Oldest female veteran in the U.S. dies at 108

Lucy Coffey, the oldest female veteran in the United States, died Thursday at her home in Texas. She was 108.

Coffey had been ill for about a week, Quita Marquez, a friend and veterans service officer, told The Associated Press. The Bexar County Veterans Service Office paid tribute to Coffey, saying in a statement that "she was an incredible lady who will be missed dearly. Her contributions to our country and community will not be forgotten."

A native of Indiana, Coffey was working at a Dallas grocery store when Pearl Harbor was attacked. She was 37 years old, and quit her job to enlist in the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps. Coffey became a sergeant, and earned two bronze stars and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon for her service. She was discharged in 1945, but continued working as an Army civilian in Okinawa, Japan, and later Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, where she retired in 1971. Last year, Coffey visited the White House, and met with the president and vice president.

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