Researching U.S. WWII Vets Just Got Easier

This week, the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) opened Official Military Personnel Files (OMPFs) of Army, Army Air Corps, Army Air Forces, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel who were discharged, retired or died in the service prior to 1946. Collectively, these files comprise more than six million records. This is the second step in the progressive opening of the entire paper and microfiche OMPF collection of over 57 million individual files. Additional military personnel records will be made available to the public each year through 2067 until the entire collection is opened.

These archived files are treasured by family members, historians, researchers, and genealogists. Contained in a typical OMPF are documents outlining all elements of military service, including assignments, evaluations, awards and decorations, education and training, demographic information, some medical information and documented disciplinary actions. Some records also contain photographs of the individual and official correspondence concerning military service.

* To view an original record, individuals may visit the NPRC Archival Research Room in St. Louis, MO.
* Telephone is 314-801-0850.
* Research room hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time Tuesday through Friday.
* Visitors are strongly encouraged to call ahead to make reservations.

To obtain copies of records, customers may:

* Write to NPRC at 9700 Page Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63132,
* Fax a request to 314-801-9195, or
* Submit a request through eVetRecs or,
* On a Standard Form 180 .

Information about records available at NPRC is also posted on the National Personnel Records Center Web page.