If your relative was discharged, retired, or died in service 62 or more years ago his military personnel records have been transferred to the legal custody of NARA and are referred to as "archival records" and as such are open to the public. The Privacy Act of 1974 does not apply to archival records, therefore, written authorization from the veteran or next-of-kin is not required.

A signed and dated request has to be submitted via mail or fax using the SF-180 form. It takes a while but I've gotten quite a lot of info through the process. For instance, I requested the file of a Lt. Commander (USNA '30) who was lost in 1943. The envelope I eventually received was approximately 3" thick with document copies.

Once they locate the records based on the info you submit on the form they will send you a notice with an invoice for the copying service. When payment is received they will process the order and mail it to you.

To go to the NARA page and download the form, click here: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html

Expect delays due to covid.