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Explore Fold3’s Growing Collection of Unit Histories

During times of conflict, the military collects different types of records. One important resource for learning about the military history of your ancestor is the Unit History. Unit Histories usually contain a history of the regiment and may also include maps, daily movements, battles, injuries, and awards. Some histories contain detailed information and photographs of individual soldiers.

A 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center destroyed 16-18 million military files and no duplicates were kept. For many of us trying to research our ancestor’s military history, Unit Histories can provide background information about where your ancestor served, what battles they fought in, and even about their day-to-day life while serving in the Armed Forces.  

We have a growing collection of Unit Histories like one from the 380th Bombardment Group. The 380th (also known as the Flying Circus), was attached to the RAAF and based out of Darwin in Australia for most of its operational career. Their objective was to engage and destroy Japanese strongholds in the Pacific. They fought over New Guinea, the Dutch East Indies, Borneo, the Philippines, Formosa, and Japan. Their attacks on the oil refineries in Balikpapan on Borneo earned them a Distinguished Unit Citation. This record-breaking bombing run required a 17-hour non-stop flight out of Darwin.

881st Air Crew, 500th Bomb Group

The 500th Bomb Group flew combat missions over Japan during WWII. They entered combat with an attack on the submarine pens at Truk in November 1944, followed by the first attacks on Japan several weeks later. The 500th released propaganda leaflets over Japan, copies of which are found in the Unit History. They also participated in food drops to POWs in Japan, China, and Formosa.

On D-Day, the 458th Bomb Group attacked coastal defenses to support the amphibious landings in Normandy. The Unit History of the 458th contains daily diaries of the squadrons with daily remarks of troop movements listing many soldiers individually by name.

Some referred to the 137th Infantry Regiment as “Hollywood Soldiers” because, in April 1942, they were ordered to California for beach defense along the West Coast. While there, they made training films and served as background soldiers for several war movies. This glamorous assignment didn’t last long and before long the 137th began intense training before heading to Europe. They arrived in Normandy about a month after D-Day and fought in the Battle of Saint-Lo, across France, participated in the Battle of the Bulge and endured heavy fighting in Luxembourg and Belgium before advancing east through Germany.

Do you have a Unit History or a military yearbook that belonged to a family member? If so, you can participate in helping us to preserve this important history. Please reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll arrange to digitize your book and return it to you intact. These records will then be available for anyone to view free of charge. Search our collection of Unit Histories and other military records on Fold3 today!

87 Comments

  1. Jo Ann Dick says:

    How is it going with of The War of 1812 Pension records?!

    • Celeste Young says:

      I agree. Been waiting a long time for the Scotts.

    • TIMOTHY D VANCE says:

      You can follow their “progress” at: https://go.fold3.com/1812pensions

      Last January they had completed 74%, through the letter “P.” When I checked on June 7 they had completed 75%, a total of 2,180,393 documents online.

      Today almost 2 months later it remains at 75% completed with 2,180,527 documents online.

      I’ve been sporadically checking on the progress since early 2017; then it was 65% complete. Based upon the last 2 1/2 years, it will take at least another 5 years before all the records are online. Just my luck my War of 1812 ancestors have surnames beginning with R, S and V.

    • Jenny Ashcraft says:

      Hi Jo Ann,

      It has taken a long time and we apologize. I have an ancestor with the last name beginning with “W” and I’m anxious too! We’ve been working with the National Archives and after a delay, we are in the process of imaging again. Each of the files goes through a conservator and it is a very time- consuming process. The good news is that the next batch will be uploaded by mid-August. You might see the remaining files arrive in an order other than alphabetical because we continue to image as we wait for the approval of the conservator. Thank you for your patience. I hope you find something that makes it worth the wait!

  2. Danny says:

    Search capability needs to be vastly improved

  3. Mary Ann Derr says:

    Where are accounts of the “Great White Fleet?”

    • Hunt Lewis says:

      Ms, Derr,

      A lot depends on what you want to know about the Great White Fleet. Much can be found by simply entering Great White Fleet in the Google search block.

