Lawrence Brooks, the country’s oldest U.S. veteran who served during World War II, died at the age of 112, NBC News reports.
Born in Norwood, Louisiana, Brooks was drafted and served in the army’s 91st Engineer Battalion in 1940. At the time, Brooks' battalion was predominately Black due to segregation.
Lawrence Brooks was the oldest living WWII veteran in America. In 1940, he was drafted into the US Army and assigned to the predominately Black 91st Engineer General Service Regiment. Rest In Power, Lawrence ???????? pic.twitter.com/xpOqYLEg39
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) January 6, 2022
After serving a year for his country, he returned to New Orleans in 1941 after being discharged. However, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Brooks rejoined the army.
Once he completed his civil obligations, Brooks worked as a forklift operator until he retired in his 70s. He died at home in his bed, The Army Times reports.
"I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Lawrence Brooks, America’s oldest World War II veteran and a proud Louisianan," Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said. "I am thankful I had the chance to meet him and learn from his service."
Brooks had five children with his wife Leona, who died in 2008. He leaves behind his children, 13 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. His daughter, Vanessa Brooks, said she plans to bury her father in his uniform, honoring his request.
