National Personnel Records Center by Jack Jines 15 July 1990 ------------------------------------------------ The following is a copy of information that I received via Military Vet's BBS that I thought might be helpful for those needing military records: Subject: Information for all veterans regarding records and requesting records from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. From: Mark S. Camp, Archives Specialist GS-7 DISCLAIMER - This file is intended to be a general information file only. The information which I am providing should in no way be construed to be the exact operating policy of the National Personnel Records Center, or of the National Archives and Records Administration. *********************************************** 1. When requesting military service or medical records, you should make the request on a Standard Form 180. This form can be obtained from the VA and from various veterans' organizations. If you cannot obtain one, leave a message to me either in the Vet's Forum or in EMAIL. Leave me your name and complete mailing address and I will send you the form. When completing the Form 180, complete as much information as possible, AND BE SURE TO SIGN YOUR NAME. The Privacy Act prohibits the release of information without an authorized signature. The address for sending the form is: National Personnel Records Center Military Personnel Records 9700 Page Blvd. St. Louis, Missouri 63132 2. If you request records by means of a letter, be sure to include the following information: Full name (name served under) Date of birth Service number Social Security number Branch of service Dates of service Place of enlistment Place of discharge State specifically what documents you are requesting BE SURE TO SIGN YOUR NAME AND DATE THE LETTER. AUTHORIZED SIGNATURES ON ALL REQUESTS ARE VALID FOR ONE (1) YEAR FROM THE DATE OF THE REQUEST. 3. If you served in a National Guard unit and want records from that period of service, you should request them from the State Adjutant General of the state where your unit was located. NPRC 4. Most vets were issued 2 documents when discharged - a DD-214 and a discharge certificate. Many vets will ask for a copy of their discharge when they really want their DD-214, so be sure to request the proper document. The DD-214 (or its earlier equivalent such as a 553, is the document needed for benefits purposes. 5. Records of deceased vets are issued only to immediate next-of-kin. If you are a next-of-kin, you need to also submit proof of the veteran's death, such as photocopy of the death certificate, as well as stating your relationship to the veteran. 6. If you want dependent medical records, you should send a request to: National Personnel Records Center Civilian Personnel Records 111 Winnebago Street St. Louis, Missouri 63118 Be sure to include the sponsor's service number or SSN as well as the type of treatment (outpatient or inpatient) and the approximate dates of treatment. Requests for records of a dependent who is now over 21 years old requires that person's signature in addition to the signature of the person making the request. X-rays are only released to qualified physicians. 7. You may request you medals and other awards from the center. NPRC issues USN/USMC/USCG/UASF medals. The Army Personnel Center, also at 9700 Page issues Army medals. The Army paperwork is handled by NPRC, but the actual ARMY medals are issued from the supply center in Philadelphia. It could take a few months to receive the medals, especially since the Center receives several thousand requests each month for them. If you only request medals, that is all you will get. Therefore, if you also want copies of citations, meritorious masts (usually not kept as part of the record), ship awards such as the "E" award, you should specifically state that you want any and all medals and other awards. 8. The 1973 fire destroyed 80% of Army records prior to and including the Korean War. Also, Air Force records of vets whose last names begin with A - H were also destroyed. If you are among those vets who served in this period (WWI, WWII, Korea), you should provide as much information as possible when requesting records such as: units served with any hospitalizations places of enlistment and discharge COPIES OF DD-214 and DISCHARGE If you are requesting medals, you should include a copy of your DD-214 which shows the awards you received. This aids greatly in trying to establish your entitlements. 9. As of 14 February 1986, the Center's backlog of requests was at about 30,000 cases. Recent budget limitations have placed a freeze on hiring. Thus, technicians who answer your requests are swamped. Do not be upset if you do not get a response before 4 weeks elapses. 10. Many vets want to file disability, pension, or hospitalization claims with the VA. They make the mistake of writing the Center for medical records. The VA will only re-request the same records from us, even though you provide them with the same records. Therefore, you will speed up the process of your claim by going to the VA first and just letting them request the necessary records. 11. The Center does NOT take telephone requests from individuals due to the Privacy Act. 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴커 � This file appears on The Source of Magic BBS, Ridgefield CT � � 203-431-4687, specializing in genealogy, radio, and writing. � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴켸