What exactly did he do?

[Avalon]

If this is the wrong kind of question for this forum, mods, please delete with my apologies.

I'm trying to find out what my grandfather's duties were while serving in the U.S. Army during WWII. He died when I was seven, and unfortunately he never got a chance to discuss his military experiences with me (with the exception of him sending me to the kitchen for "KP duty" lol ). I have pictures, but none are notated.

I have the barest of info through researching his dog tags:

• enlisted in 1942
• was listed on paperwork as Private, "Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA "

• component of the Army was "Selectees (Enlisted Men)"

The only other info I have to go on was my grandmother's stories of how he "shot the bazooka". [huh] Sadly, she's gone now as well.

Any ideas? Are there any links in this forum I might've missed?

Thanks, guys, I really appreciate it.

 

[Harp]

Grand GI

Your grandfather may have served as an infantryman.
A discharge form will normally list military occupation specialty,
assigned units, theatre service, awards/decorations.

 

[Avalon]

Any ideas on how I can find out for sure? I really wish I knew more about this part of his life.

 

[Harp]

VA

Unfortunately, most WWII records held by the federal govt
at the national recds ctr in ST Louis, were destroyed in a fire.
If you have some additional documentation, photos, unit insignia,
branch uniform brass discs etc, some pieces of the puzzle can
at least form a partial picture. Admittedly not much to go on,
but at least a start.

 

[Avalon]

Thank you!

 

[Baggers]

Avalon, from what kind of paperwork did you get the few details mentioned in your original post? Is there a title across the top or a form number in real small print along the bottom on either side of the page? The "Warrant Officers - USA" is intriguing.

Cheers!

 

[Avalon]

Avalon, from what kind of paperwork did you get the few details mentioned in your original post? Is there a title across the top or a form number in real small print along the bottom on either side of the page? The "Warrant Officers - USA" is intriguing.

Cheers!

Hi! *waves*

I'm sorry - what I posted was all that I got. No other numbers. If I find any more info, I promise to post it here.

 

[aswatland]

Sounds as if he served as an infantryman.

 

[fortworthgal]

My paternal grandfather was an infantryman with the 9th Division during WWII. He was KIA in November 1944, and is buried in the cemetery at Henri-Chapelle, Belgium. Very little of his information had survived - I had no paperwork, no service number, only a name and a couple of photos from basic training to go on. His wife, my grandmother, had passed on, and the only person who had any information about him (or cared) was my father, and he didn't like to talk about it much as my grandfather died when he was very young, so I felt uncomfortable asking. I only have vague memories of finding the old Western Union telegram to my grandmother in the top of a closet many years ago! It has taken me about 3-4 years but I have finally pieced together his service record entirely on my own. I have also been very fortunate in that a Belgian citizen has adopted my grandfather's grave and now cares for it above the regular maintenance. He provides me with regular photos on Veteran's Day when they hold ceremonies at the cemetery, and when he puts flowers out for special dates. It is very touching that someone who has no connection at all to my family, and who was not even born during WWII, would do such a thing, simply out of gratitude. But, I digress...

The first thing you need to do is fill out a form and mail it off to the National Personnel Records Center. Even though you are a grandchild, you can list yourself as next of kin/relative. Provided the grandfather is deceased, this should not be an issue. It takes a while, but they are very helpful and will mail you the information you requested. This should help:

http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html

If he is interred overseas in a military cemetery, the ABMC will provide a photo of his grave and more information, free of charge. Their website is www.abmc.gov

I also found this website to be invaluable:
http://members.aol.com/dadswar/index.htm

Also, if you have any photos of him you can post or email to me, I or someone else can probably identify his collar insignia and any patches, to get a better idea of where he served.

Good luck! It is an arduous process, but worth it.

 

[Peacoat]

Nice post Fortworthgal. Their memories are soon forgotten if not kept alive. We have lost so many over the years, it is easy to forget and so nice to find someone who cares.