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Archiver > APG > 2008-09 > 1220282385


From: "Kelly Holderbaum" <>
Subject: Re: [APG] Replacement Medals for Deceased WWII Veteran
Date: Mon, 1 Sep 2008 08:19:45 -0700
References: <17685436.528761220112765183.JavaMail.javamailuser@localhost><20080830180314.MOBX20228.hrndva-omta02.mail.rr.com@alvied1d9d9840><BAY112-W24F5AF10C68804B197B799F2620@phx.gbl>
In-Reply-To: <BAY112-W24F5AF10C68804B197B799F2620@phx.gbl>


Marieta,
I have been researching my Grandfather's WWII time also for the past year
and a half. I found I had more documentation than the VA did on him. I was
able to get his medals for my Grandmother. I also had found discrepencies
in his discharge papers. I went through the process of appealing to the
Army Review Boards in St. Louis to get his records corrected and it was
through them that I found additional information on his specific military
actions. They were able to fill in some of the information I was missing
and give a detailed timeline of his service. They are the
Department of the Army
Army Review Boards Agency
Support Division, St. Louis
9700 Page Ave
St. Louis MO 63132-5200
I also researched his unit history, the 513th and 517th Paratroopers, both
have websites and reunions. They were helpful in pointing me in the right
direction to getting the records I needed. I was also able to track down on
of my Grandfather's best buddies in the War and speak with him.
It has taken a long time, but it is worth pursuing it!
Kelly Holderbaum
Norton, OH

On Sat, Aug 30, 2008 at 2:12 PM, MARIETA GRISSOM <>wrote:

> I realize this thread started with Christopher looking for Military Records
> for WWII veteran...
>
> I have been working for 2 years to get replacement medals for my mother's
> brother who was killed in WWII.
>
> This is slightly different from Christopher's request, but I think the
> process NARA is suggesting is probably similar. As my uncle's records were
> destroyed in the St. Louis fire, I had to use his letters, that his mother
> saved, to recreate where he was and when. With my request I sent in a Excel
> spreadsheet very clearly showing dates, return addresses, stationery used,
> and tidbits from letters saying "I arrived here yesterday" types of
> comments. I also sent a copy of his obituary and some other related
> information. I'm assuming that from this information NPRC (National
> Personnel Records Center) in St. Louis, could go back to unit records to
> verify his time, place and medals received.
>
> Fortunately, my mother (90 years old) is alive and able to sign all of my
> requests, since she is a closer relative to him than I. To date, we have
> received most of the medals, just waiting on a few that they said are
> "temporarily out of stock."
>
> My question is, how do I get a copy of the CO's report when he was
> killed--in a plane crash in China, just days before the end of the war? I'm
> seeking more details of the circumstances of his death. Since I have all of
> his letters, someday (after I retire from my day job), his story will become
> a book.
>
> Good luck.
>
> Marieta Grissom
> Indianola, Iowa
> Member Heartland APG
>
>
>

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