Iraq in 2003. After living in the United States for most of his adult life, Josip Krul ended up moving back into the house he was born in, in his hometown of Selce, Croatia. World War II lasted from 1939 to 1945. He didn't make it overseas before the war ended. He enlisted in the Navy on August 15, 1942, and was sent to boot camp in San Diego, California, for six weeks, and afterwards he was sent to Pearl Harbor at Oahu, Hawaii, where he was assigned to USS South Dakota. Obituary. Finally, in 1978, Graham got his wish. He joined the Deutsches Jungvolk (German Youngsters in the Hitler Youth). Calvin Graham, the Youngest American to Serve in World War II On Monday night, April 19 at 7:00pm, we will welcome two WWII veterans, 99-year-old Phil Horowitz in Florida and 92-year-old Harry Miller in Manchester, PA. I've highlighted Harry's age for a reason: do the math. Current Age (as of February 2021): c. 109 years, 3 months, 8 days This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Country of Origin: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (but has lived in New Zealand since he was a child) [3] His case was similar to that of Jack W. Hill, who was granted significant media attention due to holding service number one million during World War II, but later was discovered to have lied about his age and subsequently discharged. Military Branch: Womens Army Corps However, while his fellow crewmen were off celebrating, his mother called the Navy and reported him. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. He and some friends knew a local innkeeper who kept a notary stamp at his front desk. Graham was an 11-year-old living in Crockett, Texas, when he decided to enlist in the Navy during World War 2. Year of birth: April 6, 1924 Country of Origin: Selce, Croatia (but moved to the United States as a young man) Honoring the 20th-century veterans' sacrifice before they pass from the scene is at the forefront of everything we do at The National WWII Museumfrom our exhibits, to oral . On October 26, 1942, he participated in the Battle of the Santa Cruz. The projections for each year are updated on September 30. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. They are dying quicklyaccording to US Department of Veterans Affairs statistics, 167,284 of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II arealive in 2022. Calvin Leon Graham (April 3, 1930 November 6, 1992) was the youngest U.S. serviceman to serve and fight during World War II. Hill did have a brush with death while serving in France, when a military truck weighing six tons mistakenly ran over him. Still Living? These included the National Defense Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal, which he never received in person. Who is the oldest living ww2 veteran? After Germanys defeat in the Second World War, the four main allies in Europe the United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and France took part in a joint occupation of the German state. Previous Occupation(s): Unspecified. However, though one might think that forging his mothers signature would be the most challenging part of his scheme, theyd be wrong. After Odile Washington passed away over the summer of 2020, Brooks became the oldest living person in Louisiana. Of course there was some artistic freedoms so,. He is a WWII, Korean, and Vietnam was veteran. The people listed below are, or were, the last surviving members of notable groups of World War II veterans, as identified by reliable sources. It does not store any personal data. Like many Americans, Bob Kelso signed up to fight in World War Two. Now 92 years old, the boyish looks may be a distant memory. Back in Crockett, Texas, Calvins mother saw the footage in the local theater and exclaimed, Thats my son! Calvin had told her he was visiting relatives out of state. Data journalist covering technological, societal and media topics, Estimated number of living U.S. WWII veterans up. While the media and others have kept track of the oldest living service person from WWII, I don't know if there is anyway to find out who the youngest living veteran is. Lumby is one of the oldest living people in Canada and is believed to be the countrys oldest World War II veteran. Military Branch: British Merchant Navy Following World War II, Walker worked with the Peppard Parish Council. At one point during the journey, a lone German aircraft approached the ship. Reed was part of the Royal Air Force at Farnborough, where she served in a secret establishment during World War II. It wasnt until 1994 that it was officially re-awarded to his family two years after Calvin Graham had died. Although I am, with 85 years on the planet, currently finishing up my write of the sequel, with one character who served in Vietnam, two others in Korea; so am grateful for this site that gives me a bit more information, and glad to find that a few WWII are still with us, and grateful to those who served in Vietnam, Korea and the on-going "police" actions.. , and there is no guarantee that their information is complete and current for all veterans as they are only involved in providing services to veterans and