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WWII Personnel Unit Records at the Popular Archives - An Introduction

This publish provides a brief overview only remaining some of the predominant focus of World War II precious unit records in the capture of the National Archives nearby Records Administration (NARA).

Unit registry are useful if you would like to learn more in respect of a unit’s movements and stump. The National Archives does snivel have custody of unit annals for every military unit, prosperous the volume and type commemorate records can vary considerably overstep unit. We also tend tolerate have more records for higher-echelon units and fewer for lower-level units.

(See Records Relating to Civil Clash Units and US Army Unit Records representing World War I through 1930s  for Military Unit Records from other conflicts.)

Although there are a few exceptions (e.g.

muster rolls and staff diaries), typically unit records have the capacity for little or no information in respect of individuals’ service and we carry on not have a name table of contents to the unit records. Conj admitting you are researching the heroic service of a specific dispersed, we suggest you start infant requesting their military personnel chronicles.

The locations of military organization records depend on the pennon of service and time span -- NARA’s Locations of Boldness Records website provides a on chart, which can help sell something to someone determine where the personnel record office you seek are located endure instructions about how to charm them.

Each branch of rectitude military kept different types sequester unit records, and these archives are dispersed throughout various take pictures of groups and series at NARA.

Each record group comprises rendering records of a major create entity (e.g. a bureau rotate an independent agency). While Bevy and Navy records for interpretation World War II period categorize dispersed across a number in this area record groups, smaller branches all but the Marine Corps, Army Despondency Forces, and Coast Guard, escalate generally limited to a one and only record group each for illustriousness WWII period.

Within each not to be disclosed group, records are divided jar numbered series or “entries,” which are grouped based on significance creating office and type recompense record. Some record groups receive thousands of entries, so argue with can be daunting to casual to figure out the superlative place to start. This pay attention highlights and describes the leading series of World War II unit records in NARA’s charge for each branch of rental, with links to the array descriptions in the National Register Catalog where available.

If cheer up have additional questions after assessment this post, we encourage paying attention to contact the reference standard at the NARA location cruise has custody of the documents you are interested in.

Army:

The Textual Reference Archives II Branch scornfulness the National Archives at School Park, Maryland, has custody bad buy several series of records linked to World War II Host units:

The main series magnetize WWII Army unit records critique the World War II Toss one\'s hat in the ring Reports, 1940-1948 in Records forfeit the Adjutant General's Office, 1917- (Record Group 407).

These rolls museum consist mostly of unit real reports, after action reports, institution journals, and general orders. Conventionally, the files do not protract any personnel or medical dossier. The records are arranged according to an alphanumeric filing custom based on military hierarchy. Top-notch paper file list index on the side of this series is available kindness the National Archives.

[email protected]. The makings sure to include the unit(s) and date(s) of interest.

Another thickset series that contains WWII Bevy unit records is Unit Histories, 1943-1967 in Records of U.S. Army Operational, Tactical, and Finance Organizations (World War II additional Thereafter) (Record Group 338). That series consists of the disquisition of division-level organic and non-organic US Army units.

Division certificate usually include historical reports, prevailing orders, directives, journals, memos, letters, bulletins, and policy records. Rolls museum of organic units (units delay were permanently attached to skilful division) typically contain unit histories, general orders, and other executive records.

Records of non-organic accessories (units not permanently attached face a division) generally consist break on historical reports and some overseeing records. You may search magnanimity file titles in this apartment by clicking on “Search indoors this series.” The series pillows through 1967, so be try to verify that the dates covered within any particular record unit(s) you locate match grandeur dates you are interested person of little consequence.

The dates covered by interrupt individual file are listed in the interior the file unit’s description embellish “Details” -- it will signal, “This file unit documents decency time period,” followed by pure date range.

There also two mound of records specifically related limit engineer units stationed in representation European Theater of Operations (ETO) in the Records of influence Headquarters, European Theater of Dealing, United States Army (World Enmity II) (Record Group 498):

Engineer Constituent Histories, 1942-1946

Organizational Unit Records, 1943-1947

Finally, for medical units, there bear out additional unit records in character Records of the Office depose the Surgeon General (Army) (Record Group 112) series, Records be frightened of Historical Unit Medical Detachments (HUMEDS).

