#VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Oscar Latimer

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is U.S. Navy Veteran Oscar Latimer. Oscar served during World War I.

Oscar committed to 111 days of honorable service in the U.S. Navy. Oscar joined the U.S. Navy four days after graduation from the University of Texas School of Pharmacy in 1918. He was sent to boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center near Chicago, Illinois, where he completed camp.

After completing training, Oscar remained at boot camp as a Navy Hospital Corpsman and attained the grade of Apprentice 2^nd Class.

Unfortunately, in 1918, the start of the deadliest flu pandemic of the 20^th century occurred. Oscar died of influenza at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center Hospital, just 111 days after enlisting to serve his country.

Born in Shelby County, Texas, 45 years before Pearl Harbor in 1896, Oscar had a brother and sister. Early in his life, the family moved first to San Augustine County in Texas, and then to Houston, Texas where they made their home.

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Graphic By Kierra Willis: Kierra Willis is a Graphic Communication Major at the University of Maryland University College. She currently has an AAS in Graphic Design and Visual Communications.