There’s something profoundly moving about a name. It’s more than letters on a page it’s a life, a story, a sacrifice. When we look at a world war 2 veterans list of names, we’re not just reading a roster. We’re connecting with the men and women who saved the world from tyranny.
World War II was the defining conflict of the 20th century. Over 16 million Americans served, joined by millions more from countries across the globe Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and beyond. Each of these brave individuals had a name, a family, and a story worth remembering.
In this guide, we honor their memory by exploring the world war 2 veterans list of names, organized by country and branch of service. We’ll also share resources for finding your own family members who served.
Let’s remember the Greatest Generation.
Why a World War 2 Veterans List of Names Matters
A world war 2 veterans list of names is more than a historical document. It’s a sacred record of sacrifice. Here’s why it matters:
It preserves memory. As the last WWII veterans pass on, their names become our connection to their heroism.
It honors sacrifice. Each name represents a life given in service to freedom.
It aids genealogy. For families researching their history, these lists are invaluable.
It educates future generations. Names put a human face on history.
It ensures we never forget. “Never again” starts with remembering those who came before.
American World War 2 Veterans List of Names
The United States sent over 16 million men and women to serve in WWII. Here are some of the names that appear on official world war 2 veterans lists of names:
Notable American Veterans
American Veterans by State
Many world war 2 veterans lists of names are organized by state. The Victory Through Valor collection lists names including:
- Glen Jarvis
- Clarence Goldsmith
- Marvin East
- Terry Bye
- Raymond Saul
- Kent Stephens
- Eugene Harmack
- Glenn Lautenschlaeger
- John Conrad
- Paul Neuhoff
- Joseph Potter
- Stanley Gibson
These men and thousands like them served in roles ranging from riflemen to medics, radio operators to clerks .
Canadian World War 2 Veterans List of Names
Canada contributed significantly to the Allied victory. Here are names from a world war 2 veterans list of names of Canadian service members :
| Name | Name | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Robert Anderson | Victor Alton | Charles Bennett |
| Fred Binns | Helen Bishop | Harold Bishop |
| John Bishop | Lorne Black | John Breckon |
| Gerald Buffet | Robert Burden | Herbert Burton |
| John Cameron | Colin Campbell | David Clements |
| Roy Core | Ray Cripps | Howard Cullingham |
| Willis Cullingham | Gerald Cossitt | James Cossitt |
| David Davies | Fred Edwards | John Fairbrother |
| Maurice Flint | Bruce Fox | William Gilbert |
| Jack Hickey | Marjory Howard | James Howard |
| Gregg Howoard | William Inglehart | John Inglehart |
| Wilfred Inglehart | Harold Jamieson | Joseph Jonston |
| Cecil Joubert | Thomas Katan | George King |
| Wesley Lambert | Arthur Lawrence | Lee Ledson |
| John Ledson | Harold Ledson | Robert Ledson |
| Elogn Little | Gerald Little | William Little |
| George Little | Elmer Lilttle | Ross Little |
| Edward McLaren | Catharine McLean | Vera Meares |
| James Maw | Charles Millard | Reginald Neclands |
| Robert Nell | Cam Ried | Charles Rivaz |
| Murray Rogers | Herbert Shaw | Gwendolyn Smith |
| Edgar Speers | William Soper | Albert Tarrell |
| Clayton Veitenheimer | Bruce Wallace | Harry Wilson |
| Albert Wiltshire | Donald Wood | Charles Young |
This list represents the volunteers of the Palermo community who served Canada’s fighting forces .
Australian World War 2 Veterans List of Names
Australia also answered the call. Here are names from a world war 2 veterans list of names of Australian service members :
| Name | Service Number | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| William Robert Samuel Baker | WX8682 | 2nd/4th Machine Gun Battalion |
| Thomas Membury McMahon | WX8760 | 2nd/4th Machine Gun Battalion |
| George Louis Pedrotta | 80149 | No. 14 Squadron, RAAF |
| Alexander McDougal Donald Drummond | WX8830 | 2nd/4th Machine Gun Battalion |
| Leslie Jack Haymes | 415082 | No. 460 Squadron, RAAF |
| Pecival Henry Lakeman | WX8767 | 2nd/4th Machine Gun Battalion |
| James Macrae | WX10246 | Warrant Officer Class 2 |
| Albert John King | WX16236 | 3rd Battalion, RAR |
These men served in theaters across the Pacific, with many tragically lost at sea or in captivity .
