Researching military records?

Anyone have a good suggestion on how/where to research a relative's military records? Something that won't cost a fortune.

I'd like to find out some details about my long deceased Uncle Ralph, and there's nobody left to ask. He was in the Army in WWII, I think I was told once he was in the Rangers, not sure. I know he saw some heavy action. I Googled his name, found his obituary, and found out he was awarded a Bronze Star and a Silver Star, so now I'm itching for details.

All I really know for sure is that whatever he went through turned him into the most severe alcoholic I've ever known, so it must have been heavy.

You can get a copy from the National Archives under the Freedom of Information Act. I'll see if I can find the exact website but a search for military records & FOIA should get you there.

http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/

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If you are a veteran or next-of-kin of a deceased veteran, you may now use vetrecs.archives.gov to order a copy of your military records. For all others, your request is best made using a Standard Form 180. It includes complete instructions for preparing and submitting requests. Please Note: All requests must be in writing, signed and mailed to us at the address shown below.

National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63138

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One thing to be aware of, they lost a ton of records in a bad fire in the 1970s. They may well have your uncle's records but be prepared for bad news.

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Originally Posted by Aloha_Shooter

http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/



One thing to be aware of, they lost a ton of records in a bad fire in the 1970s. They may well have your uncle's records but be prepared for bad news.

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This is the place. It took approx 6 weeks before they were able to locate my dad's info. He served in Korea, but the info they sent me was sparse, compared to what we already had. WW II info might not receive anything but basic enlist-discharge dates.

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Originally Posted by Great-Kazoo

This is the place. It took approx 6 weeks before they were able to locate my dad's info. He served in Korea, but the info they sent me was sparse, compared to what we already had. WW II info might not receive anything but basic enlist-discharge dates.

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Ran in to the same problem for my late father's records (E4 Corporal, 301 Signal Corp, 3rd Army, served under Patton). I have a copy of his discharge paper which was equal to what I was able to find due to the fire Aloha mentioned. Good luck in your search.