The largest source of information on World War II veterans is the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) operated by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in St. Louis, MO. Their collection includes billions of pages of information on six acres of shelves. The files include payroll records, medical screening forms, photos, letters, medal citations, and more.

Tragically, a fire in 1973 destroyed millions of documents representing approximately 80% of Army records. Some have been reconstructed from other sources, but many were lost forever. Fortunately, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard records were not damaged.

Here are our suggestions on getting started with your search:

• Order “Research a Veteran Guide.” This free guide from the National World War II Museum tells you how to get copies of World War II veterans' military personnel files. It outlines the types of files that are available, where they are located, and how to get copies. The guide also tells you how to research specific units and ships. Click here for the guide.
  Please note: The web page also has suggestions on how to find information on veterans who never came home, as well as those who did. (Scroll down to the bottom.)
  
  
• Pay someone to do the research for you. The National World War II Museum in New Orleans offers World War II research services. For a fee, expert researchers will comb through military personnel files and other sources that are not easily accessed through the internet to put together your veteran’s WWII service history. Their website outlines the three levels of research services they offer: research services
  
  
• Get online service records. Veterans and next of kin of a deceased veteran can request online service records here: online records
  
  
• Request records via SF180 form. Another option for veterans and next of kin is to complete and mail Standard Form 180 form to one of the addresses listed on the form. It is available online -- SF180 -- or by calling 1-314-801-0800. You may also be able to get the form at your local Veterans Administrative office.
  
  
• Find help online. The NARA and National Personnel Records Center websites have a wealth of information:
  National Archives and Records Administration
  National Personnel Records Center
  
  
• Visit the NARA in St. Louis. Lineal descendent Daniel Accrocco tells us he was able to see his father’s entire personnel file, as well as those of other Marines.
      Address: 1 Archives Dr, St Louis, MO 63138
      Phone: 314-801-0800
  
  
• Visit the NARA in College Park, Maryland. Here Dan found the ships’ deck logs for the vessels his father sailed on, After Action Reports that had details on his unit, and thousands of photographs taken during the Battle of Okinawa.
      Address: 8601 Adelphi Rd, College Park, MD 20740
      Phone: 866-272-6272
  
  

For information on Sixth Division Marines who were killed during the war, the Find a Grave website provides birthdate, date of death, burial location, and other information for these heroes. For many of these Marines, it includes where the Marine was killed, family members, and photos of the Marine, family members, and gravesites.