Where can i get a copy of my Grandfathers military service record? I have discussed his service with him in the past but was too young and don't remember all the details. Since then he has passed on and i was hoping i could get a copy to remember him and his service. No one that i know of in my family has a copy. Any help you can give would be appreciated. Thanks

Here is where you should start. National Archives Military Records Center

The forms on this page should get you the info you are looking for.

Request information on all enlistment dates, training, deployments, and anything else you can think of. You basically want his entire file so make sure to ask for everything in it.

One warning. They had a huge fire in 1973 and destroyed most of the Army Air Corps/ Forces and early Air Force records.

Thanks he was in the army during WW2. Assistant tank driver if i recall right and was around Bastonge. Im hoping to find out more thanks for the info.

You will need a copy of the death certificate (available for purchase in Texas via online portal) and the signed authorization. Note - the Govt defines the next of kin narrowly - so ideally get one of your grandfather's children or siblings to sign. Make copies. Sometimes there are multiple offices.

If his service was in WWII then your request is most likely archival in nature. That means you should be good without the death certificate. However a lot of records were lost in a large fire in the 70's so it may be partial or incomplete. Also do you know his service number or have any other info from his service? If so it may help.

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You will need a copy of the death certificate (available for purchase in Texas via online portal) and the signed authorization. Note - the Govt defines the next of kin narrowly - so ideally get one of your grandfather's children or siblings to sign. Make copies. Sometimes there are multiple offices.

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As AEK stated, most WWII records are now open for archival research.

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Who Can Request Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF)
Access depends on the discharge date:

• OMPF Archival record - discharge date of 1954 or prior*
  
  These records are archival and are open to the public.
  
  
  
  
  • Any archival OMPF can be ordered online for a copying fee.
  • See Access to Military Records by the General Public for more details.

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