World War II Veterans

[Grimgrass 514]

On 24/10/2023 at 02:47, arghton said:

2009: Raili Malmberg (1926-) former editor-in-chief of Kotiliesi and Koululainen, head of the Lotta Svärd Heritage Foundation 2004-2007.

Raili Malmberg dead.

[The Immortal 634]

On 20/03/2024 at 07:26, alt obits guy said:

Dick Higgins, a Navy radioman and one of the few remaining Pearl Harbor survivors, has died. He was 102. Higgins' amphibious plane was destroyed in the attack.

 

With Higgins’ death, only 22 veterans of the attack are known to be living, according to Kathleen Farley, the California chapter president with Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, who has maintained the tally for years.

 

https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2024-03-19/higgins-pearl-harbor-survivor-obituary-13368648.html

 

About time an updated census is given. I figured there were more survivors around than my list of eight, but 22 is decent considering the youngest survivors would be at least a 100 today.

[drol 11,908]

On 28/11/2022 at 14:45, arghton said:

I was wondering if Iehiko Uji (correct spelling? japanese wiki) is still alive. Son of Prince Kuni Taka (1875-1937), born Prince Iehiko, renounced imperial title and created Count Uji, member of Japan's at-the-time upper house House of Peers from 1940 to 1942, lieutenant in WWII. If alive, he's 102 now and likely the last living member of Japan's House of Peers.

 

Japan has atleast ex-Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama. As far as I know Taro Nakayama isn't a WWII vet. Not sure if there are any others.

 

Germany has DDR ministers Hans Reichelt, Herbert Weiz, Werner Schmieder (not 100% sure if Schmieder and Weiz are alive), arguably also Hans Modrow. Ukraine has former Vice Prime Minister Ihor Yukhnovskyi.

Ihor Yukhnovskyi dead at 98.

[Ulitzer95 12,574]

Now this is a big claim. How long until we can disprove it?

The Voice reporting the death of Neil Flanigan MBE, 99, who they claim was the last veteran of World War II from the Caribbean.

In total there were over 10,000 personnel from the West Indies. Sure, not a huge amount, but I find it hard to believe that they're all gone already?

Edit: Ralph Ottey, 100, is from the Caribbean and is still living. Though he does live in the UK now. Perhaps there really are no WWII vets still living in the Caribbean.
2nd edit: There's also Ena Collymore-Woodatock, 106 – she's still living in Barbados. Starting to look like the article is making silly claims as I thought.

[The Immortal 634]

There are only 4 survivors of the 100th Bomb Group of the U.S 8th Air Force (unit featured in the TV series Masters Of The Air).

 

John "Lucky" Luckadoo (pilot in the 350th and 351st Bomb Squadrons)

James R. Rasmussen (navigator in the 349th Bomb Squadron)

Henry "Hank" Cervantes (pilot in the 349th Squadron)

Robert Wolff (served in the 418th Bombardment Squadron, was prisoner of war)

 

[arghton 6,693]

On 27/03/2024 at 05:04, Ulitzer95 said:

Now this is a big claim. How long until we can disprove it?

The Voice reporting the death of Neil Flanigan MBE, 99, who they claim was the last veteran of World War II from the Caribbean.

In total there were over 10,000 personnel from the West Indies. Sure, not a huge amount, but I find it hard to believe that they're all gone already?

Edit: Ralph Ottey, 100, is from the Caribbean and is still living. Though he does live in the UK now. Perhaps there really are no WWII vets still living in the Caribbean.
2nd edit: There's also Ena Collymore-Woodatock, 106 – she's still living in Barbados. Starting to look like the article is making silly claims as I thought.

Interesting, I think there's many more ,

The Bahamas seems to have had four in 2022, atleast Vernon Pinder should be living:

Prince Albert Jacob, born in Trinidad, lives in the UK. He was interviewed a couple of times last year, likely still alive too. (Not part of the West Indies but Belize has some veterans living too, Rudolph Middleton recently turned 100)

[alt obits guy 3,371]

Rose Davies, who was awarded the Legion d'Honneur, France's highest honour, for her radar surveillance work during World War II, has died. She was 107.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cw9zel3q38yo

 

[Sinbabad 1,108]

On 28/03/2024 at 11:33, arghton said:

The Bahamas seems to have had four in 2022, atleast Vernon Pinder should be living:

In the latest issue of the document, published on 25 November 2023, three are living : Jones-Rickards, Pinder and Kellman.

