WW2 Military Records (1 Viewer)

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

This thread is dedicated to help others search for military records of loved ones. It can be one of the most rewarding events of your life as it has been for me, however it it takes work and more importantly, time. In my case, searching for someone that served alongside my grandfather, over 70 years ago, time wasn't on my side. Below are the links to get you started as quickly as possible.

If you don't know their military seriel number, search request their military service records.

This snail mail option may be your best bet as you are still required to snail mail a signature when you request military records online. It also gives you the addresses of a few other places to request info.

Be warned, most of the records for Army veterans of WW2 and about half of Air Force veterans were lost in the fire of 73'.
More info about the fire can be found here.

If your veteran was awarded any ribbons and medals, duplicates can be reasonably purchased at MedalsofAmerica. The employees there are VERY nice and can help you find out which medals your veteran was eligible for once you have your veteran's discharge papers, or " DD Form 214 ". Ebay is a better place if you want the originals.

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Original Post​

I'm trying to find more info on my deceased grandfather. I tried on three separate occasions to ask him about his service, but each time he broke down and couldn't continue. The third time I was actually old enough to have known enough about WW2 and understood why he had gotten so upset. He got as far as saying he was in the Pacific, and "the ocean was red, all those dead kids..." Obviously I didn't try again.

I am going to try and retrieve them from the National Archives.

I was able to find what I think may be his partial record.


Anybody have any experience in this? Any tips/advice?

 

[Mad Cow]

Many divisions and regiments have histories that you can look up. It might not give you specifics, but can tell you generally what happened over time.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I got my Grandfather's WWII records last year from the National Archives. You have to know his birth date, given name and where he was born IIRC to get the records. There is a cost, think it was like $75.

Looks like you have all the information you need right there. Fill out the archives paperwork and send it in and they send it pretty quick. You'll want the full record, my Grandfather's had more than 400 pages of fascinating information.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I got my Grandfather's WWII records last year from the National Archives. You have to know his birth date, given name and where he was born IIRC to get the records. There is a cost, think it was like $75. Looks like you have all the information you need right there. Fill out the archives paperwork and send it in and they send it pretty quick. You'll want the full record, my Grandfather's had more than 400 pages of fascinating information.

Thanks so much!

 

[Mad Cow]

I got my Grandfather's WWII records last year from the National Archives. You have to know his birth date, given name and where he was born IIRC to get the records. There is a cost, think it was like $75. Looks like you have all the information you need right there. Fill out the archives paperwork and send it in and they send it pretty quick. You'll want the full record, my Grandfather's had more than 400 pages of fascinating information.

You have a link to it? I would love to request my dad's records from his service (USMC).

 

[beer 30]

I've done this a few times for friends and relatives. I've always used NARA to obtain the information, been a few years since I've put together a search. You have to be patient. Each search I completed took between 3 & 6 months. To the point that I forgot about them and then one day a package shows up at the house and it's like Christmas. Cool story, I was doing a search for my Uncle on his half brother who was a marine on Okinawa. He didn't really ask for the information but gave me enough to get started with. I sent in the paperwork and got back most of his service records. Included in the packet I got back was a form to fill out to receive replica's of any awards he obtained during his service. He was a Bronze Star recipient so I thought what the hell, why not? Completely forgot about it and around Christmas of that year I get this package from the department of the Navy containing replicas of every medal & ribbon he was awarded during his service. I made a cool shadow box of it all and gave it to my Uncle.

Here is where you start, feel free to ask if you need help, they don't make it easy. If you have birthday and social security number it really helps. Also, always say you are a close relative even if you aren't. Government is touchy about releasing records to non-family members.

 

[Mad Cow]

I've done this a few times for friends and relatives. I've always used NARA to obtain the information, been a few years since I've put together a search. You have to be patient. Each search I completed took between 3 & 6 months. To the point that I forgot about them and then one day a package shows up at the house and it's like Christmas. Cool story, I was doing a search for my Uncle on his half brother who was a marine on Okinawa. He didn't really ask for the information but gave me enough to get started with. I sent in the paperwork and got back most of his service records. Included in the packet I got back was a form to fill out to receive replica's of any awards he obtained during his service. He was a Bronze Star recipient so I thought what the hell, why not? Completely forgot about it and around Christmas of that year I get this package from the department of the Navy containing replicas of every medal & ribbon he was awarded during his service. I made a cool shadow box of it all and gave it to my Uncle.

