How can I look up a honorably discharged soldier's records?

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 19:55:11 -0500

I just found out two of my grandpa's brothers served and I'm interested to see where, what they did etc. Nobody in my family knows anything, so I was wondering if there is some sort of database that I have access to where I can get a snapshot of what they did.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Feb 14 at 2016 7:57 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 19:57:40 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member may be able to help here.

Response by MAJ David Wallace made Feb 14 at 2016 8:46 PM

MAJ David Wallace — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 20:46:21 -0500

If you have some basic information for each of them, you can go on to the va.gov website and request a search for each Soldier's records by filling out a form available online. You, or someone designated as the "next of kin" will have to sign the form and mail it in to the National Archives. Several weeks later you may get a packet with your family member's service record. I did this for my grandfather and father-in-law who both served in the Navy during World War II. I got more information on my grandfather than my father-in-law. Some of the info wasn't that interesting but some of it was pure gold. I'd highly recommend going through the Veterans Affairs website and sites like Ancestry.com. Also look for service era and unit specific message boards on Facebook and online. You may be able to connect with people that your ancestors actually served with to find out more about them. If you're lucky, your efforts will pay off.

I found out that my great uncle died on the USS Morrison off the coast of Okinawa after his ship was hit by 5 kamikaze planes. He died at his post, manning a 20mm anti-aircraft gun. I actually connected with one of his shipmates who remembered Uncle Gil and told me the story of how he died. A tragic story, but one that deserves to be remembered and passed on.

I wish you the best of luck in your search for your family's past.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 15 at 2016 1:26 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 01:26:05 -0500

NationalArchives.com. ? standard form 180/184. Wait, after 6 months, file again. They have been really responsive to my queries. I received Form 20s for myself and both brothers.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 15 at 2016 10:42 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 10:42:16 -0500

Is this a habit?

Response by CPL Dan McCready made Feb 16 at 2016 5:40 AM

CPL Dan McCready — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 05:40:52 -0500

If they lived in the same community as you did, try to check at the county courthouse, they may have his records. I know my grandfathers are at the courthouse here, and if you go all you have to do is fill out a request form that takes about 2 minutes and they can give you a copy of them.