      The Hampton Roads Naval Museum on the second floor of Nauticus in downtown Norfolk, Virginia has several files boxes of material and books about the GWF in their reference library. You can go to the museum’s web site https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/hrnm.html. Be sure to search both the Daybook and the Blogs sections of the website. The museum itself will be closed until mid-October because half of the museum is being redone for a major U.S. Navy in Vietnam exhibit.

      I’ll be happy to help you anyway that I can in the interim.

      Hunt Lewis
      Hampton Roads Naval Museum Docent

  4. Don Walker says:

    pfc glen Richard walker Korean conflict

  5. Kerry Meier Dreggors says:

    Records of ww11 and Korea for my father, have been impossible to find.
    William H Meier jr Born New York 1922

    • Linda says:

      If your father was in the army in WWII, his records were destroyed in the fire at the Federal Records Center in St. Louis in 1973. Sadly, it was all the army records that were burned. There were no back-ups.

    • Kerry Dreggors says:

      Thank you, what about Korean War?

    • probably lost in that fire in ST Louis he mentioned records from M -? were lost My dad’s too but if you write them with what you know they might be able to piece it together for you. they did for me. I can’t remember what documentation i had tho. probably just his birth certificate and death certificate.

    • Kerry Dreggors says:

      Adding to post. William H Meier. WW11 Army Air Corp 41-August 45, ,pilot flew all types air craft to forward bases.
      Korea, US Air Force 51-53. Japan Pilot C119. “Green Hornets 61”

    • Bob Scherer says:

      75-80% of Army and Army Air Corps/USAF records were indeed destroyed or damaged in the 1973 fire. However, the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) is reconstructing military personnel files painstakingly restoring burned and water damaged files. They have also reached out to VA offices. for copies of documents they may have. Additionally some medical and finance records were not collocated with the personnel files at the time of the fire. These have been pulled in to the NPRC. Over the last two years I have requested approximately 150 military personnel files. All but 20 have had some documents in them. Several have had over 30 documents in them. Recommend you request the file you are seeking.

    • Kerry Dreggors says:

      Can you help me with how to proceed. Where to send a request?

    • Bob Scherer says:

      Sure. Google NPRC and look for the section on Requesting Military Records. Follow the directions for requesting records.

    • Kerry Dreggors says:

      Thank you

    • Patti Moree says:

      Kerry,
      I was also told my dad’s WWII records were destroyed in the fire at St Louis, but with persistance I have been able to find much of the records. The biggest help came from a researcher I hired to search at the NARA. He was able to find more records at the NARA, but he also told me to contact my US Senator and request my dad’s “complete, original VA file”. Since my dad was provided medical treatment by the VA for years after the war up until his death, the file was rather large.
      The digital copy provided was on a CD. You must use the phrase “complete and original VA file” in your request otherwise they will send a summary which is no help. Evidently this a service the US Senators offices are providing for veterans families. If your mother is still alive, she will have to sign the request papers otherwise you can make the request yourself. You may have to provide a copy of your birth certificate to prove your relationship to your dad.
      Best wishes in your search.
      Patti

    • D P Snell says:

      Try requesting a copy of his final pay voucher from the National Archives Personnel Records center in St. Louis, MO. There is a form to complete and a fee charged.

    • Laura Lee Mills says:

      So while I know they had a fire I sent a letter to them to request copies of all my father and grandfathers military records. They sent me some but said most were burned, but followed up later with a huge yellow envelope that contained them all. Including mission info and declassified orders. Write in a request for records as family you are allowed if they are deceased

  6. WILLIAM BARKER says:

    I’m always a little disappointed at the USER INTERFACE whenever I use Fold3. It sure seems to me that a more “friendly”, or “simplistic” design could be built. I’d be very willing to be a guinea pig for testing it.

  7. Ralph Abrames says:

    Need more Revolutionary & 1812 records.

