My grandfather fought in WWI. He died at age 81 in 1969. My father still has his artillery helmet, which is cast iron.

My memories of him are vague, but the only story I remember him telling about his war experience involved the capture of German soldiers. As they were led to confinement, he noticed that one had quickly snatched a piece of fruit that was near him. My grandfather then realized how hungry these guys were, and gave them his rations, which were devoured. He thought it was odd that moments before they were exchanging gunfire, and the next moment his heart bled for them.

The two surviving WWI vets must have been kids when they went overseas.