Where to find Air Raid Wardens records, MI. 1940's Volunteers to clean up Pearl Harbor?

Question

Doing Genealogy. My father was an A.R.W. in Lansing MI. in the early 40's. In 1944 he volunteered to help clean up in Pearl Harbor. I have an I.D. card issued by the Coast Guard. I have contacted the C.G. and they have no record. Can any one tell me where I could find records for A.R.W. or C.G. Volunteers.

Thanks so much,

Dee

Answer 1

I couldn't find any records.  Have you tried the Michigan Historical Society?

Answer 2

The Library of Michigan in Lansing should have the records. Also, most people don't realize that the Coast Guard is a military branch so it's possible that the National Archives Military Personnel Center in St. Louis MO could have records. The problem is that he was a volunteer and not actually enlisted. So they may or may not have records. There is a phone number on their site where you can call to see if they hold those records. http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/militar...

It's also possible that these records fall under the local Civil Defense unit or Coast Guard Auxillary. I would definitely start with a call to the Archives of Michigan to see if they know the disposition of records from both groups from 1941-1950. Even if they don't hold the records in their center, they should know who does hold them. Being in the same town and county as your father--and being the state capital--it's very likely the records are either held there or in another local facility. They are an arm of the Secretary of State, and they are supposed to know where all Michigan records are stored. It's in a building attached to the Library of Michigan and they hold a directory of each other's holdings. So you should be able to get an answer in one call.

http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160...