Question for mil folks...

[BigBear]

Is there a way to track down a family members service record?

I am looking for information on my late grandfather.

All I know is that he was in teh US NAvy for WW2. He was a fireman and forward gunner on a frigate.

Unknown name of ship. He did see action and was always hesistant to talk about it... kinda like my dad too... but that's a different story.

Is there any way to figure out what rank he was, how long he served, what he did, etc?

Wish I could serve...grrr...


He was a great man and role model for me, but lived a very non materialistic life so upon his passing, there wasn't a lot of records or anything except for things relating to the farm.

Grandma had some records but they were mostly family heritage/history related but had nothing about her or grandpa...


Sidenote(s):

1. Did you know that one of my ancestors (John Hezekiah "Logie" Baird) helped invent TV? Cool huh?
2. Our ancestral family "clan" held a seat on teh high court of the Scottish Monarchy? Cool huh?
3. Our ancestral family was one of the first settlers to the NC/TN border area by Watagua lake. "Traditional" family home is now the "Baird BnB" by Valle Crucis, NC.
4. Lots of other cool stuff...

[Byte Stryke]

http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/standard-form-180.html

[BigBear]

http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/standard-form-180.html


Thank you. Since I'm not a strict "next of kin" would my dad have to fill this out? Also, (I'm assuming "yes, duh") will they still have records if a guy has been out for 40+ years, etc?

[ghettodub]

I'm a member on ancestry.com if you want me to look on there. I was able to find my grandfather and great-grandfathers mil records on there

[Byte Stryke]

Thank you. Since I'm not a strict "next of kin" would my dad have to fill this out? Also, (I'm assuming "yes, duh") will they still have records if a guy has been out for 40+ years, etc?

For purposes of Death Benefits, Spouse Benefits etc they will have it.
if he was issued a DD214 and it wasn't destroyed in the fire, they have it.

Yes, your father or one of his siblings would have to request it.
All of the questions about Rank, time in service etc are on the documents.

[OneGuy67]

The St. Louis archives as Stuart has posted is the best way to get the official records such as the DD-214 of your grandfather. It does take some time and there may be some problems. They had a fire back in the 70's that destroyed and damaged a number of records.

We use this system to obtain information relating to specific investigations and they have ranged from 4 weeks to 4 months in getting back to us for Vietnam era records.

If you need assistance in reading the DD-214 when you get it, contact one of us here. I have 4 of them now and the form is ever evolving.

[BigBear]

I'm a member on ancestry.com if you want me to look on there. I was able to find my grandfather and great-grandfathers mil records on there

I'll send you a PM!! Thank you!!


For purposes of Death Benefits, Spouse Benefits etc they will have it.
if he was issued a DD214 and it wasn't destroyed in the fire, they have it.

Yes, your father or one of his siblings would have to request it.
All of the questions about Rank, time in service etc are on the documents.

Not interested in benies or anything. I just want the info. I'll ask my dad to start the paperwork then.


The St. Louis archives as Stuart has posted....
When did Byte get a name change? HAHA. [Beer]

[OneGuy67]

When did Byte get a name change? HAHA. [Beer]


Oh Jeez! I'm losing my mind. Byte and Stuart blend for me recently. Still owe both a beer...

[ghettodub]

I'll send you a PM!! Thank you!!




Sounds good. I've been screwing around on there today, so that's good timing

[Scanker19]

I want a 214.......

[BigBear]

Oh Jeez! I'm losing my mind. Byte and Stuart blend for me recently. Still owe both a beer...


Rgr that. I owe a lot of people on here several beers. lol

[ghettodub]

Just sent you a message Bear on what I found. No luck on mil records really tho

[BigBear]

Rgr, recieved the PM. That's a pretty kewl site. It is definitely him. Kinda scary that his SSN was so readily available.....

[jerrymrc]

I want a 214.......

Get back to work Solder. ;)

[Byte Stryke]

The St. Louis archives as Stuart has posted
When did Byte get a name change? HAHA. [Beer]

Oh Jeez! I'm losing my mind. Byte and Stuart blend for me recently. Still owe both a beer...


Beer Hell...

remark like that?

Head er Gut?


[ROFL1]