WW2 service records for navy/marines

LandArchSA

Joined: Sep 1, 2021

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1:11p, 3/21/23

AG

Looking for advice on how to find service records for my grandfather and a great uncle who both served in WW2. Grandfather served in 7th Fleet as a second class petty officer but don't know anything else. Great uncle was supposedly a marine raider who fought in Okinawa. His purple heart was handed down to me but without any other info.

AllTheFishes

Joined: Jul 17, 2018

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1:27p, 3/21/23

AG

Request Military Service Records

There are a lot of gaps in what's available due to a large fire that destroyed many of the records. My understanding is that mostly Army and Air Force records were the ones destroyed so hopefully your families records are still available.

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one safe place

Joined: Apr 28, 2022

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5:30p, 3/21/23

Yep, the 1973 fire destroyed a lot of records, including my paternal grandfather's WWI records. My experience with records requests is that they move at a snail's pace, and even that is being generous.

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TRD-Ferguson

Joined: Aug 29, 2002

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12:06p, 3/24/23

AG

Requested my father's WWII and Korean War USMC records several years ago. It does move at a "snail's pace". Took about 8 months to receive his WWII records. Never received his Korean War record.

He was 93 at the time. After years of wanting nothing to do with those memories he asked me to get those records. He wanted his grandkids to know what he had been through.

I was able to create a picture box with his ribbons and medals. Also emailed the current commander of the outfit he had served with and asked if I could purchase a US flag from him that had flown over any location where they were serving. He not only sent me the flag, at no cost, but also a card signed by himself and numerous others. Dad was proud as a peacock!

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