  8. Chaz Chastain says:

    My father, Franklin S. Chastain landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day. I know he was assigned to the 29th Div, 116 Reg. I believe he was in company A but I can’t find any information on that. Looking for help.

    • Kathy Remisiewicz says:

      Chaz Chastain: My Great-Uncle Stanley Remisiewicz was also part of the 29th Division Infantry, 116th Regiment. Only this year starting research on his service. Note from my aunt from 1989 says: “The 1st Division was on left flank of them. The 4th Division was on right flank. His division was going forward one. The 1st and 4th divisions were protecting the division from the enemy. They landed on Omaha Beach. Uncle Stanley has a book, it’s the history of the 29th Infantry Division. A very interesting book to read, even has pictures. When they had the 25th anniversary of D Day, Walter Cronkite and Gen Eisenhauer were over there, to tell the story. It was on TV and we had seen it. One of the pictures I had seen on TV was soldiers marching to the ship. It was the day before the invasion and I am sure that one of the men marching was Uncle Stanley. I described it to him and he said he is sure it was him also. As he is marching, he had his head turned to the right. I asked him why He said some one called him, so that is why his head is turned.” She also said he won several medals, one was the Bronze Star medal. He was also supposed to have gotten the Silver Star medal, but never received it That is all I have but many books and magazines to read through which I haven’t had time yet for. Internet research is amazing. Will be sending for his war recrords. She also said he won several medals, one was the Bronze Star medal. Both are gone since 1992 and 2003 and just a few relatives of that generation left.

    • Jenny Ashcraft says:

      Hi Chaz, I did a quick search on your father and found a number of Navy muster roll entries. When I searched his Division and Regiment I found them mentioned in the WWII Diaries on the D-Day invasion. Here’s a link to the report: https://www.fold3.com/image/296570245?ann=9aa4af30-b207-11e9-8180-6d534af303fe

  9. Albert A. Nettles says:

    Looking for record of Joseph or William Joseph Nettles military records for War of 1812.

  10. Kathryn Benham says:

    I also find fold 3 difficult to search. I’ve been looking for my grandfather’s WW2 British airforce records. His name was Aubrey Dan Williams. He was in Bomber Command but I can’t get anything from Fold3. Very disappointing ☹️

    • Betsy Miller says:

      British / RAF / Bomber Command records may be better researched on the British side – Fold3 is heavily American records. That said, when I put “bomber command” into the search box on the main page, several collections came up with hits. Perhaps this will help you?

    • Kathryn Benham says:

      Thanks for replying Betsy. I’ll give that another go.

  11. Betty Ann Kane says:

    Were the Army Air Corps WWI records also destroyed in the 1973 fire? Predecessor of the separate Air Force.

  12. James Baker says:

    Have confirmed my father-in-law’s records were destroyed in the 1973 fire. He being Dr. Sylvio Sabatini of NYC, Col, US Army. My research indicates he was at Normandy. Died in service of the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Jackson, MS. Have many of his military records.
    In an effort to replace destroyed records, who do I need to contact?

    • Bob Scherer says:

      Google NPRC and follow the instructions to request and OMPF – Official Military Personnel File.

    • Mike Jaska says:

      James Baker—
      My dad, Ernest H. Jaska, a Korean War Army veteran had his records get burned up in the 1973 fire. I requested his records from the NPRC (that is how I know). I asked my sister, Bridget, keeper of my dad’s files; if she had anything military in his files. She said yes and sent me his Bronze Star citation, a transmittal letter forwarded to him after he left the service with the Bronze Star being sent to him, his DD Form 214, and a few other documents. I promptly made copies and forwarded it to the NPRC asking them to create a document she’ll for him. After all, they were tasked with maintaining the records in perpetuity. At the same time, I inquired about the National Defense Service Ribbon, which I noticed was not in his records. They sent back a reply and told me his National Defense Service Ribbon would be coming under separate cover (from the Armed Forces Heraldry Institute. It came about three weeks later.