Here is where you start, feel free to ask if you need help, they don't make it easy. If you have birthday and social security number it really helps. Also, always say you are a close relative even if you aren't. Government is touchy about releasing records to non-family members.

I will get on this immediately.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

I've done this a few times for friends and relatives. I've always used NARA to obtain the information, been a few years since I've put together a search. You have to be patient. Each search I completed took between 3 & 6 months. To the point that I forgot about them and then one day a package shows up at the house and it's like Christmas. Cool story, I was doing a search for my Uncle on his half brother who was a marine on Okinawa. He didn't really ask for the information but gave me enough to get started with. I sent in the paperwork and got back most of his service records. Included in the packet I got back was a form to fill out to receive replica's of any awards he obtained during his service. He was a Bronze Star recipient so I thought what the hell, why not? Completely forgot about it and around Christmas of that year I get this package from the department of the Navy containing replicas of every medal & ribbon he was awarded during his service. I made a cool shadow box of it all and gave it to my Uncle.

Here is where you start, feel free to ask if you need help, they don't make it easy. If you have birthday and social security number it really helps. Also, always say you are a close relative even if you aren't. Government is touchy about releasing records to non-family members.

NARA is the correct answer...If you dont get the answers you want going that right, write your state and US Reps and Senators. I wrote mine and got the process expediated, plus all the medals that my cousin was awarded. All this info was instrumental in my putting together a tribute page (still under construction) to honor him and others that served:LINK

good luck

 

[beer 30]

NARA is the correct answer...If you dont get the answers you want going that right, write your state and US Reps and Senators. I wrote mine and got the process expediated, plus all the medals that my cousin was awarded. All this info was instrumental in my putting together a tribute page (still under construction) to honor him and others that served:

LINK

good luck

Nice job on the site Freak, love this kind of history and it's disappearing so fast. Not too many of the paratroops left these days. You ever go to one of Bando's get-togethers? Most are in OH or the Midwest but well worth the trip if you have the time and cash I hear, I've never been. Keep meaning to head over to Toccoa when they are all there but always seem to forget it. I had the opportunity to drive over there on a trip to Atlanta a few years back. There isn't a whole heck of a lot of anything there now but heading up Sink's trail still gave me chills. It was a Sunday and Toccoa being what it is, the town was shut down so I didn't have a chance to visit any of the local spots. Really neat to see the mountain, it does literally dominate the landscape for miles to see. Can't imagine running up that thing day-in and day-out.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

<BR>

<BR>NARA is the correct answer...If you dont get the answers you want going that right, write your state and US Reps and Senators. I wrote mine and got the process expediated, plus all the medals that my cousin was awarded. All this info was instrumental in my putting together a tribute page (still under construction) to honor him and others that served:<BR><BR><A class=bbc_url title="External link" href="http://www.freewebs.com/davidstanford504pir/" rel="nofollow external">LINK</A>good luck

Nice job on the site Freak, love this kind of history and it's disappearing so fast. Not too many of the paratroops left these days. You ever go to one of Bando's get-togethers? Most are in OH or the Midwest but well worth the trip if you have the time and cash I hear, I've never been. Keep meaning to head over to Toccoa when they are all there but always seem to forget it. I had the opportunity to drive over there on a trip to Atlanta a few years back. There isn't a whole heck of a lot of anything there now but heading up Sink's trail still gave me chills. It was a Sunday and Toccoa being what it is, the town was shut down so I didn't have a chance to visit any of the local spots. Really neat to see the mountain, it does literally dominate the landscape for miles to see. Can't imagine running up that thing day-in and day-out.<BR>

yea, I'd love to go to one of those Bando gigs. Hopefully someday. and you are right, there aren't too many of these guys left. 3/504 PIR just lost Chaplain Delbert Kuehl , quite the man.

again Mad Cow, good luck...I've had a lot of fun, met a lot of these great men, and have learned a lot in my quest, hope your's is as bountiful.

