5 Replies Latest reply on Aug 7, 2020 8:34 PM by Jo Heinzman

    Seeking my father's World War II records

    Jo Heinzman Wayfarer
    Jo Heinzman Aug 7, 2020 8:34 PM

      Hi, All!  I am searching for my late father's WWII Army records. National Archives in St. Louis said his OMPF was not available due to the 1973 fire. I have his separation document, dog tags, some medals and a few pictures/memorabilia.  I was able to find his Honorable Discharge document and draft registration online at one of the free websites. He grew up in Holt, Missouri (Clinton County) registered for the draft in 1940, was inducted on 2 Feb 1942 at Fort Leavenworth, KS, spent time (basic training?) at Camp Bowie, TX. He was also stationed in New York and was a member of the 156th Infantry. He sailed for Europe on 25 September 1942. He served in England, France, and Belgium. He did share with me that he had served as a guard at an American POW camp, guarding German prisoners. He also worked as a vehicle mechanic. He was a scout (Hon Discharge doc) and was eligible for a Bronze Star (National Archives), neither of which he ever mentioned.  He was discharged on 24 November 1945, and sailed home on the troopship Joseph T. Robinson, docking at Boston in December 1945. I want so much to get more of a connected timeline of his service, and would deeply appreciate any advice. Thanks!

        • Re: Seeking my father's World War II records
          Elliot Schneider Guide
          Elliot Schneider Aug 8, 2020 9:52 AM (in response to Jo Heinzman)

          Jo,

           

          Do you have any other information on your father like a name or DOB, or place of birth.

           

           

          Thanks,

           

          Elliot Schneider

          • Re: Seeking my father's World War II records
            Rebecca Collier Guide
            Rebecca Collier Expert Aug 17, 2020 6:17 PM (in response to Jo Heinzman)

            Dear Ms. Heinzman,

             

            Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!

             

            We searched the National Archives Catalog and located the World War II Operations Reports, 1940-1948 in the Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1917-1981 (Record Group 407) that may include records of the 156th Infantry Regiment during WWII. For access to these records, please contact the National Archives at College Park - Textual Reference (RDT2) via email at archives2reference@nara.gov.

             

            We also located the Official Logbooks of Merchant Vessels, 1942 - 1989 in the Records of the U.S. Coast Guard (Record Group 26) that includes the logbook of the SS Joseph T. Robinson for a voyage ending on January 1, 1946. For access to the logbooks, please contact the National Archives at New York (RE-NY) via email at newyork.archives@nara.gov.

             

            For Army personnel, NARA's National Personnel Records Center will verify the awards to which a veteran is entitled and forward the request with the verification to the appropriate service department for issuance of the medals.  For requesting medals and awards, please use eVetRecs on NARA’s website at https://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/ or complete a GSA Standard Form 180 and send it to NARA's Military Personnel Records, National Personnel Records Center, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO  63138-1002.  Provide as much information as possible in Section II under "other."

             

            Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to guidance received from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), NARA has adjusted its normal operations to balance the need of completing its mission-critical work while also adhering to the recommended social distancing for the safety of NARA staff. As a result of this re-prioritization of activities, you may experience a delay in receiving an initial acknowledgement as well as a substantive response to your reference request from RDT2 and RE-NY. Also, the National Personnel Records Center is is currently only servicing emergency requests and will soon expand its service to include time-sensitive requests from veterans for records needed to secure VA home loan guarantees and employment opportunities. We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and patience.

             

            We hope this is helpful. Best of luck with your family history.

             

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