My father was in the Navy during WW2 -- how can I find out more about where he served & what happened?

Question

He died when I was very little and I know almost nothing about what happened to him during WW2. I do have his Navy ID number somewhere in my papers though...

I have a family reunion coming up and am going to be meeting my long-lost half sister (who was born in my father's previous marriage some 60 years ago) & I would love to be able to share some info with her about our dad!

Thanks for any tips!

Answer 1

If he was in the US Navy, you will request a copy of his records from the Federal Records Center in St. Louis MO.

This article explains all you need. http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/generalin...

Don't expect this to be a really fast process.  Also, many counties in the US published books about the veterans after the war that look a but like a high school yearbook.  It would include information about his service.  Ask your local librarian if your community had such a thing.

Also, check with the register of deeds in your county and ask about recorded copies of DD-214.  Ask for a search to see if dad's was recorded there.  The DD-214 will have much information about his service.

Once you get hold of any of these documents, find an old veteran (preferably an administrative type) to help you interpret what you've found.  Navy-speak can be really confusing.

Answer 2

What you need to do is go to a genealogy librarie and look up his last name.

Answer 3

Which Navy are you referring to? If it was the Royal Navy then try http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/milit... .