 

[Mad Cow]

<BR>

<BR>NARA is the correct answer...If you dont get the answers you want going that right, write your state and US Reps and Senators. I wrote mine and got the process expediated, plus all the medals that my cousin was awarded. All this info was instrumental in my putting together a tribute page (still under construction) to honor him and others that served:<BR><BR><A class=bbc_url title="External link" href="http://www.freewebs.com/davidstanford504pir/" rel="nofollow external">LINK</A>good luck

Nice job on the site Freak, love this kind of history and it's disappearing so fast. Not too many of the paratroops left these days. You ever go to one of Bando's get-togethers? Most are in OH or the Midwest but well worth the trip if you have the time and cash I hear, I've never been. Keep meaning to head over to Toccoa when they are all there but always seem to forget it. I had the opportunity to drive over there on a trip to Atlanta a few years back. There isn't a whole heck of a lot of anything there now but heading up Sink's trail still gave me chills. It was a Sunday and Toccoa being what it is, the town was shut down so I didn't have a chance to visit any of the local spots. Really neat to see the mountain, it does literally dominate the landscape for miles to see. Can't imagine running up that thing day-in and day-out.<BR>

yea, I'd love to go to one of those Bando gigs. Hopefully someday. and you are right, there aren't too many of these guys left. 3/504 PIR just lost Chaplain Delbert Kuehl , quite the man.

again Mad Cow, good luck...I've had a lot of fun, met a lot of these great men, and have learned a lot in my quest, hope your's is as bountiful.

I had a rotation in the VA in Columbus in my last year of optometry school, and I have to say I loved it. Most of the patients we saw were WW2 vets, and by and large, they loved to talk about experiences, etc. I would extend those exams as long as possible to just sit and talk. It was great.My dad, on the other hand, is entirely different. He won several awards out of Parris for how he tested. I saw a newspaper article on him and the records he set. He spent time in New Zealand attached to the embassy, but was apparently involved in espionage there. From there, to South Vietnam as an adviser to their armies before the war really escalated. Then to Parris again as a drill sergeant. I am very curious exactly what is there. I own his Garand with bayonet, as well as a lot of his gear (original ruck sack that he took to Pendleton as part of the 1st Div, etc.).

 

[beer 30]

<BR>

<BR>NARA is the correct answer...If you dont get the answers you want going that right, write your state and US Reps and Senators. I wrote mine and got the process expediated, plus all the medals that my cousin was awarded. All this info was instrumental in my putting together a tribute page (still under construction) to honor him and others that served:<BR><BR><A class=bbc_url title="External link" href="http://www.freewebs.com/davidstanford504pir/" rel="nofollow external">LINK</A>good luck

Nice job on the site Freak, love this kind of history and it's disappearing so fast. Not too many of the paratroops left these days. You ever go to one of Bando's get-togethers? Most are in OH or the Midwest but well worth the trip if you have the time and cash I hear, I've never been. Keep meaning to head over to Toccoa when they are all there but always seem to forget it. I had the opportunity to drive over there on a trip to Atlanta a few years back. There isn't a whole heck of a lot of anything there now but heading up Sink's trail still gave me chills. It was a Sunday and Toccoa being what it is, the town was shut down so I didn't have a chance to visit any of the local spots. Really neat to see the mountain, it does literally dominate the landscape for miles to see. Can't imagine running up that thing day-in and day-out.<BR>

yea, I'd love to go to one of those Bando gigs. Hopefully someday. and you are right, there aren't too many of these guys left. 3/504 PIR just lost Chaplain Delbert Kuehl , quite the man.

again Mad Cow, good luck...I've had a lot of fun, met a lot of these great men, and have learned a lot in my quest, hope your's is as bountiful.

