Last surviving United States war veterans

Daniel Frederick Bakeman portrait with text

Hiram Cronk

Thos. O. Edgar, 6-15-29 LCCN2016843770

Frank Buckles recruitment picture

Doolittle Raider, Plane 1

Last Surviving United States War Veterans

The concept of the last surviving veteran of a war involves the final military service member to pass away among those who fought in a particular conflict. This article focuses on the last surviving veterans of various United States wars, a subject that holds both historical and cultural significance. These individuals often receive considerable attention and are sometimes honored by their country for their service and longevity.

Revolutionary War

The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), which led to the independence of the thirteen American colonies from British rule, has its last recognized veteran in Daniel F. Bakeman, who died in 1869. However, his service has been the subject of debate among historians.

War of 1812

The War of 1812 was a conflict fought between the United States and the United Kingdom from 1812 to 1815. Hiram Cronk, who passed away in 1905, is often cited as the last surviving veteran of this war.

Mexican-American War

The Mexican-American War (1846–1848) ended with the United States gaining territories in what are now the western states. The last verified veteran of this conflict was Owen Thomas Edgar, who died in 1929.

Civil War

The American Civil War (1861–1865) remains one of the most significant events in U.S. history, with its last surviving Union veteran being Albert Woolson, who died in 1956. The last Confederate veteran, Walter Williams, passed away in 1959, though his service has been disputed.

Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War (1898) was a short conflict in which the United States emerged victorious, gaining control over former Spanish territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Jones Morgan, who died in 1993, is often listed as the last surviving veteran of this war.

World War I

World War I (1914–1918), a global conflict originating in Europe, included significant participation from the United States starting in 1917. The last living American veteran of World War I was Frank Buckles, who passed away in 2011.

World War II

World War II (1939–1945) involved vast global conflict, with the United States joining the Allies in 1941. As of my last update, the last surviving World War II veterans are becoming fewer, with their numbers declining each year.

Korean War

The Korean War (1950–1953) saw North and South Korea fighting, with the United States and other United Nations members supporting South Korea. The last veterans of this conflict are in their late 80s and 90s.

Vietnam War

The Vietnam War (1955–1975) involved extensive U.S. military involvement in Vietnam. Veterans of this war are still widely present, given the more recent nature of the conflict.

Persian Gulf War

The Persian Gulf War (1990–1991), also known as Operation Desert Storm, involved a brief but decisive conflict led by the United States against Iraq. Veterans of this war are still relatively young, with many in their early 50s.

War on Terror

The War on Terror, including operations in Afghanistan and Iraq starting in 2001, is the most recent series of conflicts involving U.S. forces. As these operations are ongoing, the concept of a "last surviving veteran" is not yet applicable.