The Most Famous WWII Veteran: Recognizing an Iconic Figure

Voting rules: Choose the vet you think is the most famous!

Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Dec 1, 2023 11:38)

Step into history and cast your vote in our riveting ranking of the most famous WWII veterans! As a hub for thousands of polls and rankings, StrawPoll invites you to take a stand and make your choice from an illustrious list of heroes who bravely fought in the deadliest conflict in human history. Will your vote go to the fearless fighter pilot, the courageous codebreaker, or the defiant resistance leader? Perhaps you have a lesser-known hero in mind who deserves recognition? Dive into the stories behind these extraordinary individuals, and let your voice be heard by suggesting a missing option or voting for your favorite WWII veteran. Join the ranks of history enthusiasts and contribute to this ever-evolving conversation by participating in our captivating poll today!

Who Is the Most Famous WWII Veteran?

1

50
votes
White House · Public domain

Dwight D. Eisenhower

He was the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe during WWII and later became the 34th President of the United States.
Description

Dwight D. Eisenhower, commonly known as Ike, was the 34th President of the United States from 1953 to 1961. He was a highly respected military general and a popular President. Eisenhower is known for his role in leading the Allied forces to victory in World War II as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe.

Presidency: 34th President of the United States

Term: 1953-1961

Nickname: Ike

Military Rank: General of the Army

Supreme Commander: Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during World War II
Dwight D. Eisenhower in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous ISTJ
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous person born in Kansas
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous army general
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous US veteran
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous general
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Jehovah's Witness
2

24
votes
digitized by: BiblioArchives / LibraryArchives · Public domain

Winston Churchill

He was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during WWII and is known for his inspiring speeches and leadership during the war.
Winston Churchill in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous bow tie wearer
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous cigar smoker
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous alcoholic
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Freemason
- Position 3 of 10 in Most successful Prime Minister in the world
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous ESTP
3

21
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

George H.W. Bush

He was a Navy pilot during WWII and later became the 41st President of the United States.
George H.W. Bush in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous CIA Director
- Position 1 of 10 in Most successful Vice President
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous person in the Navy
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous George
4

31
votes
Cecil Stoughton, White House · Public domain

John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy himself

He was a Navy lieutenant during WWII and later became the 35th President of the United States.
Description

John F. Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States, serving from January 1961 until his assassination in November 1963. He was widely regarded as one of the most beloved and charismatic presidents in American history.

Political party: Democratic

Term of office: January 20, 1961 – November 22, 1963

Vice President: Lyndon B. Johnson

Born: May 29, 1917, Brookline, Massachusetts, U.S.

Assassination: November 22, 1963, Dallas, Texas, U.S.
John F. Kennedy in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous person born in Massachusetts
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous John
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous person buried at Arlington
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous celebrity from Massachusetts
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous person born in May
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Italian-American
5

10
votes
The National Archives UK · No restrictions

Charles de Gaulle

He was the leader of the Free French Forces during WWII and later became the President of France.
Charles de Gaulle in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular French President
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous French person
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous king of France
6

13
votes
Photographer not credited. · Public domain

Douglas MacArthur

He was a five-star general in the United States Army and played a key role in the Pacific theater of WWII.
Douglas MacArthur in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous war hero
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous army general
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Douglas
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous person in the Navy
7

14
votes
"Official U.S. Navy Photograph now in the collections of the National Archive". · Public domain

Chester W. Nimitz

He was a fleet admiral in the United States Navy and was the commander of the Pacific Fleet during WWII.
Chester W. Nimitz in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous person in the Navy
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Admiral
8

9
votes
Bernard Montgomery

He was a British Army officer and played a major role in the Allied victory in North Africa and Europe during WWII.
Bernard Montgomery in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous army general
9

5
votes
Winkelmann · CC BY-SA 3.0 de

Erwin Rommel

He was a German general and is known as one of the most skilled and respected military leaders of WWII.
Erwin Rommel in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous German soldier of WW2
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous war hero
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous general
10

6
votes

Photograph by Grigory Vayl · Public domain

Georgy Zhukov

He was a Soviet general and played a key role in the Soviet victory over Germany in WWII.

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Discussion

Ranking factors for famous veteran

Military service and significance

Consider the veteran's role and impact in the war. Were they a high-ranking officer, a war hero, or involved in any notable missions or battles? 2. Public recognition and fame: Evaluate the veteran's visibility and public recognition during and after the war. Did they receive any awards, medals, or honors? Were they widely covered in the media or celebrated by the public?
Leadership and influence

Assess the veteran's leadership qualities and influence on their fellow soldiers or military units. Did they provide guidance or make strategic decisions that had a significant impact on the war effort?
Post-war contributions

Consider any notable achievements or contributions the veteran made after the war. Did they continue to be active in public life, politics, or advocacy?
Historical significance

Evaluate the veteran's historical impact and legacy in shaping post-war events or subsequent military operations. Did their actions have enduring effects on the course of history or military strategies?
Cultural impact and recognition

Consider the veteran's portrayal in popular culture (books, movies, documentaries) and their overall recognition in society. Did they become an icon or a symbol associated with WWII?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous WWII veteran. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or vet is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1390 views
183 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each vet once every 24 hours. The rank of each vet is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous wwii veteran

Background Information: WWII Veterans World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving the majority of the world's nations, including all the great powers. It was marked by significant events such as the Holocaust, the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers. Millions of people lost their lives during the war, and it forever changed the course of history. Many brave soldiers fought in WWII, and they are often referred to as veterans. A veteran is someone who has served in the armed forces, and there were millions of WWII veterans from various countries. The United States alone had over 16 million veterans who served during the war. These veterans played a significant role in WWII, and their bravery and sacrifice helped to shape the world we live in today. They fought on the front lines, provided support services, and helped to maintain morale among their fellow soldiers. Many of these veterans went on to become famous for their contributions to the war effort, and their stories continue to inspire people around the world. In this article, we will explore the question of who is the most famous WWII veteran. We will look at some of the most well-known veterans from various countries and examine their contributions to the war effort. Whether you are a history buff or just want to learn more about these brave men and women, this article is sure to be an informative and engaging read.