Posted on 07/12/2010 5:06:54 PM PDT by rickdanger
I have an uncle who recently passed away, he told me that during the war he was a paratrooper. I'm guessing 82nd Airborne, can anyone direct me to a website where I could research his service?
Thanks,
RD
Start with his discharge papers...or any paper records of Military Service.
The 101st also was airborne in 1944.
I think there were two airborne divisions in the Pacific during the war as well (11th and 17th?).
http://www.82ndassociation.org/
If he was enlisted you can look him up here:
http://aad.archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=TS14
Scroll down and click on WW-II enlistments. I believe you can search on name w/or w/o state. It will provide you with enlistment info where you may find his service number.
There was also the 11th Airborne, the 13th Airborne, the 17th Airborne and the 101st Airborne.
Bump to check records later.
The person considered to be his closest family can request a copy of his military records. It will take a while to get them but probably will be well worth it. If he never got a replacement set of medals you can get the set of what he was awarded sent to next of kin also.
Unfortunately, most WWII records held at the Military Personnel Records Center in St. Louis were destroyed in the fire of 1973. They may be able to assemble a partial record from other sources.
you need to check if he had a DD-214 in his personal effects. That will give you important information that you can use to research his service. Also check to see if there were any service related personal effects with his estate.
If you can get any information on where he served, you can make some educated guesses on what unit he was in. The 82d Airborne Division served in North Africa, Sicily, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe. The 101st was first in combat in Normandy, then Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe. The 17th Airborne Division served in Southern France, Alsace, Central Europe. The 13th Airborne Division never served as a complete division, but elements were engaged in Europe. The 11th Airborne Division served in the Pacific, primarily the Philippines. In addition to the divisions were the separate units: 509th (Africa and Europe), 503d (Philippines), 555th (Europe). Once you have narrowed down your search, contact the veteran organizations (on the web) and post an inquiry. That should produce a response.
Another route is to request his military records. A number of records were destroyed by fire, but you may get lucky. Google will provide you with the way to do this.
Good luck.
82d Vet
If he ever used any Veteran’s benefits then his record was likely at least partially reconstructed. Worth a try.
Also, the 10th was a training unit in Ft. Riley, KS during the Korean War. (My Dad was part of that unit).
Didin't become 10th "Mountain" until it was re-activated in 1983. (My son was part of that unit. Now he's with with the Big Red One).
My Dad's records burned in the late 40’s early 50’s,,,
He was WIA in ‘43 and spent months in the Army hospital
at Ft.Bliss,,,
He was told there was no record of him being in the Army
when he tried to make a claim in the 50’s,,,
The same thing happened to a friends Dad,,,
IMO the damned gubmint burned that place so they wouldn't
have to pay DAV claims...
I find your thoughts about the fire VERY interesting! Hmmmmm..
Hey there,,,
1 fire I could understand,,,
2 fires make me go mmmmmmm,,,
3 fires make me holler BULLSHIT!!!...
Yeah that makes me say BS also!
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