The oldest surviving veteran of World War II has gone home to glory.
Lawrence Brooks died today at the age of 112.
The National World War II Museum saluted Brooks in a story on their webpage. Brooks was born September 12, 1909 in Norwood, Louisiana. He was born into a family with 15 siblings.
Brooks was born September 12, 1909 in Norwood, Louisiana.
He was born into a family with 15 siblings.
Brooks was drafted into the U.S. Army at the age of 31. He was part of the African American 91st Engineer Battalion. He served in the Pacific in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines.
He was part of the African American 91st Engineer Battalion.
He served in the Pacific in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines.
After the war, Brooks worked as a forklift operator for four decades, retiring in his seventies.
Brooks survived his wife, Leona, who passed in 2008. He is survived by five children, 13 grandchildren, more than 30 great-grandchildren.
He is survived by five children, 13 grandchildren, more than 30 great grandchildren.
Beginning with his 104th birthday in 2014, a birthday party for Brooks has been held by the World War II Museum.
Stephen J. Watson, Museum President & CEO responded to the news Brooks death: “He was a beloved friend, a man of great faith and had a gentle spirit that inspired those around him. We send our sincerest condolences to his daughter Vanessa and the entire Brooks family.”