Who are the oldest known living veterans today?
As of late 2025, the title of the world's oldest living veteran is believed to belong to Romanian World War II combat veteran Ilie Ciocan. Born on June 10, 1913, Ciocan was confirmed as the oldest living WWII veteran in early 2024 and continues to hold the title. This recognition is maintained by dedicated gerontology researchers and military historians who track and verify the ages of these remarkably long-lived individuals.
While the search for the absolute oldest is ongoing and subject to verification, a number of other notable veterans from World War II are also confirmed to be over 110 years old. These individuals represent a rapidly diminishing population of veterans from one of history's most significant global conflicts. Their stories serve as important reminders of the sacrifices made during that era.
American veterans reaching supercentenarian status
In the United States, several veterans have achieved supercentenarian status in recent years. In October 2024, Eugene Baltes, a U.S. Navy veteran, celebrated his 110th birthday, garnering national recognition as one of America's most senior veterans. A more recent American supercentenarian is Henry Polichett, who was noted as being 110 in July 2025. These individuals are celebrated for their remarkable longevity and their contributions during a pivotal time in world history. For many Americans, these figures symbolize the resilience of what has been called the "Greatest Generation." Their passing marks the end of an era, making it all the more important to document and honor their experiences.
The challenge of determining the absolute oldest veteran
The title of "oldest living veteran" is often subject to change due to the advanced age of the individuals and the complex nature of record-keeping. The following factors make a definitive list difficult:
- Verification issues: Many military records from the early 20th century, particularly from various nations, are incomplete, lost, or difficult to access. This can make verifying claims of age and service challenging.
- Privacy concerns: Some individuals or their families may prefer to maintain their privacy and not seek public recognition. As a result, not all of the world's most senior veterans may be publicly known.
- Global record-keeping: Unlike official supercentenarian groups that verify the oldest people in the world, a single comprehensive registry for the oldest living veterans from all nations does not exist. Records are often maintained by various historical societies, veterans' groups, and independent researchers, leading to potential discrepancies.
- Frequent changes: As these individuals are often in their late hundreds or over 110, the title of "oldest" can change hands frequently due to natural causes. This requires constant updates to any list of the world's oldest veterans.
Comparing the oldest veterans across different countries
Based on available public records, here is a comparison of some of the oldest documented World War II veterans in recent years. This table highlights how the title is not limited to a single country and changes over time.
| Name | Country | Service Branch | Noteworthy Details | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ilie Ciocan | Romania | Combat Veteran | Born in 1913, currently recognized as the world's oldest living WWII veteran. | Living (age 112 as of Sep 2025) |
| Vitantonio Lovallo | Italy | Combat Veteran | Born in 1914, also recognized as a supercentenarian combat veteran. | Living (age 111 as of Sep 2025) |
| Eugene Baltes | USA | U.S. Navy | Celebrated his 110th birthday in October 2024; oldest living American WWII veteran at the time. | Living (age 110 as of Sep 2025) |
| Henry Polichett | USA | WWII Veteran | Recognized as America's oldest living WWII veteran in July 2025. | Living (age 110 as of Sep 2025) |
| Lawrence Brooks | USA | U.S. Army | Oldest known American WWII veteran until his death in 2022 at age 112. | Deceased (2022) |
| Richard Overton | USA | U.S. Army | Oldest verified American WWII veteran until his death in 2018 at age 112. | Deceased (2018) |
The significance of recognizing the oldest veterans
The stories and continued lives of the oldest living veterans hold deep significance for several reasons. For one, they serve as a living link to the past, providing firsthand accounts and perspectives on major historical events that shaped the modern world. Their experiences offer invaluable lessons about resilience, duty, and the human condition during times of immense challenge.
Furthermore, their longevity provides unique insights into the science of aging. Researchers study the lifestyles, genetics, and health histories of supercentenarians to better understand the factors contributing to extreme old age. The oldest veterans, who often endured significant stress and hardship, can offer particularly compelling data.
For veterans' communities, the oldest among them are cherished figures. They are living symbols of military service and endurance. Their recognition, like that given to Ilie Ciocan or the late Lawrence Brooks, helps to honor the entire veteran community and ensures their stories are not forgotten by younger generations. Many organizations, such as the National WWII Museum, actively work to collect and preserve these narratives for posterity.
Conclusion
While the title of the world's oldest living veteran is a temporary distinction passed between an elite group of supercentenarians, the stories of their lives are a permanent testament to resilience and service. As of late 2025, Ilie Ciocan holds this extraordinary title, representing a dwindling generation of World War II service members. However, the exact record-keeping is often fluid and complicated by the nature of historical documentation. The recognition of these oldest veterans serves a vital purpose, preserving a direct connection to major historical milestones and honoring the immense sacrifices they and their peers made. Their remarkable longevity continues to inspire and offers a powerful symbol of enduring human spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the oldest living veteran always known to the public?
No, the oldest living veteran may not always be publicly known. The title depends on publicly verifiable records, and some individuals or their families may choose not to share their details. In addition, comprehensive, real-time tracking of all veterans worldwide is not feasible, so record-keeping relies on known and documented cases.
Who was the oldest American veteran before Eugene Baltes?
Before Eugene Baltes was recognized as the oldest living American World War II veteran in October 2024, the title belonged to others. For example, Lawrence Brooks held the title until his death in January 2022 at age 112. Another notable veteran, Richard Overton, was the oldest until his death in 2018, also at age 112.
What military conflict did the oldest living veterans serve in?
The vast majority of the oldest living veterans, including the current titleholder Ilie Ciocan, are veterans of World War II, which took place from 1939 to 1945. Due to the age of potential veterans, it is highly unlikely that there are any living veterans from World War I or earlier conflicts.
Are there any living female supercentenarian veterans?
Yes, female veterans have also lived to be supercentenarians. For instance, as of September 2025, Maria Petrovna Koroleva, born in August 1915, is listed as a living female veteran at over 110 years old.
How does age verification for the oldest living veterans work?
Age verification for the world's oldest people, including veterans, is often done by gerontology research groups such as the Gerontology Research Group (GRG). This process involves rigorous examination of public records like birth certificates, military service records, and other official documents to ensure accuracy.
What are some common factors associated with the longevity of these veterans?
While there is no single secret to their longevity, some common factors observed among supercentenarians include a healthy diet, social engagement, a positive outlook, and good genetics. Many of the profiled veterans have mentioned leading active and positive lives, though their military experiences often involved significant hardships.
Do countries maintain official records of their oldest veterans?
Some countries, particularly through their veterans' affairs departments, may track the status of their oldest surviving service members. However, the level of official record-keeping varies significantly from one nation to another. Many of the most detailed lists are maintained by non-governmental groups specializing in supercentenarian research.
