Here’s How Many Iowans Have Perished in Our Nation’s Wars
May is Military Appreciation Month, and with Memorial Day fast approaching, it's a time to reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation.
Since gaining statehood in 1846, Iowa has sent its very best to each and every conflict the U.S. has been involved in. From the Civil War, all the way to Iraq and Afghanistan, those who serve in the armed forces have brought great pride to the Hawkeye State.
Iowans have fought in nearly every American conflict and the amount of lives sacrificed to our nation is more than you might expect.
How Many Iowans Have Made The Ultimate Sacrifice For Our Nation?
According to the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, here are the number of individuals who have died while serving our nation:
Fallen Heroes Past Conflicts
- Panama/Grenada: 885 Served & 2 Died
- Persian Gulf: 3050 Served & 7 Died
- Vietnam: 115,000 Served & 868 Died
- Korean Conflict: 85,341 Served & 508 Died
- World War II: 262,638 Served & 8,398 Died (File 1 | File 2)
- World War I: 114,242 Served & 3,576 Died
- Civil War: 76,534 Served & 13,169 Died
In our nation's most recent conflicts overseas, 64 Iowa service members died in Iraq and 31 perished while serving in Afghanistan.
Iowa has numerous memorials and monuments to our state's fallen, scattered throughout the state, you can find a full list here.
This Military Appreciation Month, take the time to think about the great sacrifice each and every one of them made to ensure our country's liberties.
For more information on Iowa's history in American wars, visit the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs Website.
Story Sources: Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs Website, Bleeding Heartland Website, Military Website