Post by Carl W. on Feb 7, 2009 9:31:15 GMT -5
Basic military personnel information can be obtained from the National Archives. They have made over 9 million enlistment records from the WWII era available on an online database.
aad.archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=WR26
You can make a choice between:
- Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938 - 1946
(Enlistment Records)
- Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938 - 1946
(Reserve Corps Records)
By clicking on “search” you will be forwarded to a screen where you can make a fielded search. Usually, just entering the ASN (Army Serial Number) and Name will give you a desired result. Be sure to enter the full name, including the middle initial to narrow down the results. Then click “search”.
The next screen will give you an overview of possible matches to your fielded search. There may be different individuals with a similar name, but by matching other information (like ASN or homestate) you will most likely be able to find the one you’re looking for.
By clicking the icon on the left under “View record” you will be able to display a full record of the soldier, showing other information such as:
Place and date of enlistment
Nativity
Race and citizenship
Education
Civilian occupation etc.
But still, this is all pretty basic. If you like to get copies of your relative’s full army service info, follow the next step:
aad.archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=WR26
You can make a choice between:
- Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938 - 1946
(Enlistment Records)
- Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938 - 1946
(Reserve Corps Records)
By clicking on “search” you will be forwarded to a screen where you can make a fielded search. Usually, just entering the ASN (Army Serial Number) and Name will give you a desired result. Be sure to enter the full name, including the middle initial to narrow down the results. Then click “search”.
The next screen will give you an overview of possible matches to your fielded search. There may be different individuals with a similar name, but by matching other information (like ASN or homestate) you will most likely be able to find the one you’re looking for.
By clicking the icon on the left under “View record” you will be able to display a full record of the soldier, showing other information such as:
Place and date of enlistment
Nativity
Race and citizenship
Education
Civilian occupation etc.
But still, this is all pretty basic. If you like to get copies of your relative’s full army service info, follow the next step: