What would be some reasons that I am unable to locate my father's military records?

Pat McCracken — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 02:22:19 -0400

I have his enlistment papers and discharge papers, but when I do searches for other records, there's nothing. Just wondering if they might be classified?

Response by COL Lee Flemming made Aug 21 at 2016 2:29 AM

COL Lee Flemming — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 02:29:32 -0400

Misfiled or a name misspelling would be the primary reasons. Start trying name variations to see if that helps.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 21 at 2016 2:56 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 02:56:24 -0400

Misspelling might be a problem as noted by Colonel Flemming also the Fire at the records office in St Louis destroyed quite a few Veterans Records. If we can be of any help let us know.

Response by PO1 Tony Holland made Aug 21 at 2016 2:57 AM

PO1 Tony Holland — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 02:57:39 -0400

What service was he in and when?

Response by CW5 Jack Gaudet made Aug 21 at 2016 9:15 AM

CW5 Jack Gaudet — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 09:15:20 -0400

I will echo the fire in St. Louis but you may try to contact DMDC for assistance also

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2016 11:31 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 11:31:48 -0400

I tried to find stuff about my grandfather, fire in St. Louis. Best they could do is tell me where/when he enlisted, that it was the Air Corps, and that he became a Lieutenant, and they have one pay stub. The rest I was kind of able to piece together through other government documents like census and death records.

Response by Pat McCracken made Aug 21 at 2016 4:43 PM

Pat McCracken — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 16:43:01 -0400

Thank you all for your suggestions and advice. It is greatly appreciated.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Aug 21 at 2016 4:49 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 16:49:42 -0400

Pat. I was told about the fire also but a Compressman' assistance wasn't so sure about it. So I have no idea.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2016 9:06 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 21:06:59 -0400

Pat McCracken service records are not classified. I learned this as many Phony Navy SEALs (Stolen Valor) claim this all night and day. Navy SEAL Senior Chief (Ret) Don Shipley exposes these clowns on a daily basis.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Aug 22 at 2016 1:02 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 13:02:52 -0400

Without much background on your father, the St. Louis fire would be my initial guess.