The Greatest Generation led the U.S. to victory in World War II. More than 16 million American served in the conflict. According to the U.S. Veterans Administration, fewer than 700,000 remain. Approximately 430 are dying each day, almost one every three minutes. It is estimated there will be no veterans left to recount their experiences by 2036. As a result, this project is an attempt to preserve important stories and memories from World War II.
The men and women who served in this conflict did not view themselves as heroes. As Lt. Col. Dick Cole, Jimmy Doolittle’s co-pilot, once explained, “We were just doing our jobs.” Humility is a defining trait of WW II veterans. Courage and resiliency are two others. In this project, I have attempted to honor veterans with revealing snapshots of their lives. Each is photographed in a contemporary setting to show how they look today, decades removed from their service in one of history’s greatest conflicts.
If you or someone you know qualifies to be a subject for the World War II Veterans project please use our Contact form to reach Clarke.
