To remember and celebrate the sacrifices of our troops this Memorial Day, I tallied the death toll from the 10 deadliest American wars. It’s a humbling number. One that we should never forget.
10. Philippine–American War
1899-1902: 4,196 casualties
9. War on Terror
2001-Present: 6,717 casualties
8. Mexican-American War
1846-1848: 13,283 casualties
7. War of 1812
1812-1815: 15,000 casualties
6. American Revolutionary War
1775-1783: 25,000 casualties
5. Korean War
1950-1953: 54,246 casualties
4. Vietnam War
1961-1975: 58,209 casualties
3. World War I
1917-1918: 116,516 casualties
2. World War II
1941-1945: 405,399 casualties
1. American Civil War
1861-1865: Approximately 750,000 casualties
The total number of U.S. troops lost in these 10 wars alone is a staggering 1,448,566.
So this Memorial Day, in some small way, make your day about more than beaches, beers, and barbecues. Remember those who’ve fought and continue to fight for our freedom, both from our shores and abroad.
“Thank you vets” – Written in the sands of Omaha Beach, Normandy, France.
