Calloway County WWII History
HONORING THE LIVES AND LEGACIES OF THOSE WHO SERVED IN WWII
Presented by the Calloway County Genealogical & Historical Society
Welcome! Whether you’re holding a faded photo, a name in a family Bible, or simply a question no one has answered, you’ve already taken the first step. Tracing the military story of a WWII ancestor isn’t just about dates and documents—it’s about rediscovering courage, service, and sacrifice in the fabric of your family.
This guide was designed by volunteers of the Calloway County Genealogical and Historical Society to help you begin. These resources are intended to give you preliminary, clear steps, trusted resources, and tools to decode the often-complex world of military records. Whether your loved one flew missions over Europe, served on a Pacific destroyer, or supported the war effort from home, their story matters. Let’s find it together—one detail at a time.
Before requesting records or decoding military forms, start where every story begins: with memories, family, and what’s been quietly carried through generations.
Talk to Relatives
Even brief conversations can unearth important details or cherished anecdotes. Click here for a printable Interview Guide.
- “Did they ever talk about where they served?”
- “Did they send any letters or telegrams home?”
- “Do you remember seeing any medals or photos?”
- “What did they do when they came home?”
Tip: Encourage people to record or take notes—the smallest detail (a ship name, a date, a friend’s nickname) could unlock an entire chapter.
Search the House
Create a checklist of items often tucked in drawers or trunks:
- Enlistment or discharge papers
- Military IDs, dog tags, uniforms
- Wartime letters, postcards, telegrams
- Photographs in uniform or with fellow service members
- Campaign medals, citation certificates, service flags
- VFW or Legion membership cards
- Newspaper clippings or obituaries
Click here for the checklist.
Start a Veteran Service Worksheet
Use a simple worksheet or printable chart where you can jot:
- Full name and nickname
- Birth/death dates
- Branch of service and any units/divisions
- Service number, if known
- Where they were stationed or fought
- Stories or phrases the family remembers
Click here for a sample worksheet.
Research and photographs provided by volunteer members of the Calloway County Genealogical and Historical Society.
Contact: cckyghs@gmail.com