How to Obtain a Relative's Service Records

Okay, you have known since you were a child that your great-uncle Lou stormed the beaches at Anzio in World War II, but Uncle Lou has been getting on in years and has long since misplaced his military discharge papers and other documents. Veteran’s Day is as good a time as any to start filling in the gaps in the historical record. Here’s how to go about it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Gather as much detail as possible. It may not be enough to know that your great-uncle fought at Anzio. Ideally, you want to learn what division he was with and the approximate dates he saw action. If you can, debrief the person in question, but double-check the facts with other relatives or family friends. It’s extremely rare, but some folks have been known to manufacture their stints in the military out of whole cloth.
2. Obtain your relative’s permission—in writing. Because of privacy regulations, the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requires either the veteran himself or the vet’s legal guardian, to authorize a request for records by fax or regular mail (not by email). If the person in question is deceased, NARA requires the authorization of the legal next of kin.
3. Visit the NARA Web site and download and print a form SF-180, or pick up the form at a local VA center. Along with the veteran’s authorization (or that of his legal guardian or next of kin), this form is where you can list everything you know about your relative’s military service, which will help the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) to locate his documentation.
4. Start waiting. The NPRC processes thousands of applications every week and turnaround time can range from a couple of weeks to a few months. Unless you’re a presidential candidate, you have no choice but to bide your time until the information you requested is located and sent to your home.

Tips & Warnings

• A 1973 fire at NPRC destroyed the records of nearly 20 million servicemen, including 80 percent of army personnel discharged between 1912 and 1960 and 75 percent of Air Force personnel discharged between 1947 and 1964. If your relative’s service falls within these periods, be aware that his records may no longer exist, or may be spottier than usual.