 

But this article, published on 14 November 2023 says there are two survivors : Pinder and Kellman.

 

One sure thing : Jeremiah Neymour died in January 2023 a few days after his 100th birthday. The article also says there are two WW2 Bahamians Veterans left as well.

[Ulitzer95 12,574]

Thanks @Sinbabad. 

The Voice have now removed the original article about Neil Flanigan being the last WWII vet from the Caribbean and replaced it with a general piece about his death.

There were 27 years between the end of WWI and WWII.
It's "only" been 12 years since we lost the last WWI veteran in 2012.
The last living WWI vet from the Caribbean died in 2008, 16 years ago.
That still leaves us with a gap of 11 years. 
Worth noting that whilst 15,600 people from the West Indies served in WWI, only 10,000 did so during WWII, meaning that there is a smaller pool for this conflict.
So what do we reckon? 5 years maybe until the last Caribbean vet goes?
 

[YoungWillz 21,023]

On 08/10/2023 at 17:27, The Immortal said:

Several Pearl Harbor survivors have died since my last update.

 

Bob Batterson died August 11th.

 

Joseph Eskenazi died September 9th.

 

Joseph Richard died September 27th.

 

With this in mind, these are the remaining survivors I know of.

 

Louis Conter (102) - USS Arizona survivor.

Ike Schab (103)

Herbert Elfring (100)

Horace Hamilton (99)

Sterling Cale (101)

 

Possibly alive?

Freeman Johnson (103) - No confirmation since 2021.

 

Right now 5 Pearl Harbor survivors I can confirm alive but let's wait for the Pearl Harbor anniversary to be sure, since that's when living survivors come up in the news.

Lou Conter reportedly dead: https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/lou-conter-last-living-uss-arizona-survivor-after-pearl-harbor-attack-dies-at-102/

 

Edit: DDP pick.

[alt obits guy 3,371]

 Harvey Gann, who was drafted into the Army Air Corps in 1942, became a top turret gunner on a B-24, was shot down over Italy, became a Prisoner of War, then escaped 30 days later, has died. He was 103. Gann would later author the 1995 book 'Escape I Must: World War II Prisoner of War in Germany', about his wartime experiences.

 

https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/ww2-army-veteran-dies-texas-harvey-gann/269-3b204094-2128-42ed-93ae-e484f40ab9ce

 

 

[Ulitzer95 12,574]

Rear Admiral John Roberts CB (wiki) turned 100 yesterday. Pics and videos in link with the man himself. Looks okay.

Joined the Royal Navy at 13. D-Day veteran and an incredible naval career. QO 100% assured.

[The Old Crem 3,580]

7 minutes ago, Ulitzer95 said:

Rear Admiral John Roberts CB (wiki) turned 100 yesterday. Pics and videos in link with the man himself. Looks okay.

Joined the Royal Navy at 13. D-Day veteran and an incredible naval career. QO 100% assured.

Certainly. His birthday has gotten local BBC coverage. 

[arghton 6,693]

On 09/11/2022 at 23:44, arghton said:

Mentioning Eero Blåfield, 101-year-old WWII vet, HIFK superfan, oldest member of the Blåfield noble family who I remember was in the news once over a decade ago due to his senior badminton career. Looks quite frail now

 

On 03/12/2022 at 17:56, arghton said:

The President of Finland invited some veterans and Lotta Svärd members to the Presidential Palace a couple of days ago. 

 

Some of the people who attended:

Eero Blåfield, 101: Actually mentioned him just a while ago on the previous page! He attended, now in a motorized wheelchair, but looked great otherwise.

Helka Visuri, 100

Eila Karhula, 95

Fazlulla Fethulla, 98

Otto Virkki, 98

Väinö Aronen, 99

Algot Roos, 99

Unto Hakuli, 99

Eero Blåfield dead at 102. Expected considering his age, but still sad news. It's been 84 years since the Winter War, the remaining veterans are around Blåfield's age. No idea how many are still alive.