International World War 2 Veterans List of Names
The global nature of WWII means world war 2 veterans lists of names span the globe. Here are names from various countries :
| Country | Names |
|---|---|
| United States | Stuart Hodes, Robert Bennett, Richard Overton, Thomas Blakey |
| United Kingdom | Ken Smith, Sidney Owen Kenrick, Sidney James Taylor, Donald Rose |
| Canada | Dutch Holland, Willia Glaser, Burdett Sisler |
| Japan | Haku Kikuchi, Tadakazu Usami, Ichiro Sudai, Shiro Arai, Chisako Takeoka |
| Germany | Hans Brandt, Uli John, Gerhart Schneider |
| France | Jean-Jacques Auduc, Robert Quint, Jacqueline Bossard, Fernande Bataille |
| India | Surjan Singh, Lakshman Singh, Shiv Dagar |
| Russia | Anatoly Uvarov, Alexei Georgiev, Pyotr Koshkin, Serge Koolish |
| Italy | Michele Montagano, Luigi Bertolini, Agostino Floretti, Nicola Struzzi, Salvatore Nardi |
How to Find a World War 2 Veterans List of Names
If you’re looking for a specific world war 2 veterans list of names, here are the best resources:
1. National Archives
The U.S. National Archives holds millions of WWII records. You can search by name, service number, and unit.
2. Veterans Affairs Canada
The Canadian government maintains Honour Rolls of service members .
3. Virtual War Memorial Australia
Australia’s memorial lists service members with details on their service and sacrifice .
4. National WWII Memorial
The Friends of the National WWII Memorial maintain a Voices of WWII database .
5. Local Historical Societies
Many communities have their own world war 2 veterans lists of names.
Quick Comparison Table: Veterans by Country
| Country | Total Served | Casualties | Notable Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 16.1 million | 407,316 killed | Army, Navy, Marines, Army Air Forces |
| Canada | 1.1 million | 45,400 killed | Army, Navy, RCAF |
| Australia | 993,000 | 39,800 killed | Army, Navy, RAAF |
| United Kingdom | 5.5 million | 383,800 killed | Army, Navy, RAF |
| Germany | 13.6 million | 5.3 million killed | Wehrmacht, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a world war 2 veterans list of names?
A world war 2 veterans list of names is a record of individuals who served in World War II. These lists can be organized by country, state, unit, or community.
Where can I find a WWII veterans list?
You can find world war 2 veterans lists of names at the National Archives, Veterans Affairs Canada, the Virtual War Memorial Australia, and local historical societies .
How many WWII veterans are still alive?
As of 2026, very few WWII veterans remain. The youngest are in their late 90s, with many living past 100 .
Who was the oldest WWII veteran?
Some WWII veterans have lived past 110 years old .
How can I find my grandfather’s WWII service record?
Start with the National Archives (if U.S.), Veterans Affairs Canada, or the Virtual War Memorial Australia .
Are there WWII veterans still alive today?
Yes, but their numbers are rapidly declining .
Conclusion
A world war 2 veterans list of names is a powerful reminder of sacrifice and courage. From American heroes like Audie Murphy to Canadian volunteers like Robert Anderson and Australian soldiers like William Baker, these names represent the best of humanity.
When we read these names, we’re not just looking at history we’re honoring the men and women who gave everything for freedom. We’re saying their names aloud so they are never forgotten.
Take a moment today to remember them. And if you have a family member who served, share their story. Because a name isn’t just a name it’s a legacy.
Do you have a WWII veteran in your family? Share their name and story in the comments below!
Scarlett Howard is a writer and name enthusiast at NicknameCorner. She creates creative and helpful guides on nicknames, names, usernames and naming ideas, helping readers find meaningful, memorable and unique names for every occasion.
