I have received many requests asking basically the same thing:
"How do I find my Dad's story?" Obviously, it is more
than a few simple steps (especially for those -- the majority
from both World Wars -- whose personnel files were destroyed in
the 1973 fire). But here are the key steps to doing it. Time is the critical
factor. Start now to find one of your Dad's buddies before it is too late.
Step 1: Positively identify his unit (s) to as low a
level as possible.
If he came home, the best source is his discharge paper. If you do not
fine it among his papers, then call the VA (Phone: (800) 827-1000) if he ever
applied for VA benefits.
If he died in the war:
If his body is overseas, obtain grave location and some other information by
calling the American Battle Monuments Commission (703/696-6897) or you can write
them at:
American Battle Monuments Commission
Courthouse Plaza II
2300 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 500
Arlington, VA 22201
Administration Section
Total Army Personnel Command
ATTN: TAPC-ALP-A (FOIA)
DCS Personnel and Logistics
200 Stovall Street
Alexandria, Va 22332-0405
Include a signed statement of your willingness to pay the Freedom of Information Act fees up to $50 for the work involved. The actual cost is probably much less than that in most cases, but they cannot do any work to locate the records without this statement from you.
CAUTION: When you read these files, you are looking at the stark reality of the horror of war and death. These are mortuary and medical records that may be painful for you to read. This will definitely impact you psychologically, whether you are aware of it or not. It might even reach the point where you feel the need for professional spiritual or psychological help in dealing with it. This is perfectly normal, so be prepared for it.
Step 2: Find his outfit's Alumni Association: Remember the airmen were in the Army or Navy. For Army, most Associations are at the Division level. So you need to find out what Division his discharge unit (usually Battalion or Regiment) was in. The best source for doing this is Shelby M. Stanton's book "Order of Battle: U. S. Army World War II" from Presidio Press. Try your local library.
Mail your inquiry and $20 check to:
(Please note, with the monies that are being charged for the services listed above, I am not receiving anything from these people. I am putting this information on my web so you can have a starting place in finding your Dad's information. I have heard from many people that they wished they would have started a lot earlier in gathering information instead of waiting until their father or mother has passed away. Do yourself a favor and start as soon as you can. The men that fought during the Second World War are passing on at an alarming rate. Most all of them are in their 80's and 90's. Korean Veterans are getting up there too. Get the information while you can.)