Originally published in 2006 and selling through three printings, this invaluable guide has been revised and updated for a new edition. In this work, leading military historian and researcher, Jonathan Gawne, explains and shares the techniques he uses to research archives, libraries, veteran associations, and myriad other sources of information to track down wartime careers.
The book provides an overview of the Army in World War II, from the basics up. It goes on to explain how to find information from such sources as discharges, uniforms, paperwork, the National Personnel Records Center, National Archives, other facilities, and what you can expect from veterans organizations (and how to find them). The book also helps you to assemble the data you have collected and piece together the story of your relatives' wartime service.
Detailed appendices also give information on such things as insignia of ranks and branches, listing of common MOS's, a breakdown of each division by sub unit, with a brief history and a listing of their campaigns, a capsule history of each campaign, and a bibliography of useful books on various campaigns and units. Color illustrations of campaign ribbons, decorations, insignia, and rare photos accompany the detailed text.
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Second Edition
The War in a Nutshell
SECTION 1: Introduction to Army Units
Background information on the composition of the
World War II US Army
SECTION 2: Individual Records
The various Army records pertaining to an individual soldier
SECTION 3: Organizational Records
The Army’s records of what a man’s unit did during the war
SECTION 4: Finding Records
Places around the country where you can find records of your soldier’s service
SECTION 5: Introduction to Army Units
Identifying what you may already have and what it can tell you about your relative’s service
APPENDICES
Appendix A: The Infantry and Airborne Divisions in World War II
Appendix B: The Armored and Cavalry Divisions in World War II
Appendix C: Army Groups, Armies, and Corps in World War II
Appendix D: Major Army Commands of World War II
Appendix E: The Army Air Forces in World War II
Appendix F: Vehicle Markings in World War II
Appendix G: The Campaigns of World War II
Appendix H: Official Abbreviations Used in World War II
Appendix I: The Green Books and Select Bibliography
Appendix J: Separation Qualification Record
Appendix K: Concentration Camp “Liberator” Units
Appendix L: Common MOS Definitions
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.