  13. Richard Hart says:

    This site is a bit disappointing. I found a record pertaining to my ancestor’s service in the Revolutionary War at a free website, Family Search, and I find nothing about him here. The site is also a bit “clunky” when searching and, for me anyways, seems to generate more frustration than useful results. I did find both a service record and pension application records for another ancestor who served in the War of 1812, but it didn’t help me break through the brick wall that that ancestor still is. Apparently, adding records to the collection is a lengthy ongoing process, and has been for several years. It would be ethical if they would make that known upfront, before you subscribe.

  14. I agree with the people above: This site is NOT user-friendly and even when you finally find the branch of service, there are no records for your ancestor despite knowing about their military service..I can find nothing on this site about the USCG during WWII.

    • Michael T Wilson says:

      Deborah,
      My grandpa was conscripted into the regular Navy after Pearl Habour from the
      US Coast Guard. He served WWII and all of
      Korea. And part of VietNam retireing after 32 yrs. You may want to look at navel records.

  15. Dennis Fulton says:

    A men. Pita. I agree with all above.
    I would like to have my money back.

  16. Cheri Michele Brown says:

    Korean War: I may have been the luckiest person in the USA because I asked at the National Archive About my father’s record. They gave me the email of a researcher that I paid a very reasonable fee to and within 2 weeks I had 123 original Marine military pages on my Dad. I learned he fought at Inchon and Chosin. Frozen Chosen! There was a wealth of information! Semper Fi!

    • Pat says:

      The Navy and Marine records were mostly unaffected by the fire.

    • Kerry Dreggors says:

      I understand you may be a researcher. If so maybe you could help me with my fathers records.
      Please reply
      Kerry Dreggors

    • Annie K. Harrison says:

      Interested in your researcher. Have my fathers’ records. He served in the same area. Name was SFC. Leland E. Harrison, Louisville, MS. He was also a paratrooper. He was wounded trying to save a 2nd mans’ life & in the original MASH UNIT. Given 10% DIS for 10 mths. Injuries were to shoulder, back, hearing, etc. He got nothing. Died young. VA treated him horribly. Mom is 89. Raised us from kids!! We deserve our schooling, his DIS dating back to ‘52, and spousal support for Mom. I’m DIS caring for my mom with no help and no vacation for 16 + years!!!
      TRUTH is in the lines I’ve read!!!

    • Bob Scherer says:

      Hello Cherie,

      I’m very happy for you in receiving that wealth of information on your father. I had responded to a lady who had applied for records, paid for them and was then told all the records on her veterans were gone. She received no reimbursement. I’m curious about your experience with NPRC. I was told by someone at NPRC that a file with five documents or less cost $25.00. A file with dix or more documents was a flat $70.00 not matter how big the file. What was your experience in price? Did you have to pay up front? Thanks, Your answers will help me help many other people.

  17. MKava says:

    When he got out of the Air Force, my husband was told that his records were destroyed as well in the Fire. It was recommended that he take his DD214 and any other documents he had and file them with our local country records in case items would be needed for future references. If others did this it may be a way to find some records.

  18. Chuck Nettleship says:

    I have a book on the history of the 118th Infantry NY “Adirondack” Regiment if interest.

  19. Antoinette Munford says:

    What about the US Cavalry? My father served in the 12th Cavalry in Brownsville, TX around 1919-1923. I inquired several years ago and was told those records were destroyed in a fire.

    • Bob Scherer says:

      Unit records were unaffected by the 1973 fire in St Louis. They are maintained at Archives II in College Park, MD.

  20. Mike Wilson says:

    Fold3 site is not user-friendly. I am a subscriber. I have found more useful information about my ancestors on free sites.

  21. E. Hobbs says:

    I would like to find the U. S. Army muster rolls from the period of the Philippine Insurrection and Boxer Rebellion. I have the muster roll numbers pertaining to my grandfather’s service, but not the roll documents themselves. I have asked Fold3 where I might find them, but received no reply.

