Photo courtesy of AP/Gerald Herbert
According to the National World War II Museum, Lawrence Brooks, the oldest living U.S. World War II veteran, died Wednesday morning at 112.
“He was a beloved friend, a man of great faith and had a gentle spirit that inspired those around him,” said Stephen Watson, the museum’s president and chief executive. “He proudly served our country during World War II and returned home to serve his community and church. His kindness, smile and sense of humor connected him to generations of people who loved and admired him.”
Though Brooks was in and out of the local hospital in New Orleans in recent months, his mental state remained in good shape, but the Associated Press reported that his body grew physically weak.
In September, Brooks celebrated his recent birthday with his family. His daughter Vanessa Brooks told the A.P. that the veteran had suffered a fall and several ailments that altered his health. He recently undergone surgery, had a kidney infection, lost much of his hearing, and his sight worsened in both eyes, losing sight in the left one and his vision fading in the other.
In November, News Onyx reported that his daughter had gifted him a replica of his WWII uniform and his old unit’s badge during his stay at the V.A. hospital.
As a beloved citizen of his community, Brooks celebrated his birthday on Sept 12. with a drive-by parade due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was serenaded by the National World War II Museum singing trio and saluted with a military flyover of his New Orleans shotgun house, NPR reported.
According to the museum, Brooks was drafted into the U.S. army at 31 and spent WWII in the 91st Station Batallion, where he was one of many African American soldiers stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines. After the war, he worked as a forklift operator for 40 years.
“Brooks’ wife, Leona, died in November 2008, and he is survived by five children, 13 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren, the museum said in a statement.”
President Biden paid tribute to the veteran and offered his condolences to Brooks’ family.
“I’m saddened to learn that Lawrence Brooks — who was the oldest surviving U.S. WWII veteran — has passed. I had the honor of speaking with him last year, and he was truly the best of America. I’m keeping his loved ones in my prayers,” Biden tweeted.
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards also tweeted his condolences, thanking Brooks for his service.
“I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Lawrence Brooks, America’s oldest World War II veteran and a proud Louisianan. I am thankful I had the chance to meet him and learn from his service. Please join me and @FirstLadyofLA in praying for his family during this time,” the governor tweeted.
The museum said they’re determined to preserve the stories of the men and women who served in WWII to educate future generations. While a total of 16 million veterans fought in the war, only 240,000 remain alive, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.