Data Sources:Department of Defense, https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/dwp/dwp_reports.jsp

U.S. Census Bureau, Statistical Abstract of the United States, 2003 (Table 523, page 348)American Community Survey, 2010 and 2013

IPUMS-USA, University of Minnesota, Online Data Analysis System, www.ipums.org

Living U.S. World War II Veterans

Active Duty Military Strength Totals 1940–2011

20132010200019901980*197019601950

16.1M14.1M 13.8M 13.4M

11.7M9.2M

5.4M

2.1M 1.3M

201120052000199519901985198019751970196519601955195019451940

Marine CorpsNavyAir Force (founded in 1947)

Army

Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASP)

Navy Nurse Corps

Coast Guard Women’s Reserves (SPARS)

Marine Corps Women’s Reserve

Army Nurse Corps

Navy’s Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service (WAVES)

Women's Army Corps (WAC)

10MInducted Draftees

6.1M Volunteered

150,000

M=millions

* Figures prior to 1980 include only male veterans.

88,000

59,000

20,000

11,000

13,000

1,000

12.1M

458,0001.5M

2.9M 2.5M 2.7M 3.1M2.1M 2.0M 2.2M 2.0M 1.5M 1.4M 1.4M 1.5M

Women in World War IITotal: 342,000

Died: 217

Less than 1% of the total population 18 and over

28% of all males 18 and over in 1950 were WWII veterans

406,000died

16.1Mserved

671,000wounded

monthsaverage

duration of service

33

Korean WarWWII Vietnam Era Gulf War Era

WWII Total Served

World War II: 70 Years OnV-E Day, May 8, 1945 | V-J Day, August 14, 1945

On May 8, 1945, the Allied countries of World War II formally accepted Germany's unconditional surrender of its military. Victory in Europe (V-E) Day marked the end of World War II in Europe. August 14, 1945, Victory Over Japan (V-J) Day marked the day Japan unconditionally surrendered to the Allies, effectively ending World War II.