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The Aging Veteran

Living veterans by era

The Generations Who Served

From the last of the World War II generation to the millions who served after 9/11, each era is a living link to our history. Here is roughly how many remain - and why reaching them and their families matters now.

A respectful composite of veterans across generations - a World War II era veteran, a Vietnam era veteran, and a post-9/11 era veteran
Living veterans by era

Our generations, and how many remain

Each generation of veterans is a living link to history. These approximate figures show how quickly our earliest are leaving us - and why reaching them, and their families, matters now.

A World War I memorial still-life: a vintage American doughboy helmet and a folded American flag beside a stone war memorial
1914 - 1918None remain

World War I

None remain

The last verified veteran, Florence Green of the United Kingdom, died in 2012. There are no living World War I veterans anywhere in the world today.

A proud East Asian American WWII veteran in his late 90s wearing a WWII Veteran ball cap with medals
1939 - 1945Fading fast

World War II

~66,000 in the U.S.

Roughly 60,000 to 120,000 are believed to be living worldwide as of 2024-2025, and the number is falling fast. In the United States about 66,000 remain, with an estimated 130 passing away each day.

A proud White Korean War veteran in his early 90s wearing a Korea Veteran ball cap at home
1950 - 1953Fading fast

Korean War

~1 million or fewer

Several hundred thousand are living globally. In the United States roughly 1 million or fewer remain, most now in their 90s.

An African American Vietnam War veteran in his 70s wearing a Vietnam Veteran ball cap, standing outdoors with quiet pride
1955 - 1975Still with us

Vietnam War

~5.5 million in the U.S.

Around 5 to 6 million living veterans worldwide, the great majority in the United States at roughly 5.5 million.

An active Latino post-9/11 era veteran in his late 40s at home smiling with his spouse and teenage child
1990 - presentStill with us

Gulf War, Iraq & Afghanistan

Millions more

Millions more served in the Gulf War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This group is generally much younger and still active in everyday life and the workforce.

These figures are approximate estimates that change constantly as veterans age. They are offered to show how quickly our earliest generations are leaving us - not as official counts. For current numbers, see the VA's National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics.

For the families they left

When a veteran has passed away, the family may still apply

The passing of a veteran does not close the door on VA benefits. Surviving spouses, children, and sometimes parents may still be entitled to monthly payments, health care, education help, and burial honors - and there is often no strict deadline to file. If you have lost a loved one who served, it is worth checking what remains available to your family.

Explore survivor & family benefits

Information only - not legal advice

For information purposes only - this is not legal, financial, or medical advice. The Aging Veteran is a private service and is not part of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Benefits are subject to VA eligibility rules. Always confirm your specifics on va.gov or with a qualified professional.

Lost a loved one who served?

Benefits do not always end when a veteran passes. Ask our free assistant what your family may still be entitled to claim.

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