Seeking Information Re Father's Service in USAAF in WWII

My Father's WWII records were destroyed in the 1973 fire in Saint Louis.  The National Archives was able to provide me with Final Payment Worksheet that has some identifying information but not enough for me to learn more about the details of his service in WWII.  Here is some of the information on that Final Payment Worksheet: 

  • Name, Rank, Serial Number:  Gino A Speca, SGT, #161-31-002
  • Dates of Service:  09/28/42 - 01/20/46
  • Reporting and Discharge Locations:  Pictures indicate he did some training at Fort Sheridan in IL and was discharged at Camp McCoy WI
  • Branch of Service:  Was in Air Corps or US Army Air Force -- may have changed names during his service
  • Unit:  The Final Payment Worksheet indicates he was in the 364th Air Service Group.  However, other research I have completed reveals this unit wasn't established until towards the end of his service -- meaning he may have been in another unit previously.  My research reveals the 364th operated in the Tinian / Siapan theatre and that tracks to what he disclosed.  I believe all of his service was in the Pacific Theatre.  

My father died in 1986, before any of us were able to document his service and he spoke very little about his service.  My objective is create a record of his service and use to inform his grandchildren -- some of who were able to know him and some that weren't born until after he passed away. 

Question:  Any information or direction you can provide to help me learn more about my father's service in WWII is greatly appreciated.  

Parents
  •  

    Thank you for posting your question to History Hub!

    It seems our community has provided good resources for you to consider. In addition to those suggestions, you might want to consider the information below.
    We recommend that you contact the Air Force Historical Research Agency for information about the units that were identified in the morning reports and final payment worksheet.  While these records typically focus more on the unit as a whole rather than on the individual service member, these records may assist with context and a timeline for Gino A.. Speca's service during World War II.  Unit histories and supporting documents of Army Air Force and Air Force units are in the custody of the Air Force Historical Research Agency, 600 Chennault Circle, Building 1405, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL 36112-6424.  These files often include historical reports.  You should call (334) 953-2395 or write to that office for further information concerning these records. The web site is http://www.afhra.af.mil/.
    We invite you to continue the conversation with community members on History Hub, but should you have follow up questions for the staff at Archives II, please email us at archives2reference@nara.gov so that we can assist you further.

    We hope this assists you with your research!

    Sincerely,

    Textual Reference Archives II Branch (RR2RR)
    [RR2RR 
    25-10859-LN]
Reply
  •  

    Thank you for posting your question to History Hub!

    It seems our community has provided good resources for you to consider. In addition to those suggestions, you might want to consider the information below.
    We recommend that you contact the Air Force Historical Research Agency for information about the units that were identified in the morning reports and final payment worksheet.  While these records typically focus more on the unit as a whole rather than on the individual service member, these records may assist with context and a timeline for Gino A.. Speca's service during World War II.  Unit histories and supporting documents of Army Air Force and Air Force units are in the custody of the Air Force Historical Research Agency, 600 Chennault Circle, Building 1405, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL 36112-6424.  These files often include historical reports.  You should call (334) 953-2395 or write to that office for further information concerning these records. The web site is http://www.afhra.af.mil/.
    We invite you to continue the conversation with community members on History Hub, but should you have follow up questions for the staff at Archives II, please email us at archives2reference@nara.gov so that we can assist you further.

    We hope this assists you with your research!

    Sincerely,

    Textual Reference Archives II Branch (RR2RR)
    [RR2RR 
    25-10859-LN]
Children
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