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How do I obtain my great grandfather's World War II naval records?
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the official repository for federal records, including military personnel files from World War II.
The Military Personnel Records Center in St.
Louis, Missouri, holds over 70 million military personnel records, including those of Navy sailors and officers from World War II.
Individual Deceased Personnel Files (IDPFs) in naval records contain detailed information about a service member's death, as well as the disposition of their remains.
NARA's online research tools, such as the Archival Research Catalog (ARC) and Access to Archival Databases (AAD), can help locate and request military records.
FamilySearch offers a free search engine specifically designed to locate World War II military records by name, branch, and other criteria.
The Selective Service System maintains draft registration records for men born between 1877 and 1959, which can provide additional information for military record searches.
The National Archives Catalog contains digitized records, including photographs, maps, and documents, which can provide context and additional information for military service.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows citizens to request military records, although some information may be redacted or withheld for privacy or national security reasons.
State archives and historical societies may also have military records, including those not held by NARA, such as state militia and National Guard records.
Professional genealogists and researchers can provide assistance in locating and obtaining military records for a fee.
The U.S.
Navy's own records, such as deck logs and war diaries, can provide additional information about a service member's ship and unit during World War II.
The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, has a research center that provides access to military records, unit histories, and other resources related to the war.
The Dwight D.
Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas, maintains a collection of military records and personal papers related to the European Theater of Operations during World War II.
The National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas, has a research center that provides access to military records, unit histories, and other resources related to the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II.
The Naval History and Heritage Command in Washington, D.C., maintains a collection of official Navy histories, including those related to World War II, which can provide context and background information for military service.
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