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Archiver > NY-IRISH > 2007-05 > 1180421080


From: "MJ Mann" <>
Subject: Re: [NY-IRISH] Military Records...my experience
Date: Tue, 29 May 2007 02:44:40 -0400
References: <757437.68342.qm@web36511.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
In-Reply-To: <757437.68342.qm@web36511.mail.mud.yahoo.com>


Ro,

I'm not an expert, but this is what I have gathered over time.
The records in MO were the 'regular' service files. If someone was
drafted or enlisted; served their time; got an honorable discharge --
their service file wound up in MO, where the fire took place.
Not all records burned, mostly Army.
Now, if a soldier (or vet) received medical services from either a
military hospital (like Walter Reed) or later from a VA
hospital/clinic, etc. Their medical file would have to include at
least some of their service info to establish that they were qualified
to receive treatment. So, their medical files, stored wherever would
have that info.
Also, if the soldier ever applied for or received pension or
disability benefits, again, a copy of his service info would be in
that file. Stored, in yet another place.
Same, if the soldier died and a widow and/or children received benefits.

So, there sometimes are other places to look. But with the volume of
files and the volume of requests, including from living veterans who
NEED info ... it's a massive undertaking.

Just my 2cents,
Maureen

On 5/29/07, Rose Mary A. (McGrath) Neal <> wrote:
> Hopefully my experience will help someone...
>
> The very short version of a long tale.
>
> My dad was in the Army during WWII. He past away in 1982 and had been receiving benefits apparently. When I asked for a copy of his records from the VA man in New York where he lived (I lived in California at the time), I was told there were not any "real" records.
> A few years later when I started to do my fathers family genealogy I wrote to MO and filled out the necessary form. Of course I got a letter back stating his records burned in the fire. I decided for some reason to find a Congressman in my state of North Carolina that fought for veterns rights. I found one and called his office...faxed a release of information form to him with all necessary info. on my dad and within 3 weeks I had my dads records. They were in the state of Mass. for some reason.
>
> Don't give up...just take another avenue.
> Ro

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