Lawrence Brooks, the oldest World War II soldier to serve in the U.S. forces, who was also apparently the oldest man in the United States, passed away last Wednesday at the age of 112 at his home in Mississippi. .
Most of the African-Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II were assigned to non-combat units and served in service roles such as supply, maintenance, and transportation, as did Brooks' role in the war. Of the 91st Black Engineers deployed in Australia.
This unit built bridges, roads and landing pads for aircraft.
Brooks, born September 12, 1909, was known for his good humor and kindness.
When asked what his secret to longevity was he used to reply "serve God and be nice to people".
In 2014 he noted that he does not tend to feel harsh feelings towards any person.
"I want people to enjoy, to be happy and not sad."
He did not engage in discrimination and racism which he and his comrades suffered from during the war.
He only used to point out that he had already seen himself lucky not to have to fight in battle.
"I was lucky. I told myself that if I was going to shoot someone maybe someone would shoot in my direction - and maybe even hit."
However, he did find himself under fire.
"The Japanese would bomb the island where we operated. We would run like crazy, trying to hide."
Upon his release from the army he began working as a forklift driver until his retirement.
In 2005, when he was in his late 90s, he was forced to evacuate his home by helicopter during Hurricane Katrina.
His house was destroyed in the disaster.
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