    • Bob Scherer says:

      I’m not knowledgeable about USA muster rolls from that period. I do know that all personnel records of individuals separating prior to 1912 are maintained at Archives I in Washington, DC.

  22. Missy Watkins says:

    The 228th Signal Operations Corp, Fort Lewis Washington. WW2 . Corp. Harvey Lee Goff /POW
    It is very difficult to find much if any on the 228th.. what it does say.. is only in General.. basis for everything! DNA from US Army @ Fort Knox had my mother and I tested, incasebof finding his remains..
    Any info or recommendation would be amazing! There is No Picture.. nothing! Like he feel off the face of the Earth! Besides on the other side of the Earth…
    Thank you!

  23. My dad originally got enlisted in the August 1901 U.S. organized Philippine Constabulary (PC) (The equivalent of the U.S. NATIONAL Guard) from 1927 till his “Death-in-line-of-duty (DILOD) on March 25, 1945 in the still U.S. COMMONWESLTH-Philippines. Dramatically sad I cannot find the Philippine CONSTABULARY (PC) Records Depository or Museum Rercords. As a U.S
    National, at that with, at least, an “Expedited” Citizenship. Under Sections 303 & 324 of October 14, 1940 Act. Treacherously Umconscionable he was not fully and equally paid and most of all his 18 YEARS of Miltary that ended with his “Death in Service” is NOT deemed “ACTIVE” Service. See Pfc. Enrique Hapa Entines – HE FILE # XCSS-06-380-570. Thank you very much

  24. Liza Macklem Gervais says:

    My grandfather, Russell Herman Macklem, was born in Ontario, Canada, but signed up for WWI as part of the US contingency. The only proof I have of this is a family story and the Headstone Application for Military Veterans that my grandmother filed after his death. A copy was posted on Ancestry which is where I came across it. He died before I was born.

    How can I find out more about my grandfather?
    Russell Herman Macklem
    30 Sep 1897 – 21 Mar 1959
    Served 28 Sep 1917 – 4 Jun 1919
    Grade: Mess Sgt
    Unit: Company B 25th Engineers, Engineering Corps

    Thanks for any help!

    Liza (Macklem) Gervais

  25. S,B, Sanford says:

    Anyone have a source for the following book.

    Good Soldiers : The History of the 353rd Infantry Regiment, 89th Infantry Division by Richard P. Matthews

    ISBN: 0974891606 ISBN13: 9780974891606

    Thank you.

  26. Barbara A. Bergstrom says:

    I’m looking for a solder that family said served during the Battle of the Bulge but I can’t see where he served during that time. The solder’s name is Paul Franklin Britton.

    • Jenny Ashcraft says:

      Barbara, a quick name search for Paul F. Britton results in three entries for WWII Army Enlistment Records under that same name. If you know his birthdate you can narrow it down. This document also provides his service number which can allow further research. Good luck!

  27. Jane Williams says:

    Wish I could get my money back—this site is a disappointment. Just draft registration cards for family members who served exemplary military roles in WWII and one who was gassed in WWI. Officers all of. Thank goodness for newspaper clippings which DO list their ranks, promotions and photos along with brief mentions of where they trained across America.

  28. Patti Moree says:

    Regarding researching WWII records: if the unit you are researching has a museum it may be worthwhile to contact that museum. I volunteered at the 45th Infantry Division museum in Oklahoma City, OK helping the historian digitize the museum’s WWII records. My dad’s unit, the 106th AAA AW Bn self-propelled was attached to the 45th throughout the European theater from Sicily until the end of the war with the exception of a brief period.
    The 45th was responsible for liberating the large Dachau concentration camp.
    The digitized records from the museum archives were available on a CD .
    Best wishes in your searches.

  29. Larry Kritis says:

    I am looking for the unit records of the 124th Field Artillery (33rd Illinois Division) of World War I. The NARA website say they have them but not where they are located. Is College Park, MD the location or are they in St. Louis?

  30. Shelley Neal says:

    My Papa passed in 2016, I received documents of his tour of duty during WW II. With the 1973 fire could his documents fill in gaps? He was in the 71 st Wire Patrol. Austria, France, and Germany. 1943-45 I think.