I had a rotation in the VA in Columbus in my last year of optometry school, and I have to say I loved it. Most of the patients we saw were WW2 vets, and by and large, they loved to talk about experiences, etc. I would extend those exams as long as possible to just sit and talk. It was great.My dad, on the other hand, is entirely different. He won several awards out of Parris for how he tested. I saw a newspaper article on him and the records he set. He spent time in New Zealand attached to the embassy, but was apparently involved in espionage there. From there, to South Vietnam as an adviser to their armies before the war really escalated. Then to Parris again as a drill sergeant. I am very curious exactly what is there. I own his Garand with bayonet, as well as a lot of his gear (original ruck sack that he took to Pendleton as part of the 1st Div, etc.).

Keep us all informed how it goes. Interested to hear the story if it fills in any holes for you.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

<BR>

<BR>NARA is the correct answer...If you dont get the answers you want going that right, write your state and US Reps and Senators. I wrote mine and got the process expediated, plus all the medals that my cousin was awarded. All this info was instrumental in my putting together a tribute page (still under construction) to honor him and others that served:<BR><BR><A class=bbc_url title="External link" href="http://www.freewebs.com/davidstanford504pir/" rel="nofollow external">LINK</A>good luck

Nice job on the site Freak, love this kind of history and it's disappearing so fast. Not too many of the paratroops left these days. You ever go to one of Bando's get-togethers? Most are in OH or the Midwest but well worth the trip if you have the time and cash I hear, I've never been. Keep meaning to head over to Toccoa when they are all there but always seem to forget it. I had the opportunity to drive over there on a trip to Atlanta a few years back. There isn't a whole heck of a lot of anything there now but heading up Sink's trail still gave me chills. It was a Sunday and Toccoa being what it is, the town was shut down so I didn't have a chance to visit any of the local spots. Really neat to see the mountain, it does literally dominate the landscape for miles to see. Can't imagine running up that thing day-in and day-out.<BR>

yea, I'd love to go to one of those Bando gigs. Hopefully someday. and you are right, there aren't too many of these guys left. 3/504 PIR just lost Chaplain Delbert Kuehl , quite the man.

again Mad Cow, good luck...I've had a lot of fun, met a lot of these great men, and have learned a lot in my quest, hope your's is as bountiful.

I had a rotation in the VA in Columbus in my last year of optometry school, and I have to say I loved it. Most of the patients we saw were WW2 vets, and by and large, they loved to talk about experiences, etc. I would extend those exams as long as possible to just sit and talk. It was great.My dad, on the other hand, is entirely different. He won several awards out of Parris for how he tested. I saw a newspaper article on him and the records he set. He spent time in New Zealand attached to the embassy, but was apparently involved in espionage there. From there, to South Vietnam as an adviser to their armies before the war really escalated. Then to Parris again as a drill sergeant. I am very curious exactly what is there. I own his Garand with bayonet, as well as a lot of his gear (original ruck sack that he took to Pendleton as part of the 1st Div, etc.).

Keep us all informed how it goes. Interested to hear the story if it fills in any holes for you.

agreed

 

[Mad Cow]

Got it all requested today.

 

[Mad Cow]

Got an email yesterday stating that it was underway and that typically they complete their work in about 10 days. Says they process 20,000 requests each week, I believe it was.

 

[beer 30]

Got an email yesterday stating that it was underway and that typically they complete their work in about 10 days. Says they process 20,000 requests each week, I believe it was.

Nice! Obama must have created a few more jobs for the record keepers, always took 3-6 months when I would send something in and it was all done by snail mail. Had one come back asking for additional info after waiting two months. Rounded it up, sent it in and 2 months later got a notice back that they would not release the information to me because I wasn't a relative.

 

[glock]

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Got an email yesterday stating that it was underway and that typically they complete their work in about 10 days. Says they process 20,000 requests each week, I believe it was.

