Obtaining Military Records

Are you having difficulty locating your Service Medical Records? Many veterans believe their records were "lost in the fire" at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis.

Fact is that the fire did destroy about 80% of the records for ARMY personnel discharged between November 1, 1912 and January 1, 1960, and about 75% of the records for AIR FORCE personnel with surnames from Hubbard through "Z", discharged between September 25, 1947 and January 1, 1964.

The good news is that millions of the records (especially medical records) had been withdrawn from the NPRC and lent to the Veteran Administration prior to the fire.

If you inquiry about your records and are advised that it was probably lost in the fire, you may send photocopies of any documents in your possession. These will be added to the computerized index and filed for permanent retention. In the event a veteran has no records in his/her possession, the essential military service data is available from a number of alternate sources. The VA, for example, maintains records on veterans whose military records were affected by the fire, if the veteran or his/her family filed a claim prior to July 1973. Other sources of service information include various kinds or organizational records such as morning reports, payrolls and military orders. There is also a great deal of information available in records of the State Adjutants General, and other state "veterans service" offices. By using alternative sources of information which are available, NPRC employees can often reconstruct the veterans beginning and ending dates of active service as well as other basic information. From this , NPRC can usually issue NA FORM 13038, Certification of Military Service - which is considered to be the equivalent of a DD Form 214, Report of Separation from Active Duty - for the purpose of establishing eligibility for veterans benefits.

Of course the key to reconstructing military data is to get enough specific information to search the alternate sources. Generally it is helpful to provide the full name used during service, branch of service, approx. dates of service, service number, place of discharge, last unit of assignment and place of entry into service.

In addition to medical records, a veteran and their next of kin should be aware of the location of the veterans discharge and separation papers. Many veterans were never issued their medals and awards. By submitting a Standard Form 180 on-line, you can request records, discharge papers (DD214) as well as medals and awards. 

If you have already submitted a SF 180 to the National Personnel Records Center and have not received a response, remember it can take anywhere from 3 to 18 months! 

There are several telephone numbers to call and inquire on the status of your request:

ARMY: 1-800-318-5298

NAVY: 314-538-3135

AIR FORCE: 314-538-3156

MARINE CORPS: 314-538-3071.