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Oldest living WWI Vet dies -- in Toledo area

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071221/ap_on_re_us/obit_coffey

"TOLEDO, Ohio - J. Russell Coffey, the oldest known surviving U.S. veteran of World War I, has died. The retired teacher, one of only three U.S. veterans from the "war to end all wars," was 109.

Coffey died Thursday at the Briar Hill Health Campus in North Baltimore, where he had lived for the past four or five years, said Gaye Boggs, nursing director at the nursing home. No cause of death has been determined, she said Friday. His health began failing in October."

According to the story, he taught at BGSU.

Though his military and seemingly life-long service (including as teacher) are to be commended -- as others in similar roles -- it's interesting that he was considered a WWI veteran even though he was never in combat. (Was in basic training when the war ended, per the story.)

Mike

created by miked918 on Dec 21, 2007 at 04:02:43 pm     Comments: 7

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vet·er·an (vět'ər-ən, vět'rən) Pronunciation Key
n.
A person who is long experienced or practiced in an activity or capacity: a veteran of political campaigns.
A person who has served in the armed forces: "Privilege, a token income . . . were allowed for veterans of both world wars" (Mavis Gallant).
An old soldier who has seen long service.

adj.
Having had long experience or practice: a veteran actor.
Of or relating to former members of the armed forces: veteran benefits.

Since he probably served during ww1 that would make him a ww1 vet

posted by camaroman2125 on Dec 21, 2007 at 10:11:18 pm     #



So basically, all those servicemen that never got to see battle are not allowed to use the Veterans Administration or Hospital because they didn't shoot at an enemy?

The man was enlisted and did basic training. He was fully prepared to do battle. So therefore he was trained and available and is therefore considered a WW1 veteran.

posted by BrianInFlorida on Dec 22, 2007 at 08:18:40 am     #



After the sinking of the Lusitania, Woodrow Wilson vowed that "America was too proud to fight"

posted by charlatan on Dec 22, 2007 at 08:59:54 am     #



A number of Americans saw combat in Russia after the Armistice ended World War I in Western Europe. They were entitled to wear the World War I Victory medal for service between 12 Nov 1918 and 05 Aug 1919 with American Expeditionary Forces in European Russia.

posted by oldsendbrdy on Dec 23, 2007 at 12:27:39 am     #



Also, there were American troops in Siberia who were entitled to this medal for service between 12 Nov 1918 and 01 Apr 1920 with AEF in Siberia.

posted by oldsendbrdy on Dec 23, 2007 at 12:28:40 am     #



This link, http://www.militaria.com/8th/WW1/siberia.html, discusses post-Armistice fighting in Russia, and later the USSR.

posted by oldsendbrdy on Dec 23, 2007 at 12:29:58 am     #



Camaroman2125 and BrianinFlorida: Please don't misinterpret my question for any disrespect to Mr. Coffey. Just that, at first glance, I'd think a veteran of a war would be someone who had service as part of a war, not just in the military at the time, training for it.

If anyone visits my blog, you'll easily find at least a handful of military-related/milblog posts that show how I feel.
-Mike

posted by miked918 on Dec 27, 2007 at 03:56:17 pm     #