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Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2010 20:47:28 GMT 8
My grandfather recently passed away (Dec 2009) and I was looking to find more information about his time during the war. Does anyone know of a good way to go about this? Thanks!
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Post by chadhill on Sept 2, 2010 22:24:30 GMT 8
Hi jfonda,
Go to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) website and follow their instructions to request an SF 180 form. There are next-of-kin rules for privacy reasons and I don't remember if grandchildren are eligible, however, you can still quote the Freedom-of-Information Act (FOIA) on your request and receive certain information.
Request a copy of his DD-214 (a discharge summary of his service), his 201 File (personnel records) and medical records. There may not be any medical records on file unless he submitted a claim with the VA later on. In 1973, a fire destroyed many of NPRC's personnel (but not medical) records, and you may receive a generic notification that his were destroyed, also. They are continuing to piece together burned records so in that case submit another request quoting the FOIA. Sometimes that "helps" them find things...
You can also check the county courthouse where your grandfather lived after returning home. Veterans were often told to submit copies of their DD-214s there. If he served in the National Guard, the state may have copies, too.
Check with the VA. If he ever filed a claim with them they will have copies of some of his records. Again, you may have to quote the FOIA...visit the nearest office in person and they will be glad to help.
If you know what unit he was in and during what dates, NPRC has "Morning Reports and Unit Rosters" which contain very basic info including casualties (I think). This data wasn't damaged by the 1973 fire. If you are not able to travel to St. Louis there are researchers available for hire. Actually, I think I heard that NPRC will even let you request MRURs online now, but I may be wrong on that. Army unit histories held in Carlisle Barracks have more detailed records. They have a website, too.
Hope this helps you, I did some family history research years ago and this is what route I took. And don't forget internet searches--
Chad Hill
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Post by EXO on Sept 2, 2010 23:06:10 GMT 8
All of what Chad Hill says is correct. He sounds like the voice of experience. Additional to what he says, you will find much about the history of the 161st Parachute Engineer Battalion throughout the 503d PRCT Heritage Bn Website, for the 161st was one of the units which comprised the Regimental Combat Team. I suspect that your using the 'Div' in an internet search might be skewing your results. On 13 September 1944, Company "C" 161st Airborne Engineers joined the 503d PIR with 8 officers and 109 enlisted men. From this time the 503d became known as the 503d Parachute Regimental Combat Team. On the first page of the composite website ( corregidor.org ) you will find a search box. Just type in "161st" and follow your nose. You'll be busy for days! As a fundamental part of the 503d PRCT, the 161st was involved on Corregidor and Negros. Of these, Negros was probably the toughest, although Corregidor was certainly the most noteworthy mission. The primary role of the 161st on Corregidor became the closure of as many caves/tunnels as could be readily demolished. Welcome to our community.
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