Military Records Research

What we research

We start with your veteran's name, service dates, and any documents you provide. From there we work with federal and service archives when records exist: Official Military Personnel Files at the National Personnel Records Center, unit histories, deck logs, morning reports, award orders, and related holdings at the National Archives. The method follows the era and the branch. Navy and Coast Guard work often turns on deck logs and muster rolls. Army and Army Air Forces work often turns on morning reports and unit records when the personnel file is thin or missing. Later eras may add digital service systems, VA claims files, and other series that survive for that conflict.

We cite the repository, record group, and catalog reference for every finding. If we cannot confirm a fact from a primary or validated secondary source, we leave it unconfirmed and explain why.

When the file was lost in the 1973 fire

Many Army and Army Air Forces personnel files were lost or damaged when the National Personnel Records Center burned in 1973. That is common, and it is not a dead end. Reconstruction takes more time and may not recover every detail. We outline clearly what the surviving records can and cannot confirm before we make any claim.

What you receive

Deliverables depend on scope. A typical research project includes a written report with a timeline, units, campaigns or deployments, and awards, all tied to sources, plus plain language on any gaps. Larger projects may include digitized family papers and a narrative draft for your review. We send a written quote after intake. Nothing is charged through the website.

Common questions

How do I get my relative's military records?

Most families start with an Official Military Personnel File at the National Personnel Records Center when the era supports it. We help you request OMPF and related holdings, interpret what comes back, and rebuild the story from unit and operational records when the personnel file is missing or incomplete.

What if the OMPF was destroyed in the 1973 NPRC fire?

Many Army and Army Air Forces files were lost or damaged in the 1973 fire. That is common, and it is not a dead end. We use morning reports, unit histories, award orders, and other National Archives series to reconstruct service when the OMPF is missing or incomplete.

Can you research Navy deck logs or later-era records?

Yes. For Navy and Coast Guard veterans we routinely work from deck logs, muster rolls, and related ship or station records. For later conflicts we match the research path to the records that survive for that branch and era.

How long does records research take?

NPRC and NARA requests often take weeks to months. We set expectations in your written quote and keep you updated as archives respond.

Need help preserving letters and photos too? See our family archive preservation service or read how we work with families.