Dont be surprised if you get a letter stating that all records perished in a fire that NARA had back in the 1970's or 80's. This may or may not actually be the case. If you do get this response, I recommend getting in touch with your US Senator and Rep to notch the process up. Tell them you haven't been successful using the normal route and you may get some help. I contacted my Senator, Carl Levin, and he was actually able to locate many records (and sent missing medals that my cousin was awarded) that NARA originally said weren't available. It also helped that he chaired the Senate Armed Forces Committee at the time as well..Continued Good Luck my friend.

 

[Mad Cow]

How do you get anything other than Separation documents? That is all they sent me. Gives virtually no details in terms of his service. I know he was in the USMC for a bit over 9 years and was discharged as E-6 SSgt, but I was hoping for more.

 

[beer 30]

Forgot about the great St. Louis archive fire of 70 Freak, that came up with a few different searches I was involved in. I think that is an easy excuse not to make copies sometimes.

How do you get anything other than Separation documents? That is all they sent me. Gives virtually no details in terms of his service. I know he was in the USMC for a bit over 9 years and was discharged as E-6 SSgt, but I was hoping for more.

You included his service number and/or social security number on form SF180? Those typically unlock the vault when it comes to records. Also, did you request any & all forms associated with his service? Sometimes it helps to spell out exactly what you want.http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/record-request-notice.html

 

[Mad Cow]

Forgot about the great St. Louis archive fire of 70 Freak, that came up with a few different searches I was involved in. I think that is an easy excuse not to make copies sometimes.

How do you get anything other than Separation documents? That is all they sent me. Gives virtually no details in terms of his service. I know he was in the USMC for a bit over 9 years and was discharged as E-6 SSgt, but I was hoping for more.

You included his service number and/or social security number on form SF180? Those typically unlock the vault when it comes to records. Also, did you request any & all forms associated with his service? Sometimes it helps to spell out exactly what you want.http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/record-request-notice.html

Had the SSN, yes. Still only sent 2 separation files in duplicate. I guess i will try to resubmit and in the comments section ask for everything available?

 

[beer 30]

Forgot about the great St. Louis archive fire of 70 Freak, that came up with a few different searches I was involved in. I think that is an easy excuse not to make copies sometimes.

How do you get anything other than Separation documents? That is all they sent me. Gives virtually no details in terms of his service. I know he was in the USMC for a bit over 9 years and was discharged as E-6 SSgt, but I was hoping for more.

You included his service number and/or social security number on form SF180? Those typically unlock the vault when it comes to records. Also, did you request any & all forms associated with his service? Sometimes it helps to spell out exactly what you want.http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/record-request-notice.html

Had the SSN, yes. Still only sent 2 separation files in duplicate. I guess i will try to resubmit and in the comments section ask for everything available?

Yea, not sure it helps but it's worth the price of a stamp to find out. I know on all my requests I've done that and never received just the separation papers. I think a lot of times it depends on who gets the request as well, kinda like calling Direct TV until you get an operator that will make a deal with you. Some do the bare minimum, so go above & beyond. Hoping you get some better feedback

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Forgot about the great St. Louis archive fire of 70 Freak, that came up with a few different searches I was involved in. I think that is an easy excuse not to make copies sometimes.

How do you get anything other than Separation documents? That is all they sent me. Gives virtually no details in terms of his service. I know he was in the USMC for a bit over 9 years and was discharged as E-6 SSgt, but I was hoping for more.

You included his service number and/or social security number on form SF180? Those typically unlock the vault when it comes to records. Also, did you request any & all forms associated with his service? Sometimes it helps to spell out exactly what you want.http://www.archives....est-notice.html

Had the SSN, yes. Still only sent 2 separation files in duplicate. I guess i will try to resubmit and in the comments section ask for everything available?

Seriously, you outta write your Rep or Senator, you'd be surprised how quickly things change. If it were me, that's what I'd do to step up the process. The records Im sure are there, like berr said, it just depends on who gets your request and their mood that day IMO.

 

[Mad Cow]

I will try a resubmit and see what I get. Type I want it all in the comments section and see what that gets me. The problem with the online request form is it defaults to the Separation form or less and there is no set option for everything. You have to be specific in the comments, I guess.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

I will try a resubmit and see what I get. Type I want it all in the comments section and see what that gets me. The problem with the online request form is it defaults to the Separation form or less and there is no set option for everything. You have to be specific in the comments, I guess.

