103-Year-Old World War II Veteran Receives Veterans Benefits After 78-Year Delay

In a remarkable turn of events, Louis Gigliotti, a 103-year-old World War II veteran, has recently begun receiving his long-overdue veterans benefits from the U.S. government, a staggering 78 years after his honorable discharge. This significant delay in accessing his benefits underscores a major oversight that was only rectified through the diligent efforts of his dedicated caretaker.

Background and Discovery

Louis Gigliotti, affectionately known as “Jiggs,” had been self-financing his medical expenses despite his eligibility for veterans benefits. His caretaker, Melanie Carey, who has been responsible for his care for approximately a decade, discovered this discrepancy when she began helping him manage his medical bills. Upon realizing that Gigliotti had been paying out of pocket for his healthcare rather than utilizing his VA benefits, Carey investigated further. She learned from local VA staff that Gigliotti had never availed himself of the benefits provided by the facility.

Driven by a deep sense of duty and compassion, Carey took immediate steps to address the issue. “OK, well, let’s fix that,” she recalls instructing the VA staff. Her determination was focused on ensuring that Gigliotti received the benefits he had rightfully earned through his service.

“I don’t think he realized that when you’re a veteran, there’s benefits to that,” Carey remarked. Her ongoing mission has been to assist Gigliotti in accessing and utilizing the benefits available to him, including those for dental, hearing, and vision care, which are especially important as he approaches his second century of life.

Military Service and Post-War Life

Gigliotti's path to military service was marked by initial challenges. Raised in an orphanage and working on a farm in Norwalk, Connecticut, he initially sought to enlist with two friends at the beginning of World War II. However, he was deemed medically ineligible due to vision issues. Tragically, his friends were killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Undeterred by this setback, Gigliotti made a second attempt to enlist after the attack on Pearl Harbor, which was subsequently approved. During World War II, he served as a surgical technician, playing a crucial role in the war effort, although he did not see combat.

Following the war, Gigliotti relocated to Alaska in 1955, where he became a well-known figure in the community. He owned two bars in Fairbanks before moving to Anchorage a decade later. In Anchorage, he worked for 20 years as a bartender at Club Paris, the city’s oldest steakhouse.

In retirement, Gigliotti devoted himself to caring for his wife, Millie, who passed away from cancer in 2003, and to training amateur boxers in a makeshift ring in his garage—a passion he pursued at no charge. Despite his notable contributions and service, Gigliotti never applied for his veterans benefits, leading to the recent belated recognition of his service.

Recognition and Impact

The Alaska Office of Veterans Affairs recently honored Gigliotti with the Alaska Veterans Honor Medal, an award given to veterans who have served honorably in the U.S. armed forces, whether during times of peace or conflict. This medal not only acknowledges his service but also highlights the importance of veterans receiving their due benefits.

“This event is a reminder that regardless of how much time has passed since their service, it is never too late for veterans to apply for their benefits,” stated Verdie Bowen, director of the agency.

Carey described Gigliotti as a modest individual who initially needed encouragement to attend the ceremony. Her dedication ensured that he received the recognition and benefits he deserved, underscoring the significance of perseverance in resolving such issues.

Personal Reflections and Legacy

Gigliotti’s longevity and enduring spirit continue to captivate and inspire. When asked about the secret to his long life, he humorously suggests that having “a drink a day” might be a contributing factor. On other days, he attributes his vitality to a simple yet profound outlook: “I just never feel like I’m getting old. I just want to go more,” he said.

As Gigliotti receives the support he earned through his service, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of military service and the critical importance of ensuring that veterans receive the benefits and recognition to which they are entitled.