President Barack Obama greets the nation’s oldest living veteran, Emma Didlake, in the Oval Office, July 17, 2015. (Credits: Pete Souza / White House)
The nation’s oldest known living veteran, Emma Didlake, died Sunday August 16, 2015, at the age of 110. Just a few weeks earlier she had a meeting with the U.S. President Obama.
“Emma Didlake served her country with distinction and honor, a true trailblazer for generations of Americans who have sacrificed so much for their country. I was humbled and grateful to welcome Emma to the White House last month, and Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to Emma’s family, friends, and everyone she inspired over her long and quintessentially American life.” said President Obama on the passing of America’s oldest living veteran, Emma Didlake, which was released in a statement on Facebook.
Didlake’s granddaughter, Marilyn Horne, told the San Antonio Express-News that the World War II veteran fell ill Sunday morning and died after complaining she was feeling tired.
Emma Didlake was a 38-year-old wife and mother when she decided she wanted to join the military. In 1943, she signed up for the Women’s Auxiliary Corp (WAC) and served as an Army private and driver for almost a year during World War II. She was decorated with the Women’s Army Corps Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.
