Emma Didlake, Oldest Known U.S. Veteran, Dies At 110

Emma Didlake, who was the oldest known living veteran, died Sunday after suddenly falling ill that morning.

Emma Didlake Dies

Didlake passed away in West Bloodfield, Mich., northwest of Detroit, the Oakland County medical examiner’s office told NBC News.

In 1943, at age 38, Didlake signed up for the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps. During World War II, she served stateside as a private and a driver. Based on information from national nonprofit Honor Flight, Didlake was the oldest U.S. veteran living at the time of her death.

“I didn’t know I was breaking barriers,” Didlake, an African-American woman, said of her service earlier this year. “But I enjoyed doing what I was doing because I had committed myself to do just this.”

A month ago, Didlake visited the White House, where she met President Barack Obama in the Oval Office, sitting in her wheelchair in the same spot foreign leaders generally assume. For her meeting with the president, the veteran donned a military hat and patriotic scarf.

“It was a month ago today that we went to the White House, a month ago today,” said Didlake’s granddaughter Evelyn Horne, 62. “I think she felt she had accomplished everything and could take her rest.”

Upon learning of Didlake’s passing, President Obama released a statement to honor her memory.

“Emma Didlake served her country with distinction and honor, a true trailblazer for generations of Americans who have sacrificed so much for their country,” Obama said. “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.”