Are There Any WW1 Veterans Still Alive?

The Last Living WW1 Veterans

As time passes, the number of World War I veterans still alive dwindles, and their stories become increasingly precious. The last known U.S. combat veteran of WWI, retired Army Cpl. Howard V. Ramsey, passed away in 2007, leaving behind a legacy that marked the end of an era. Ramsey’s memorial service was a historic occasion, attended by nearly 200 people, as he was laid to rest in Portland, Oregon.

The Last Combat Veteran

At the time of Ramsey’s passing, there were only seven known WWI veterans still living, none of whom were combat veterans. Ramsey inherited the title of the last known combat veteran of WWI, having served in France as part of General John ‘BlackJack’ Pershing’s American Expeditionary Force. His experiences included driving cars, trucks, and motorcycles for the Army, training other Soldiers, and delivering water to troops on the battlefields.

A Lifetime of Service

Ramsey’s lifetime spanned three centuries and 19 presidents. Born in 1898, he was too young to be drafted but volunteered to serve. His service in WWI included recovering the remains of American Soldiers and transporting them to the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in Europe. Despite the passage of nearly 90 years, Ramsey was still haunted by the regret of not being able to keep a deceased Soldier’s diary to send to his mother, as it was against the rules.

Honoring Ramsey’s Legacy

Ramsey’s memorial service was attended by veterans of many generations and wars, as well as military representatives, who paid their respects to a man who represented the best of those who served in WWI. His sense of humor and his ability to recite the epic WWI poem ‘Flander’s Field’ well into his late 90s were fondly remembered by those who knew him.

The Legacy of the WWII Generation

While the last living WWI veterans have passed on, the legacy of the WWII generation continues to be honored and preserved. With less than 1 percent of the 16.1 million Americans who served during World War II still alive, the urgency to preserve the stories and experiences of these veterans is emphasized. The National WWII Museum is dedicated to honoring those who secured the freedom we cherish and carrying on the legacies of the WWII generation into the future.

Frank Woodruff Buckles: A Cherished Symbol

Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last known living American veteran of World War I, passed away in 2011 at the age of 110. His life, marked by a deep sense of duty and service, made him a cherished symbol of the Great War. Buckles’ experiences, from lying about his age to enlist at 16 to being held as a prisoner of war during World War II, exemplify the resilience and sacrifice of the generation that fought in the war that changed the world.