Emma Didlake, born March 13th, 1905, was the oldest living veteran of the second world war. She was a family woman, married with five children when she decided to serve her country. Emma joined the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, and was given several honorary medals to commend her remarkable service. Emma was know by others as a "spitfire" and a family woman. She attended church on Sundays and ate golden raisins soaked in vodka. On the 17th of July this year, Emma went on a tour of the white house, funded by the Honor Flight Network, who takes veterans to see the memorials from the wars in our nation's capital. Emma met President Obama, and was warmly welcomed by the president and the first lady. She fulfilled many of her life goals and was quite happy in the time of her passing.
Emma died on August 16th, 2015, her life spanning 110 years. Emma in herself is an important part of American history. She was one of the first women, besides nurses, to serve in the United States military. But, not only is she a woman, she is an African American as well, and in the time of WWII the military was still segregated. Emma Didlake was and is a true American hero, and her story will be remembered in history.
Now, our oldest know WWII veteran is an African American Texan, Richard Overton. Age 109.
Michaela Molden
http://www.history.com/news/oldest-known-u-s-veteran-dies-at-110
Thats so sad. She is really inspiring to all black women, because she did something that was considered taboo at the time.
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