Is there a website where I can look up my family’s military history?

[teddy12b]

I’ve always wanted to learn more about what my Great Grandpa did in WWI and my Grandpa in WWII.  I have ideas of where they were but I was hoping to find a website where I could look up the information of what exact units they were in and exactly where they were sent during their time in the service.

Anyone know of a website like that?

[mechanic]

ancestry.com has a great many military records, but it is a pay site.  If you have some basic information, you can order their military records.  Do a search engine "request for military records".  There is a sight where you can download and print the forms, along with addresses.  Bear in mind that many WWII records were destroyed in a fire, and have been "reconstructed" as best possible using whatever info is available.

If you know their units, you can use a search engine for  that as well.  Many of the old units have websites where surviving members can correspond.

Also check to see if you have a genealogy research center at your local library or archives.  They usually can help track down the records you seek.

I was able to order the military records for my g-g-grandfather, who was a confederate during the civil war.  I was amazed at the amount of records I rec'd.
Best of luck,

Ben

[mechanic]

Try this link to the national archives.  You can print the request form and sent it to St. Louis.

http://usmilitary.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=usmilitary&cdn=careers&tm=14&gps=84_80_1020_611&f=00&su=p554.12.336.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.archives.gov/facilities/mo/st_louis/military_personnel_records/standard_form_180.html



Ben