Antonio Pierro

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Antonio Pierro (born February 22, 1896 according to his birth certificate, or February 15, 1896 according to himself), is, at 110 one of the last surviving veterans of World War I. He is also a combat veteran, making him even more a rarity.

Antonio 'Tony' Pierro was born in the town of Forenza, Italy. His birthdate of February 22, 1896 was recorded February 24, 1896 in the baptismal records. 'Tony' claims, however, that he is a week older, and it took a week to register. This cannot be officially verified, and it is not entirely satisfactory, as the birthdate could easily have stated February 15, but it did not. In any case, Pierro was born in February 1896.

Antonio emigrated to the U.S. in 1914 and settled in Swampscott. In 1918 he enlisted in the army and trained at Fort Dix, before being sent off to combat. Pierro saw action in the Battle of St. Michiel and the Meuse-Argonne offensive.

Returning to the U.S. in 1919, he married Mary Pierre in 1920. She died in 1967, however, and they did not have children. In civilian life, Pierro worked for the General Electric jet engine plant in Lynn.

In 2006, Mr Pierro celebrated his 110th birthday. As of June 18, 2006 he was the third-oldest living person in the state of Massachusetts, and one of the few remaining combat veterans of World War I anywhere in the world.