[YoungWillz 21,023]

Harry Howorth, reportedly the last survivor of those who landed on Sword Beach at Normandy and Legion d'Honneur recipient, reported dead aged 103: 

BBC news report from 2023: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-66069523

[diego 1,980]

On 07/12/2023 at 11:11, Alex B said:

Albert Van Raemdonck [Free Belgian Forces].

(1916-)

Albertus Van Raemdonck was the oldest man in Belgium, born on 6 July 1916 and died on 21 April 2024 in East Flanders
With his death Benedictus Bellens, born on 18 Nov 1916 and living in Antwerp, became the oldest man in Belgium

Faleceu o veterano belga mais velho Albert Van Raemdonck (107) | De Morgen

[Ulitzer95 12,574]

 

Walter Nixon dead at 101. BBC obit.
Bill Gladden dead at 100. BBC obit.

Full Beeb obits for WWII vets becoming ever more common. There hasn't been an estimate on numbers released since 2019, but I wouldn't be shocked if it was now less than 50,000 across the whole of the Commonwealth.

[Octopus of Odstock 2,186]

On 26/04/2024 at 14:36, Ulitzer95 said:

Walter Nixon dead at 101. BBC obit.
Bill Gladden dead at 100. BBC obit.

Full Beeb obits for WWII vets becoming ever more common. There hasn't been an estimate on numbers released since 2019, but I wouldn't be shocked if it was now less than 50,000 across the whole of the Commonwealth.

 

There's one fewer; Dilip Singh Majithia, who was 103 and served in World War Two, has died - https://www.timesnownews.com/india/who-was-dalip-singh-majithia-indias-oldest-air-force-pilot-passes-away-at-103-article-109354560

[diego 1,980]

On 07/12/2023 at 11:11, Alex B said:

Alexander Pierro [United States Army Air Corps loadmaster].

(1916-)

Alexander Pierro died,eighth oldest living man in the USA

Obituary information for Alexander Pierro (shakerfuneralhome.com)

[YoungWillz 21,023]

On 25/04/2023 at 22:11, Alex B said:

There are a few veterans still alive today from the Battle of Midway, however the last known living dive bomber pilot of Midway died back in 2016, his name was Norman Kleiss (March 7th, 1916- April 22nd, 2016)

 

There are some veterans still with us today, one passed away very recently, his name was Truxton King TK Ford (May 1st, 1923 - March 29th, 2023)

 https://northplattepost.com/posts/15fd384a-6110-4e8c-a303-345f1ddda0d1, but i will list the few that i know of, including Ervin "Judge" Wendt (1916-) https://thelogbookproject.com/ervin-wendt/ https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2022-06-04/80th-anniversary-battle-midway, Charles Monroe (1924-) https://m.imdb.com/title/tt11879472/plotsummary/?ref_=tt_ov_pl https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-03-25/midway-museum-founding-president-mclaughlin-retire, John L. Patton (1923-) https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/military/veterans/2023/04/04/st-johns-county-honors-world-war-ii-navy-veteran-of-midway-and-more/70076126007/, and Hank Kudzik (1926-) https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/lehighvalley/macungie-honors-veterans-on-77th-anniversary-of-vj-day/article_cc6dd1e8-1cd2-11ed-8a22-97243f06e029.html

Hank Kudzik reportedly dead: https://www.mcall.com/2024/05/15/submariner-from-bethlehem-who-survived-the-battle-of-midway-dies-at-age-99/

 

Unfortunately not available in the EU region! Assuming our US readers have info.

[Ulitzer95 12,574]

 @Gisooo do your magic 

[En Passant 3,740]

Hank Kudzik, who left high school in Bethlehem to join the Navy and served on a submarine that attacked Japanese warships in the epic Battle of Midway, died Saturday at a hospital in La Mesa, Calif. He was 99.

His daughter, Wanda Frecks, said his heart had been failing. In 2022, he moved from Allen Township to the San Diego area to be with her.

