Guidance on Accessing Your Father's World War II Military Records

Accessing your father's World War II military records can be a significant step in understanding his military service and preserving family history. This guide provides comprehensive information on the steps you can take to obtain these valuable documents.

Determining Eligibility

Before proceeding, ensure you have the legal right to access the records. Generally, you must be a direct descendant, such as a child, spouse, parent, or sibling, of the veteran to request access to their military records. This step is essential to facilitate the process and avoid any delays due to eligibility issues.

Gathering Information

To access the records, you will need to gather several key details about your father:

Full name Service number, if known Branch of service Dates of service Date and place of birth

Requesting Records

There are several ways to request military records:

Online

The National Archives offers an online service called eVetRecs for submitting requests electronically. Using eVetRecs is often the fastest method and can be done here.

Mail

You can also request records by mail. Fill out SF-180 and send it to the appropriate address listed on the form. You can download the form from the National Archives website.

Fax

Another method is to fax your request using the information provided on the SF-180. This can be done if you prefer not to mail the form.

Contacting the National Archives

If you encounter issues or need assistance, you can contact the National Archives. They can provide guidance via phone or email. Their contact details can be found on their website.

Waiting for Processing

Processing requests can take time, especially since there was a fire at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in 1973, which damaged many records. Patience is key during this stage as the processing time can vary.

Considering Alternative Sources

If you face challenges obtaining records through the National Archives, consider checking alternate sources:

The Veterans Administration (VA) State or local archives Online databases or genealogy websites that host military records

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to obtain your father's military records from World War II and support your family history research. If you encounter any issues, remember to check alternative sources to ensure you exhaust all possible avenues.

Keywords: World War II military records, National Archives, veterans next of kin