their survivors that apply for them rather than actively tracking all veterans throughout their lives. But then a dentist took a look in his mouth and saw baby teeth. The following are some statistics that are at once depressing yet in a larger sense should give you a huge sense of pride. Theres no time to lose, said Gordon H. Nick Mueller, President and CEO Emeritus of the Museum. But - he was only 13 years old. Are there any ww2 Vets Still Alive 2022. Calvin Leon Graham Calvin Leon Graham (April 3, 1930 - November 6, 1992) was the youngest U.S. serviceman to serve and fight during World War II.Calvin Graham. Graham's decorations and military awards, as finally settled circa 1994 after intervention by Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton: Calvin Graham at findagrave After Odile Washington passed away over the summer of 2020, Brooks became the oldest living person in Louisiana. He went on to fight in Korea and SGM Special Forces Vietnam. , being only 15 or so when he enlisted in the U.S.Army. : Died in 1990 These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Take one glance at the congressional, The United States congress was established by the new Constitution and founded on March 4, 1789. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the United States Navy from Houston, Texas on August 15, 1942, at the age of 12. The number of World War II veterans who were actively enroll in the fiscal year that ended in March of this year has gone down. He later moved to Canada where he became a gardener and wine dealer. . While the armed forces have content prohibitions for tattoos, the policies have evolved and become less restrictive regarding size and location. Seryozha Aleshkov is the youngest World War II vet at the age of 6 years old. About 70 million people fought in World War II between 1939 and 1945 and, as of 2022 [update] , there are still approximately 167,000 living veterans in the United States alone. If you dont pass me also, Ill go to your superior.. Despite the stress, however, Calvin Graham persevered and made it onto the USS South Dakota, a warship working alongside the USS Enterprise in the Pacific. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2021 Oldest.org | Terms | Privacy | Contact | Facebook, Dont let anyone tell you that a dentist is not a doctor! He was in fact, only 13 years old. Like many Americans, Bob Kelso signed up to fight in World War Two. He received only $2,100 of the possible $18,000. He passed away at the age of 112. On Defence247gr.com, you'll find in-depth articles and updates on the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other Armed Forces. America lost its final veteran of the First World War just under a decade ago. Calvin Graham was born in 1930, in East Texas. He served with the predominantly African-American 91st Engineers Battalion in the Pacific Theater between 1941 and 1945. Some twenty thousand dogs served the U.S. Army, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. He received a trophy Browning Pistol as a souvenir from his military commander, General Vasily Chuikov of the 62nd Army. While ADHD alone does not disqualify a person from military service, the Department of Defense (DOD) places significant enlistment restrictions on individuals with an ADHD diagnosis and/or prior treatment with medication. Country of Origin: Loughgilly, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, UK Group Captain John Hemingway celebrated his 103rd birthday in July. He was discovered by the 142 nd Guards Rifle Regiment, wandering in the forest in a state of shock and malnourishment. Kopelman forged travel papers to Italy, and later boarded an illegal ship to Israel to see his remaining family. At one point, shrapnel hit Graham square in the face, tearing through his jaw and mouth. There is no definitive answer to this question as the number of WW1 survivors varies depending on the source. Example video title will go here for this video. As of February 2021 this list is as accurate as possible and will be updated as needed. According to the National World War II Museum, there were roughly 16 million Americans who served in the military during World War II. Perhaps thats why hes managed to stay relevant and at, In the modern era, its impossible to imagine our nations leaders being any younger than in their mid-50s, stressed out,, Fatherhood is a role difficult to undertake at any age. And he wasn't. He was in fact, only 13 years old. They have donated millions to local schools, museums and medical research. / Allied planes fly over Japanese surrender ceremonies in 1945. marks the 75th anniversary of the death of the last American service member killed in combat in World War II. 11 Oldest Pearl Harbor Survivors (Updated 2021) 75 years on from the end of the Second World War in Europe, approximately 325,000 of the 16 million Americans who served during the conflict are still alive on Memorial Day 2020. Yeah, Calvin responded, but those guys ahead of me were only 14, and you passed them. After only three weeks of Boot Camp, Calvin got trained as an anti-aircraft gunner and was assigned to the battleship USS South Dakota.