“America has lost a national treasure, one of the few left,” said Frecks, herself a Navy veteran. “He loved his country and served it well. He will be missed.”

A gunners mate on the USS Nautilus, Kudzik went on eight patrols that included stalking the enemy in the pivotal clash at Midway, carrying Marines to Japanese-held Makin Island for a raid made famous in the 1943 film “Gung Ho!” and rescuing American nuns trapped on Bougainville Island. After that, he had six more patrols as chief gunner on the sub Gar.

Last year, he was one of three Midway veterans who received standing ovations at a dinner marking the Pacific battle’s 81st anniversary, held on board the USS Midway Museum in San Diego.

“I was frightened,” he said of his state of mind in 1942. “I wanted combat. I wanted to see what I could do.”

In 2019, Kudzik got red-carpet treatment at the gala Hollywood premiere of the film “Midway,” which he gave a thumbs-up. Ten years earlier, he was the only Nautilus crew member present for the San Diego commissioning of the amphibious assault ship Makin Island.

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Kudzik proudly wore his old uniform and could talk about his combat experiences for hours. He was a familiar face at the Lehigh Valley Veterans History Project Roundtable, the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s World War II Weekend near Reading and the Allentown Band’s annual tribute to veterans at Miller Symphony Hall.

A son of Polish immigrants, Kudzik quit Liberty High School after Pearl Harbor. His first assignment on Oahu was helping to remove sailors’ bodies from the capsized battleship Oklahoma. He volunteered for submarine duty and got a berth on the Nautilus. He was just 17 when the big boat went after the Japanese at Midway.

Early June 4, 1942, the first of four days of fighting, the Nautilus was strafed by an enemy plane and fired torpedoes at a battleship and destroyer.

Hours later, the Nautilus attacked an aircraft carrier. A destroyer tracked the sub and dropped depth charges, causing underwater explosions louder than anything Kudzik had ever heard. He was in the control room, operating the trim manifold, which moves water from one tank to another to keep the boat level. An officer asked how much water was moved, but the boy was too rattled to speak.

The captain saw Kudzik’s distress, put his arm around him and said, “You’re doing a good job.” When another charge went off close by, he patted Kudzik on the back and said, “Hang in there. We’re not going to sink.”

The Nautilus fired three torpedoes at the carrier, but the first two missed and the third was a dud. Still, the Navy credited the sub with assisting dive-bombers from the carriers Enterprise and Yorktown in sinking three Japanese carriers.

At home in Bethlehem after the war, Kudzik finished high school and married Jacqueline Boemio, a seamstress who made military uniforms during the war. They had two daughters, Wanda, a travel agent who was a Navy cryptologic technician, and Renae Behrens, a nurse. Jacqueline died in 2016. Renae died the next year.

Kudzik was a Navy reservist for a dozen years and left the service as a chief petty officer. He worked for cement-industry supplier Fuller Co. as a draftsman and sales engineer, and retired in 1985.

In 2012, he received an Audie Murphy Award, named after one of the most decorated American soldiers of World War II, from the American Veterans Center. The next year, he was honored at the Battle of Midway Commemoration in Washington.

Frecks said a celebration of life will be held in the Lehigh Valley at a time and place to be announced. Her father will be interred in Bethlehem Memorial Park alongside Jacqueline.

David Venditta is a freelance writer.

 

 

 

Not only region barred but also behind a bloody paywall. I'm a sneaky bastard though on occasion.

[Gisooo 3,296]

5 hours ago, Ulitzer95 said:

 @Gisooo do your magic 

 

[Gisooo 3,296]

American World War II veteran Bud Anderson (Wiki) reported dead at 102

 

[drol 11,908]

4 hours ago, Gisooo said:

American World War II veteran Bud Anderson (Wiki) reported dead at 102

 

He was something more than just a veteran. He was one of the last flying aces of WW2, and the last living American triple ace. 

 

German ace Hugo Broch, born exactly a week before him, survives him, and still seems to be doing well. I can't think of other notable aces from WW2 left at the moment, though surely someone more is still there.

 

EDIT: Perry J. Dahl (wiki) minor but still alive at 101.