Is there a way to look up a family members WW2 military records?

PFC Don Jenks — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 10:31:56 -0400

Over the weekend I went to Sampson state park in upstate New York. My grandfather went there when it was a naval training base during ww2. I was able to find his name when he entered service arrived for boot camp and when he left to go to his job training. I wish I could find more on what he did. Unfortunately he passed two years before I was born. Is there records we can find on family members who served during ww2?

Response by LTC Gary Earls made Aug 19 at 2019 10:55 AM

LTC Gary Earls — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 10:55:38 -0400

You may have some difficulties. There was a fire in the World War 2 files years ago at the National Archives in St. Louis. If you don't have his separation papers when he left the military. Check with the county clerk's office where he lived and see if there is a copy on file there. You can also contract your Congressman and request that they attempt to get a copy of his records at St. Louis. St. Louis may brush you off but they listen to Congress offices. :-)

Response by SFC Michael D. made Aug 19 at 2019 2:33 PM

SFC Michael D. — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 14:33:08 -0400

I see these stories of people uniting with old family members all the time. Try getting as many details as you can and Facebook it and see if you can find them with their help. Also if you know what Unit he was in, got to that website and look for contacts. Good luck to you.

Response by SPC Paul Rook made Aug 19 at 2019 4:28 PM

SPC Paul Rook — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 16:28:34 -0400

You should get one of your parents to go online, https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records and as next-of-kin, they can request his military service records. They will mail them to your folks' house. It requires an application and your parent will need to fax it in.

military-service-records