How to Find Military Records of Family Members?
Tracing military records of family members can be a challenging task, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. Military records are essential documents that provide valuable information about an individual’s military service, including their personal and military history, achievements, and sometimes even photographs and awards. In this article, we will guide you through the process of finding military records of family members and provide tips on how to overcome common challenges.
Where to Start?
Before you begin searching for military records, gather as much information as possible about the family member you are looking for. You can start by collecting documents and photos that your family member has already given to you or stored away in the attic. Look for items such as:
• Military ID cards
• Service medals and awards
• Uniforms or accessories
• Military personnel file documents (DD Forms)
• Photos taken during service
• News articles and obituaries
• Veteran organization membership cards
• Personal documents, such as passports, naturalization papers, or driver’s licenses
Military Branch Records
Each branch of the military maintains its own records, so you will need to contact the correct branch for the information you’re looking for. The main branches are:
| Branch | National Archives Records Administration (NARA) Custodian |
|---|---|
| Army | National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) |
| Navy | National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) |
| Air Force | National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) |
| Marine Corps | Marine Corps Base Quantico (HQMC) |
| Coast Guard | National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) |
Tips for Finding Records
- Check online resources first. Many military records are now available online through databases such as Fold3, Ancestry, or National Archives databases. You can search these sites by name, date of service, and branch of service.
- Request military service records directly from the military branch or record-keeping agency. Most military records are public records and can be requested by individuals with the individual’s name or the service member’s service number.
- Be patient and persistent. It may take some time to receive a response from the military, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately.
- Pay any applicable fees. In some cases, there may be a fee for searching for or obtaining copies of military records.
- Contact a Veterans’ Service Organization for help with researching military records and benefits.
Navy and Marine Corps Records
For Navy and Marine Corps records, you can search online at the Navy and Marine Corps archives or request records from the NPRC. Additionally, you can check online at Fold3. If you are unable to find records online, contact the NPRC to request records.
Army Records
For Army records, you can search online at the Army Personnel Records or request records from the NPRC. Additionally, you can check online at Fold3. If you are unable to find records online, contact the NPRC to request records**.
Air Force Records
For Air Force records, you can search online at the Air Force Personnel Records or request records from the NPRC. Additionally, you can check online at Fold3. If you are unable to find records online, contact the NPRC to request records**.
Coast Guard Records
For Coast Guard records, you can search online at the Coast Guard Records or request records from the NPRC. Additionally, you can check online at Fold3. If you are unable to find records online, contact the NPRC to request records.
Military Awards and Medals
To research military awards and medals, you can:
• Search online for awards and medal information through websites like Medals.com or Americanmilitarymedals.com
• Check online resources, such as Fold3, for awards and medal information
• Request award and medal information directly from the military branch, or the individual who awarded the medal
• Visit a local veteran organization or library, where veterans’ service records may be kept
Additional Tips and Resources
- Preserve original records, when possible, by obtaining digital copies or transcribing important information.
- Share your research with family members to build a complete family history.
- Contact the military for specific records you may not be able to access through online databases.
- Keep in mind, records may be damaged or lost due to various circumstances.
- For older records, archived copies may be stored elsewhere.
- Newly created records, you may be able to download directly from online.
- Free tools such as Legacy’s Free Formatted List Maker (FLML) for making reports of veterans with various criteria.
- State-level records – also keep in mind you may have records and research within state level also
- State Historical societies and local libraries, there is always chance they keep military records.
- You can also request National Guard and Reserve records from NARA, although be prepared for delays
Conclusion:
Finding military records of family members can be a daunting task, but by following these steps, tips, and resources, you will be well on your way to tracing the history of your family members. Remember to stay persistent, be patient, and have an open mind for various possible locations for your family’s military records. Good luck!
