Any military history buffs?

[jcroach]

My Dad died last week. He was a veteran of the US Army in the early 1950s, right after Korea. I'm trying to piece together his military record. Units he was assigned to, medals he may have won, insignia that may have been on his uniform.

 

Anyone know of good web resources?

[Sir Stewart]

My condolences, J. Here's what my military buff friend says:

 

This link http://www.archives....tary-personnel/ will probably give service record, maybe units assigned to, medals earned. It's through the govt, so there will be red tape and a wait.

 

As far as his uniform and patches/insignia--try to find old pictures of him. If not, then once you have what unit he served in, then try contacting the modern equivalent of that unit for help

[jcroach]

My condolences, J. Here's what my military buff friend says:

 

Thanks. And thanks for the tips. I had a friend suggest that website too. I have his discharge papers, photos and even a yearbook from a base he was assigned to. I'd like to find copies of his unit insignia and medals to buy for my Mom and brother. The real ones have long since been lost.

[jcroach]

Just some information if anyone else is looking for similar information. There was a huge in 1973 at the National Personnel Records Center in Missouri. It destroyed approximately 16-18 million Official Military Personnel Files. 80% of the files for Army personnel discharged between 1912 and 1960 were lost. My Dad was discharged in 1956. I've put a request in, but they may not be able to send me any more than I already have.

[calvino]

Might be a long shot, but you might want to write/call your U.S. Congressman/Senator. They(or least their staff) tend to live for this type of stuff, anyway to help out a perspective voter/constituent. Of course you may want to wait to after the midterm elections. My condolences.

[jcroach]

Might be a long shot, but you might want to write/call your U.S. Congressman/Senator. They(or least their staff) tend to live for this type of stuff, anyway to help out a perspective voter/constituent. Of course you may want to wait to after the midterm elections. My condolences.

 

thanks for the tip. I've actually already thought of this. I have a cousin and an old fraternity brother that work for members of congress. They've both offered to do what they can.