Such individuals witnessed millions of people affected by the Second World War, which occurred from 1939-1945. The surviving number of the World War II veterans is decreasing rapidly with approaching 2024. These old warriors, aged 90+, are survivors of the greatest war in human 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 tens of thousands of World War II veterans who are alive today, according to various estimates. In the United States, there will be fewer than 100,000 such veterans living in 2024, and this count is expected to dwindle fast in the coming years.
- 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?
Many countries have scattered the remaining veterans across them, but large groups remain in the US, UK, Russia, Germany, and Japan. Many towns still hold public events and ceremonies to honor these soldiers, keeping alive the connection to this important moment in history.
Why Is This Significant?
With the number of WWII veterans dwindling, it is now more important than ever to preserve their stories. To ensure that future generations understand the sacrifices made during the war, organizations and historians are working tirelessly to record their experiences.