Ok... good luck

 

[Mad Cow]

I will try a resubmit and see what I get. Type I want it all in the comments section and see what that gets me. The problem with the online request form is it defaults to the Separation form or less and there is no set option for everything. You have to be specific in the comments, I guess.

Ok... good luck

Believe me, I will keep the Congressman idea in the back pocket, as well.

 

[beer 30]

I will try a resubmit and see what I get. Type I want it all in the comments section and see what that gets me. The problem with the online request form is it defaults to the Separation form or less and there is no set option for everything. You have to be specific in the comments, I guess.

Sorry MC, thought you had used the snail mail option.http://www.archives.gov/research/order/standard-form-180.pdfI've always printed that off and mailed it in, never used the online service.

 

[Mad Cow]

I will try a resubmit and see what I get. Type I want it all in the comments section and see what that gets me. The problem with the online request form is it defaults to the Separation form or less and there is no set option for everything. You have to be specific in the comments, I guess.

Sorry MC, thought you had used the snail mail option.http://www.archives.gov/research/order/standard-form-180.pdfI've always printed that off and mailed it in, never used the online service.

Do you ask for the OMPF?

 

[beer 30]

I will try a resubmit and see what I get. Type I want it all in the comments section and see what that gets me. The problem with the online request form is it defaults to the Separation form or less and there is no set option for everything. You have to be specific in the comments, I guess.

Sorry MC, thought you had used the snail mail option.http://www.archives.gov/research/order/standard-form-180.pdfI've always printed that off and mailed it in, never used the online service.

Do you ask for the OMPF?

Under OTHER INFORMATION AND/OR DOCUMENTS REQUESTED: Any additional certifications, awards or records that pertain to Smith, John during the time of his enlistment.Might help to fill in the reason for the request even though it is optional. If you are a son trying to research your fathers history it might hit the clerk int he heart and they will go the extra mile for you. Never hurts to try. Freak's method of writing your congressman/senator will also probably help. You pay their salary and lord knows they ain't doing #### in Washington these days. Least they can do is make some ####### copies.

 

[Mad Cow]

I will try a resubmit and see what I get. Type I want it all in the comments section and see what that gets me. The problem with the online request form is it defaults to the Separation form or less and there is no set option for everything. You have to be specific in the comments, I guess.

Sorry MC, thought you had used the snail mail option.http://www.archives.gov/research/order/standard-form-180.pdfI've always printed that off and mailed it in, never used the online service.

Do you ask for the OMPF?

Under OTHER INFORMATION AND/OR DOCUMENTS REQUESTED: Any additional certifications, awards or records that pertain to Smith, John during the time of his enlistment.Might help to fill in the reason for the request even though it is optional. If you are a son trying to research your fathers history it might hit the clerk int he heart and they will go the extra mile for you. Never hurts to try. Freak's method of writing your congressman/senator will also probably help. You pay their salary and lord knows they ain't doing #### in Washington these days. Least they can do is make some ####### copies.

I told them I wanted it all - that my father died when I was young and I wanted to be able to share a part of my dad's life with my children. Hopefully that will make a difference.

 

[Mad Cow]

Got it in the mail today. I have not had a chance to look it over really well, but it is about 20 pages or so, I would say. I saw no mention of his involvement in New Zealand or Vietnam. However, one very interesting note is that I know he was married for a short time in New Zealand and I have a half-brother there and have no knowledge of anything about him. There appears to be a check written to a woman with the the same last name during the time he was there (and there is no one that I know if in his family named that). I am hoping maybe this is his ex-wife. Maybe I can make contact and actually get to know my half-brother? We shall see after I give it a good look-over. Thanks.

