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jimsbowies · April 15, 2002, 10:27 AM

If you have copies of his discharge papers....Nowadays called the DD214, you'll probably get quicker service if you have your congressman intervene.

Going through the VA will certainly take you at least 9 months and more likely, a year. Also, remember that back in the 70's, there was a major fire at the ST Louis records center and many records were forever lost to fire....

GI's have always been advised to take their discharge papers to their local Clerk of Court and have them registered there. You could check with the county where your relative returned after service and if he did, you'd find his discharge records there as amatter of public record.

Remember that the discharge papers may not reflect the medals and awards issued....in many cases, the soldier was long-since discharged before the award was approved and issued.....in that case, you'll absolutely need copies of his entire military file so that you can search for the orders that accompanied the awards..

How do I know all of this.....??????????? Been there and done that after Vietnam...

April 15, 2002, 10:27 AM	#6
jimsbowies Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2002 Location: Charlotte Posts: 332	use congressional influence If you have copies of his discharge papers....Nowadays called the DD214, you'll probably get quicker service if you have your congressman intervene. Going through the VA will certainly take you at least 9 months and more likely, a year. Also, remember that back in the 70's, there was a major fire at the ST Louis records center and many records were forever lost to fire.... GI's have always been advised to take their discharge papers to their local Clerk of Court and have them registered there. You could check with the county where your relative returned after service and if he did, you'd find his discharge records there as amatter of public record. Remember that the discharge papers may not reflect the medals and awards issued....in many cases, the soldier was long-since discharged before the award was approved and issued.....in that case, you'll absolutely need copies of his entire military file so that you can search for the orders that accompanied the awards.. How do I know all of this.....??????????? Been there and done that after Vietnam...