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Hey, thanks to all of you! A great help!

The archives.gov website makes it sound as if it could be quite awhile before we get a response.

But more in-depth reading implies that the veterans who take a really long time to process are those whose records were destroyed on the 6th floor of the big 1973 fire at the St Louis archives, because whatever info is still available must be painstakingly "reconstructed from other records".

And it says that it was basically only Army & Air Force records that were destroyed on that floor. So his Navy records should have survived the fire.

OTOH, he was discharged 72 years ago, but it says that "Records are accessioned into the National Archives, and become archival, 62 years after the service member's separation from the military." And I don't know what the implications of that are ("accessioned"??? "Today's English class assignment: write a sentence using the word 'accessioned'") Does it mean a longer wait time or what?

Think I'll also try some of the other links and pointers to local organizations / govt offices that some of you posted. Thanks again!

Archives.gov will test you patience. I obtained "reconstructed" records for my Great-Uncles. With regard to Uncle Joe Gavin, who was WIA in France late 1944, we had never received any acknowledgment from the government. By virtue of the persistence of my Aunt and Cousin, we finally obtained it 69 years late:

Keep on keepin' on FRiend - the info is out there - you just have to dig.

"I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces guarding our country and our way of life.
I am prepared to give my life in their defense."

OTOH, he was discharged 72 years ago, but it says that "Records are accessioned into the National Archives, and become archival, 62 years after the service member's separation from the military." And I don't know what the implications of that are ("accessioned"??? "Today's English class assignment: write a sentence using the word 'accessioned'") Does it mean a longer wait time or what?

I had to get training from the National Archives on the entire process and I also had a small office there to review nuke records. Anyway, that term means the documents are sent to the National Archives, NARA, in DC or to the additional building, NARA II, in College Park, MD. The records will be placed on a list and Archives personnel there will have to search the shelves for the proper box then go through that box to find the document.

I read “accessioned” as records from the individual services storage locations being brought into the larger collection of the National Archives.

I’d contact your congress critters for assistance. They should also be able to replace any medals or decorations that he received or was entitled to.

The poster who said that DD Form 214 has a black background is correct. Think of a printed b&w negative with the text in white lettering on some of the older ones.

Thank you for his service (from this Air Force retiree).