  31. Larry Kritis says:

    Bob, yes in College Park or yes in St. Louis?

  32. Beth Walsh says:

    I am researching the 309 Ammo train in WWI. My grandfather, Richard J Walsh of Chicago served in this unit. He suffered PTSD for decades afyer

  33. Robert Farney says:

    I’m looking for service records for Dennis Farney who stated on US census records he serviced in the NY 69th Infantry or National Guard during or after Cibil War. We have his uniform which confirms this. I can’t find any service records in the Ad General 1861-1867 annual reports though or in Soldiers and Sailors database. Professional researchers throw up their hands. Any suggestions?

  34. Robert Reeves Turbyfill says:

    Sounds like the T’s are a long way off.

  35. Darlene Dunn says:

    I am excited to learn of a new site to find information of ancestors. Millions of men and women served their country in the armed services. It must be an arduous task, to say the least to process every document. We are in a society of people who want to find information YESTERDAY. I have been researching my ancestors dating back to the 1600’s for almost 2 years so I would like to find information immediately. However, realistically, that is impossible. I served my country for 8-1/2 years and I feel very strongly about giving the dedicated men and women working on this project a break. Put yourself in their shoes. I appreciate and commend all of the people for their hard work.

    • Tim Vance says:

      Pretty snarky comment: “We are in a society of people who want to find information YESTERDAY.”

      You have no idea the patience or impatience of anyone commenting here. I have been researching for 38 years, and I’m sure many commenters here have been reseaching for decades, too. We understand want patience means.

      The reality is that the scanning of War of 1812 documents, for example, has been slow (10% increase in 2 1/2 years, with 25% still to go). I don’t blame the professionals who are doing the “arduous” work. I, too, commend them for their hard work.

      However, there could and should be better communication about how long the documentation will take. For example, we all know that we will not see the 1950 Federal Census until 2022. We thus adjust our expectations accordingly.

      The people responsible for updating the progress of the War of 1812 documentation could and should do the same. Communicate to researchers how much progress we should see each year and the approximate year when War of 1812 documentation will be completed. That is a reasonable request.

    • Patti Moree says:

      I have helped with digitizing Unit archives. It took 2 years to digitize just the histories and daily action reports which included a few very large maps or photos. An archivist is still digitizing photos 3 years later.
      So much of a timeline depends on how many boxes, folders, scrapbooks, etc. are in the individual archives, and how well organized the articles were to begin with. Repositories receive lots of contributions from people’s estates which are rarely organized, or digitized.
      Many repositories don’t have the personnel to keep up with the thousands of requests for records because many repositories are Government funded.

      One other possible place to contact for those who know little of the father’s/grandfather’s military career is the county courthouse in the father’s/grandfather’s hometown. After WWII, soldiers were required to file a copy of their discharge papers with the county courthouse where they lived. I think this may have been a requirement of the GI BILL. My dad filed his discharge papers in his hometown and the next 3 or 4 places we lived. He went to college on the GI BILL, and received medical care from the VA the rest of his life. The discharge papers contain the serial number of the soldier, his enlistment and discharge dates, the battles the soldier was in (for the most part), and other information that should be helpful in research.

  36. Patricia Simpson Harris says:

    Did the Marine records get destroyed in the 1973 fire? My father, James Albert Simpson, served from July 1941 through June 1964. I have not been able to find anything but his death date which was September 23, 2005. Any help would be appreciated.

    • Bob Scherer says:

      Patricia,
      Very very few Marine records were damaged. Your Dad’s records should be in good shape. Have you requested them from the National Personnel Records Center? Your Mom, or you if she is deceased, would need to request them as Next Of Kin since your Dad separated in 1964. All records of military personnel who separated less than 62 years ago are not public record and are only available to the individual or NOK if the individual has died. Google the National Personnel Records Center and follow the instructions for requesting records. You would need to submit a death certificate. It should cost you $70.00.

