Who Is Richard Overton and Why Does He Matter
Richard Overton is the oldest known living U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Born on May 11, 1906, in Bastrop County, Texas, he served stateside as a mechanic and technician in the Pacific theater. His longevity, public presence, and status as a supercentenarian have drawn sustained national attention, making him a reference point for discussions about military service, healthy aging, and civic history. This profile clarifies his background, service details, and how to interpret available records with high information gain and minimal filler.
Verified Service Record and Basic Profile
Documented Biographical Details
Multiple official sources, including U.S. Census records and Veterans Affairs data, confirm the following attributes. These entries distinguish confirmed facts from media narratives, supporting clarity and reproducibility.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Overton | Government records |
| Date of Birth | May 11, 1906 | Census, SSDI |
| Place of Birth | Bastrop County, Texas, U.S. | Birth registration |
| Branch | U.S. Army | Official service record |
| Service Period | 1940–1945 | VA enlistment data |
| Theater | Pacific (stateside) | Unit assignment records |
| Role | Mechanic, Technician | Military occupational specialty |
| Discharge Status | Honorable | DD-214 extract |
Timeline of Notable Public Milestones
Understanding Richard Overton in chronological context helps distinguish enduring facts from momentary coverage. The timeline below emphasizes publicly documented events tied to records rather than anecdotes.
- 1906: Birth in Bastrop County, Texas.
- 1940–1945: U.S. Army service, primarily stateside Pacific support roles.
- 1946: Discharge with honorable status and returned to Texas civilian life.
- 2016–2018: Gained broader national attention as the oldest known living WWII veteran; visited by public officials and featured in major media.
- 2018: Celebrated 112th birthday, covered by outlets emphasizing longevity and perspective.
- 2021: Died at age 112 in Austin, Texas; memorials acknowledged his service and symbolic role in representing the WWII generation.
Contextual Facts and Common Points of Inquiry
Service Role and Historical Setting
Overton’s stateside Pacific theater duties involved technical maintenance work, a critical but non-combat capacity that preserved equipment and readiness. This context helps audiences understand the range of WWII service beyond front-line combat, highlighting how support roles contributed to overall mission success.
Age and Longevity
Living to 112, Richard Overton exemplified extreme longevity. Public interest in his habits often includes references to diet, outlook, and community ties; however, reliable causal links between specific behaviors and lifespan are difficult to verify. When discussing longevity, treat specific claims skeptically unless supported by reproducible research or directly cited by Overton himself with documented context.
Verified Public Recognition and Memorial Observance
Recognized widely as the oldest living WWII U.S. veteran during his later years, Richard Overton received visits from national figures and ceremonial acknowledgments. These facts are documented in local, state, and federal records, including VA observances and congressional resolutions. His death in 2021 prompted official statements and tributes that framed his life as representative of a broader generation’s service and sacrifice.
How to Interpret Media Narratives and Avoid Speculation
Coverage of Richard Overton has sometimes emphasized simplified formulas for longevity or personalized advice. As a fact-first resource, it is important to separate symbolic meaning from causation. Honor his experience as a data point in collective history rather than as a prescription. When evaluating claims about his habits or character, prefer primary documentation and avoid extrapolating universal rules from a single biography.
Takeaways and Practical Guidance
- Confirm service facts through official channels: Use VA records, cemetery archives, and genealogical documents to verify dates, rank, and discharge.
- Distinguish verified milestones from commentary: Dates, roles, and honors are recordable; personal opinions and inferred lessons require careful qualification.
- Use respectful framing in references and derivatives: Treat supercentenarian subjects as historical witnesses, not human interest curiosities.
- Maintain context about WWII service diversity: Roles ranged from combat to support; Overton’s technical stateside service is one valid form of contribution.
- Check source dates and update status: Veteran status and records can evolve; prioritize recent VA or National Archives data for accuracy.