As the acquisitions rep for the QuarterCav research team I have fielded several questions about how vets can get records, so I guess it's time to put out some general instructions. The repositories of most interest are in two categories: personal (by name), and unit.

For personal records (such as your DD 214 -- discharge certification) and unit rosters listing yourself and buddies, your source is Military Personnel Records Center, St. Louis: http://www.archives.gov/research_room/vetrecs/. Follow the instructions. If you don't find what you need, your contacts are:

Pearlene Foster (314) 801-0998

Duane Rosburo (314) 801-9026

They are helpful and will give you guidance. Tell them what you need and what you have done to find it. Unit rosters are at troop level. Example: Your troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division, and approximate date. The cost is minimal, but find out what it may be before you commit.

For unit records (such as squadron or higher unit daily logs to help you identify the circumstances in which you were wounded, or an action in which you took part), your source is National Archives, College Park, MD. Send an e-mail to me briefly giving me the circumstances you wish to research and I will put you in touch by e-mail or phone with our contacts at Archives. If you wish, you may contact them directly, but I suggest running it through me so I can advise you on what types of records may help you. The researchers at Archives will also appreciate this approach since, although they are very knowledgeable about the records on hand, they may need some guidance to find what you need quickly. Plan on anywhere from two to ten weeks to get the copies of documents you need. The cost is fifty cents a page, excellent reproductions, mailed to you. Be as accurate as possible in giving me or them the date(s) of action(s).

Good luck.

Bill Haponski 
<bhaponski@earthlink.net>

The military.com web site also provides assistance on obtaining records.