Military Research Guide
HONORING THE LIVES AND LEGACIES OF THOSE WHO SERVED IN WWII
Access the Right Archives
This is where to go for different types of records:
- National Archives Records Administration (NARA) – personnel files, unit records (https://www.archives.gov/veterans)
- Fold3 – digitized service records (some free, some subscription) (https://www.fold3.com/)
- State Archives or Veterans Affairs Offices – often have enlistment and discharge documents
Pro tip: Many WWII Army records were destroyed in the 1973 fire—alternate strategies like draft cards, pay records, and hospital indexes may provide details that will help in your search.
Once you’ve gathered family info and understand the types of records you’re looking for, it’s time to go treasure hunting through official sources.
The Big Players
A guide to the best places to search—digitally and physically—and what to expect from each.
- National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) (https://www.archives.gov/veterans)
- What it has: Personnel files (OMPF), unit records, maps, casualty records, draft registrations
- Note: Many Army and Army Air Forces records from WWII were damaged or lost in the 1973 fire
- How to use it: Submit a Standard Form 180 (SF-180) to request records; some can be viewed on-site
- Fold3 (https://www.fold3.com/)
- What it has: Digitized military service records (enlistments, draft cards, pensions, award citations)
- Note: Some collections are free; others require a subscription
- Tips: Teach users how to search by unit or campaign if a name yields too many results
- State Archives and Veteran Affairs Offices (Kentucky Department of Veteran’s Affairs and the Kentucky Department of Library Archives (KDVA and KDLA)
- What they may hold: Enlistment, discharge papers, draft board info, bonus applications, wartime correspondence
- How to use them: Most states offer online request forms or research assistance via phone/email
Kentucky
Contacts:
KDVA: veterans.ky.gov;
1111B Louisville Road,
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-564-9203
KDLA – Visiting the Archives;
502-564-1770
- Specialized Branch Repositories
- Army: U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC)
- Navy & Marine Corps: Naval History and Heritage Command
- Coast Guard: National Maritime Center
Click here to download a chart of the Military Records Research Guide.
How to Make a Request
https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/ompf-access
This is a checklist for submitting requests:
- What you need
- How to complete the SF-180
- Expected wait times and common issues
Click here for a checklist.
Tips for Searching Digitally
Some quick win strategies:
- Try name variations (e.g., Charles W. Smith vs C.W. Smith)
- Search by unit number, ship name, or campaign (e.g., “36th Infantry Italy 1943”)
- Use quotation marks to group terms (e.g., “USS Enterprise”)
Click here for the Tips for Success checklist.
Research and photographs provided by volunteer members of the Calloway County Genealogical and Historical Society.
Contact: cckyghs@gmail.com