Biography
John George Painter was born on a farm in Jackson County, Tennessee. Painter attended school as a child and worked on the farm. In 1917, Painter enlisted in the United States Army at age 29. Painter was a part of the Battery D the 115th Artillery Battalion and saw action at the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and hauled ammunition and artillery supplies including field guns. He transported all the supplies on horses or mules. 80 days after the Armistice was declared on November 11, 1918, Painter received the highest French honor, the Légion d'honneur award, the Croix de Guerre and received the Tennessee Distinguished Award and only five other Tennessee World War I veterans were awarded that. During the war, Painter had to leave his son Sean Humphrey Painter when he went to war. Painter was discharged from service on April 12, 1919 after serving in the United States Army for two years.
After the war, Painter got married to his childhood and former sweetheart Gillie Watson and adopted two daughters. He also pursued his career as being a blacksmith. On November 19, 1999, Painter was recognized as the world's oldest veteran at age 111. On September 20, 2000, Bart Gordon, representative from Tennessee, read the following proclamation in honor of John's 112th birthday:
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- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish a happy 112th birthday to Tennessee's oldest surviving World War I veteran, John George Painter of Hermitage Springs. He is also believed to be the nation's oldest surviving veteran.
Painter was the world's oldest recognized man for about a year and four months from November 15, 1999 until his death at age 112. When he gained the title at age 111 years and 56 days, he was the youngest WOM (World's Oldest Man) to have the title since December 1990. At the time of his death, Painter was the 8th (7th undisputed) oldest verified man ever. Now, in 2012 (11 years after his death), Painter's rank on the Oldest men ever list has decreased to #22 (#21 undisputed), since more men have lived to ages 112.4 and above over the last 11 years. Painter was the only verified man who was already born when Benjamin Harrison won the 1888 presidential election while simultaneously losing the popular vote and who saw George W. Bush accomplish this same feat in the 2000 presidential election, 112 years later. At the time of his death, Painter was the last surviving man born in 1888 or before.
Read more about this topic: John Painter (supercentenarian)
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