The Second World War, which raged from 1939 to 1945, affected millions of people worldwide. As 2024 draws near, the number of surviving World War II veterans has drastically decreased. These courageous people are now in their late 90s or older and served in one of the most important wars in history.
Table: Estimated Number of World War II Veterans Alive in 2024 by Country
| United States : | ~100,000 | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs tracks this closely. |
| United Kingdom : | ~5,000 | Includes those who served in Allied forces during WWII. |
| Russia : | ~50,000 | Many served in the Soviet Red Army during the Eastern Front conflict. |
| Germany : | ~7,000 | Includes former Wehrmacht and other military branches. |
| Japan : | ~10,000 | Survivors of Imperial Japanese military service. |
| Canada : | ~4,000 | Veterans who participated under British Commonwealth forces. |
| Australia : | ~1,500 | Includes those who served in the Pacific Theatre and Allied operations. |
| France : | ~2,000 | Veterans of Free French Forces and the Resistance. |
| China : | ~20,000 | Includes soldiers from Nationalist and Communist forces. |
| Other Countries : | ~15,000 | Includes smaller nations involved, such as Poland, Italy, and others. |
Estimated Number of World War II Veterans Alive in 2024
There are currently tens of thousands of World War II veterans living around the world, according to different estimates. Less than 100,000 WWII veterans are expected to remain alive in the United States alone in 2024, and this number is expected to drop sharply over time.
- Age Factor: The majority of WWII veterans are in the age range of 97 to 105.
- Mortality Rate: Approximately 200 to 300 World War II veterans die per day on average.
Where Are the Remaining Veterans?
The remaining veterans are dispersed among numerous nations, with significant concentrations in the US, UK, Russia, Germany, and Japan. Many towns continue to commemorate the accomplishments of these soldiers through public events and ceremonies, serving as a live link to a significant historical moment.
Why Is This Significant?
It is increasingly important to preserve the stories of WWII veterans as their numbers decline. To make sure that future generations are aware of the sacrifices made during the conflict, organizations and historians put up endless effort to record their experiences.