 

[beer 30]

Got it in the mail today. I have not had a chance to look it over really well, but it is about 20 pages or so, I would say. I saw no mention of his involvement in New Zealand or Vietnam. However, one very interesting note is that I know he was married for a short time in New Zealand and I have a half-brother there and have no knowledge of anything about him. There appears to be a check written to a woman with the the same last name during the time he was there (and there is no one that I know if in his family named that). I am hoping maybe this is his ex-wife. Maybe I can make contact and actually get to know my half-brother? We shall see after I give it a good look-over. Thanks.

Very cool. These little forays into the rabbit hole always seem to turn up some really interesting stuff.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Got it in the mail today. I have not had a chance to look it over really well, but it is about 20 pages or so, I would say. I saw no mention of his involvement in New Zealand or Vietnam. However, one very interesting note is that I know he was married for a short time in New Zealand and I have a half-brother there and have no knowledge of anything about him. There appears to be a check written to a woman with the the same last name during the time he was there (and there is no one that I know if in his family named that). I am hoping maybe this is his ex-wife. Maybe I can make contact and actually get to know my half-brother? We shall see after I give it a good look-over. Thanks.

Update?

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I finally got enough info to submit for his papers today!

After rummaging through some of his belongings I have a few hundred pictures, money from both japan and the Philippines.

I did find out he was part of this regiment: http://www.b-2-1-196lib.com/httpdocs/Sub_Htms/History-23rd-Infantry.htm

So my grandfather was pretty badass!!!

 

[Gawain]

This is really cool, almost makes me wish I wasn't the last in a long line of shirkers, dodgers and conscientious objectors.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I got the ol records were lost in the fire bit.

VERY EXTREMELY DISAPOINTED.

 

[beer 30]

I got the ol records were lost in the fire bit.

VERY EXTREMELY DISAPOINTED.

Sorry to hear that man Like open a Christmas present to find it is a piece of coal.

There is probably a #### ton of information on the Division. Go the secondary route and start researching that. Again, sorry man, it's very disappointing.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I got the ol records were lost in the fire bit.

VERY EXTREMELY DISAPOINTED.

Sorry to hear that man Like open a Christmas present to find it is a piece of coal.There is probably a #### ton of information on the Division. Go the secondary route and start researching that. Again, sorry man, it's very disappointing.

Thanks, yea, it is a colossal letdown. I've been reading up on the division but unless I find out which specific unit he was in , it's all speculative.

.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I can get a copy of his "final pay voucher" but I'm not sure that will offer me any new info. It costs $25 and I'm driving to the post office to drop it in today.

I'm not giving up. I'm going to try and write the congressmen mentioned in this thread and my local to see if there is any hope of finding anything else out.

Anybody know if the final pay voucher will offer me any new I for that I don't already know from the link I posted on the OP?

I can't help but think some lard ### sitting at his desk playing call of duty handled my request. It just seems like such a quick turn around relative to how long I've read others experiences getting information.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

I got the ol records were lost in the fire bit.

VERY EXTREMELY DISAPOINTED.

Again, I would write your local and US congress persons. I got nowhere on my search back 10 years ago until I wrote to Se. Levin. Got all my cousin's WWII documents that supposedly were lost or burned in "The Fire". Also got a Bronze Star he won posthumously I wasn't aware of.

Sorry, haven't read the whole thread. Did your loved one die or go MIA in combat? I have government resources I can get you in touch with that have helped me tremendously.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Looks like I have all the info required to request duplicates of my grandfathers medals. Oddly enough , his military record isn't necessary.

It's worth a try.

Btw- after they're done tracking down all the former Nazi prison guards across the globe, I'd appreciate it if somebody could just tell me where my grandfather volunteered three years of his life.

I apologize to the families who may have been affected by former Nazi prison guards but I feel better now that I've typed my little entitled rant.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Looks like I have all the info required to request duplicates of my grandfathers medals. Oddly enough , his military record isn't necessary.

It's worth a try.

Btw- after they're done tracking down all the former Nazi prison guards across the globe, I'd appreciate it if somebody could just tell me where my grandfather volunteered three years of his life.

I apologize to the families who may have been affected by former Nazi prison guards but I feel better now that I've typed my little entitled rant.

