It took 5 weeks - even with some expediting help from my Senator's local office - but we finally got an eCopy today of my Dad's separation papers from the US Navy!
Only thing is ... there was no DD-214 for him. That's because it turns out there were no DD-214's until 1/1/1950. And he separated from Active Duty Service in July of 1946. (He separated from Reserve Duty in 1952, but DD-214's were only for Active Duty separations at that time).
What we did get was one of the older predecessors to the DD-214's - the NAVPERS-553 - which should do just as well for him getting his 10% Veteran's Discount.
At least, I hope so. I hope nobody says, "Sorry, but my store's policy says here you must provide a DD-214 or else forget a discount".
Nice present to receive today, his 94th Birthday! (My Mom turned 94 in June; she really robbed the cradle, eh? Does 5 months difference qualify her to be a "Cougar"? Or maybe not until she reaches 100 and he's still in the double digits? :-) )
Interesting stuff in there. "CNO-ONI OP-23 F-5" as near as I can tell breaks down as: CNO = "Chief of Naval Operations" ... "ONI" = "Office of Naval Intelligence" ... OP-23F = "Assistant Chief of Foreign Branch" and "5" must be some subsection of OP-23-F.
Very Glad for you and your Family, hope all goes well for whole Family. You are Blessed to still have you Parents with you but sure you realize that. Now go to closes Disabled American Veterans not VA, or American Legion etc and see if your Father is entitled to any other Benefits etc, you might be surprised what He might be entitled to. It will be well worth your time.
Tell your dad this Seabee renders him a hand salute.
THANKS so much for the update. Glad it all worked out. You are so fortunate to still have your Mom and Dad and they are fortunate to have you. God Bless your holidays!
Take him to the DMV and get an ID card/Driver’s license and get a veteran designation on the card. I’m sure they have encountered this situation before and the NAVPERS-553 would suffice.
Print this page, and there should be no problem if he doesn’t want to get an ID card:
https://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/dd-214.html