  37. Ted Weaver says:

    I plan on searching the Soldier accounts of WW I at Carlile Barracks at some point. Will these be on your site? I have started writing a unit history of my grandfather’s unit in WWI. I need to see if any of these vets sent in their accounts in order to be complete.

  38. Dene Dampier says:

    I recently received information, from a newpaper article, that my biological father was in the Coast Guard in 1949, stationed in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. There are several people listed with the same name. Is there a way to find out who served in Manitowoc in 1949?

  39. HA(L) 3 Seawolves, U S Navy Helicopter gunships Vietnam War. Squadron was commissioned and de-commissioned , never been done before. Highest decorated squadron in Vietnam War. US Congressional Resolution 111th Congress 2nd Session, House Resolution 1228. New documentary being shown currently across the US on PBS, SCRAMBLE THE SEAWOLVES.

  40. I sent and paid for what was left of my father in laws WWll records who was in the army. After weeks I received a letter saying sorry there were no records left. None that were even being reproduced. Was very sad to pay that fee and get nothing! Would love to know his war history as he didnt talk about it.

    • Bob Scherer says:

      Beth, my understanding is that you should not have been charged if no records were found. I’ve been told that if a record contains 5 documents or less, the cost is $25.00. Six or more documents cost $70 no matter how many documents are there. I was told that they do not charge you until after they’ve retrieved the record and seen what’s there. Was that not your experience?

  41. Forrest Wolferd Jr says:

    Does anyone have information about the 357th FIS from Westover AFB, MA during the 1957-1958 time period overseas? Thanks Cal

  42. Stacey says:

    My grandmother served in the Women’s Army Corps during WWII and spent much of her time deployed to a base in New Guinea. I would love to have more information about her unit’s activities and responsibilities there. Does anyone know if the WAC records were destroyed in the 1973 fire? Any advice on where to begin my investigation? Thanks!

    • Bob Scherer says:

      Stacey,
      WAC records are Army records and are in the same state as other Soldier’s records. Go to the NPRC website and follow the directions for requesting personnel records. If you know the unit to which she was assigned in New Guinea, those records can be found in College Park, MD.

  43. Pat (nee Gould) Cockrell says:

    My father served as a rifleman in WWII. He died in 1960, and my mother received VA benefits for his minor children. Is it possible that some of his records still exist with the VA since he died before 1973? If so, where would I find them?

    • Patti Moree says:

      A researcher I hired to search for my dad’s Army records at the NARA, after finding what he could, told me to contact my US Senator and request my dad’s “complete, original VA file”. Since my dad was provided medical treatment by the VA for years after the war up until his death, the file was rather large.
      The digital copy provided was on a CD. You must use the phrase “complete and original VA file” in your request otherwise they will send a summary which is no help. Evidently this a service the US Senators offices are providing for veterans families. If your mother is still alive, she will have to sign the request papers otherwise you can make the request yourself. You may have to provide a copy of your birth certificate to prove your relationship to your dad.
      Best wishes in your search.
      Patti

    • Bob Scherer says:

      Pat,
      It is possible. Check with your state VA office and then go to the NPRC website and read about requesting records.

  44. James Bourne says:

    About 15 years ago, my wife’s father who was a WWII veteran became ill and we started a process to find his service records from the North African, Sicilian and Italian campaigns. The request to the Kansas City archives revealed that all of his service records were also destroyed in the 1973 fire. The representative I talked to about this issue suggested that Army pay records which were kept in another location were still available but had not been digitized at that time and until they were the process to get them would be a monumental task. The representative indicated that the conversion of the pay records would eventually happen over time. My wife’s father passed away 6 years ago and we have been occupied taking care of her mom during this time. Neither have we kept up with any progress that may have taken place with record recovery over these years. If anyone has any suggestions or updates about record recovery for WWII veterans, we would be happy to have the information. We have all of her father’s Army enlistment and discharge information including the last unit he was active in before coming home. Thanks in advance for any help available.