Have you done a search of veteran organizations that are associated with your grandfather's military unit? They are a great source. Ive made numerous connections regarding my cousin through this route. What unit(s) was he in?

 

[T Bell]

Dwight Eisenhower's record of eating 51 hard boiled eggs in one sitting while they were waiting for the weather to clear for D-Day has never been broken.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Did some snooping.

According to dates from your NARA reference above, looks like most likely your grandfather went right from basic training to Gaudalcanal (Americal landed there in Oct 1942). Americal Division fought mostly in the Phillipines (Gaudalcanal, Leyte). These guys were very badass.

If I have more spare time, I'll try to do some more digging.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Americal Division Vet Assn:

http://americal.org/commo.html

FB page...

https://www.facebook.com/groups/144312422277856/

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Thanks Bronco.

My grandfather was in one of these three infantry divisions. Which one, I am not sure.

I have about 80 letters from the war, which are all in amazing condition. They are letters to my grandmother from my grandfather and her brother. I also have a ton of pictures. I managed to sort them by postage date. I was going to put all the letters in a book with plastic covers but I haven't decided if I should or not. These are after all, personal letters to my grandmother. Nothing crazy but some cool stories like how my grandfather won the shooting contest and his CO was going to throw them a beer party and "it will surly be a hell of a mess". Another letter from her brother says hes in some podunk town where "There aren't a lot of men, but a lot of women, and they know how to treat a man. What happens next is CENSORED. "

I got carried away there but the point is.... I can likely read the letters to get small clues on where he was. As you likely know, they censored the letters so hes not going to be doling out any hard facts or locations. The handful of letters I have read usually have "somewhere in the pacific" scrawled across the top of the page.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Thanks Bronco.

My grandfather was in one of these three infantry divisions. Which one, I am not sure.

I have about 80 letters from the war, which are all in amazing condition. They are letters to my grandmother from my grandfather and her brother. I also have a ton of pictures. I managed to sort them by postage date. I was going to put all the letters in a book with plastic covers but I haven't decided if I should or not. These are after all, personal letters to my grandmother. Nothing crazy but some cool stories like how my grandfather won the shooting contest and his CO was going to throw them a beer party and "it will surly be a hell of a mess". Another letter from her brother says hes in some podunk town where "There aren't a lot of men, but a lot of women, and they know how to treat a man. What happens next is CENSORED. "

I got carried away there but the point is.... I can likely read the letters to get small clues on where he was. As you likely know, they censored the letters so hes not going to be doling out any hard facts or locations. The handful of letters I have read usually have "somewhere in the pacific" scrawled across the top of the page.

If you want a good (although fictionalized) idea of what your Grandfather faced on Guadalcanal, check out the movie "The Thin Red Line". Its about the 23rd Infantry on the island. I've been told the fighting sequences are pretty realistic to the actual.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thin_Red_Line_(1998_film)

If he was in the Americal Division, you can almost rest assured he was in the Solomons and Phillipines.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Yes, he was in/at both of those places. I have his patches from his uniform with the Americal division symbol.

 

[Ned]

Fascinating thread. Thanks for talking about it, mobbin, and hope you find everything you're looking for.

Currently re-watching The Pacific. If you haven't watched, its a fantastic series about the USMC in the pacific during WWII.

 

[Mad Cow]

Got it in the mail today. I have not had a chance to look it over really well, but it is about 20 pages or so, I would say. I saw no mention of his involvement in New Zealand or Vietnam. However, one very interesting note is that I know he was married for a short time in New Zealand and I have a half-brother there and have no knowledge of anything about him. There appears to be a check written to a woman with the the same last name during the time he was there (and there is no one that I know if in his family named that). I am hoping maybe this is his ex-wife. Maybe I can make contact and actually get to know my half-brother? We shall see after I give it a good look-over. Thanks.

Update?

I know I have a half sister somewhere on this earth named Tina but have not been able to track her down. Still need to sit down with a neighbor of mine who can interpret all this for me. Hoping to make something for Father's Day to send to my siblings.