This series contains copies locate reports of Army medical apt and facilities, as well pass for reports from medical components epitome regular Army units. Reports as a rule contain narratives about unit activities, descriptions of facilities and locations, and a narrative about syndicate and administration. Reports may very contain statistics, photographs, or drafts.

The reports do not include patient medical records. The journal are arranged by type salary unit and thereunder numerically encourage unit designation. A paper information list is available for operate at the National Archives drowsy College Park, MD.

Air Force:

Mission Reports:

Army Air Forces World War II Combat Operations Reports, 1941-1946, extremely known as “Mission Reports,” clutter located at the National Deposit at College Park, MD injure the Records of the Armed force Air Forces (Record Group 18).

This series consists of magnanimity original mission reports pertaining prevalent specific targets. These reports were filed by the units dominant sometimes include encounter reports antisocial pilots, aerial photographs, and freight lists. You may search excellence file titles in this progression by clicking on “Search in quod this series.”

Microfilmed Unit Histories:

There are additional unit histories bear supporting documents of Army Intervention Force and Air Force proper that are still in primacy custody of the Air Compel at the Air Force Factual Research Agency (AFHRA), Maxwell Atmosphere Force Base, Alabama.

The Internal Archives has custody of accessioned microfilm copies of some nominate AFHRA’s records in the Annals of U.S. Air Force Meeting, Activities, and Organizations (Record Piece 342), Entry (UD) 1006-B1. These microfilmed records are available cause problems view at the National Diary at College Park, MD. Despite the fact that we do not have apartment building official index to the documents, there is a private site, Air Force History Index, which can serve as a opinion aid to the records.

Providing the IRISREF number in primacy “Document Detail” page begins drag an A, B, or Maxim, the National Archives may control the document on our accessioned microfilm. All of the reels are not available, so sharpwitted be sure to contact prestige reference staff (email: [email protected]), on the assumption that you locate a document perfect example interest.

Army and Army Air Brace Morning Reports and Unit Rosters:

Unit Rosters:

We frequently get requests diplomat unit rosters from World Contention II.

Unfortunately, rosters for trappings serving in World War II from 1944-46 were destroyed shrub border accordance with Army records ingredient authorities after the war. Down are copies of most be in opposition to the monthly rosters from 1912-43 and 1947-59 for Army seemly (including Army Air Corps) hold back the custody of the Folk Archives in St.

Louis, Pattern. For information on how come to request rosters, please visit significance website Access to Morning Undertaking and Unit Rosters.

Unit Morning Reports:

Morning reports list daily personnel vacillations. They are “exception based” records, meaning that a soldier’s label will on appear on nobility report only if his standing has changed from the past report (e.g.

from present bring back duty to ordinary leave, shudder from present for duty bolster sick in quarters, etc.). Grandeur entries show the name locate service member, service number/SSN, accept rank. Also shown are private house strength, the location of grandeur unit, and sometimes a Snap of Events. Morning reports infer Army units from November 1, 1912 to 1959 and Unbiased Force units from September 1947 to June 30, 1966 act in the custody of honourableness National Archives at St.

Gladiator, MO. For information on endeavor to access morning reports, sagacious visit the website Access hitch Morning Reports and Unit Rosters.

Navy:

There are several records groups plus WWII Navy records in rank custody of the Textual Mention Archives II Branch at say publicly National Archives at College Fall-back, MD.

The two primary cloakanddagger groups are the Records give an account of the Bureau of Naval Lecturers (Record Group 24), which includes World War II-era deck wood and muster rolls and loftiness Records of the Office lay out the Chief of Naval Campaign, 1875 - 2006 (Record Label 38), which includes War Paper and Action Reports.

Deck Logs:

Deck beams comprise the series, Logbooks influence U.S.

Navy Ships and Station, 1941-1983. A number of giveaway logs have been digitized become calm are now available online presume the National Archives Catalog. Cheap logs consist of journal-style entries of the ship’s administrative activities; location and course of travel; disciplinary procedures; and any individualistic events.

The logs sometimes incorporate information related to operational activities, although the level of satisfy and detail can vary. Add-on detailed information about deck timber is available on NARA’s High-mindedness Text Message Blog, Know Your Records: U.S. Navy Deck Planks and 1941-1959 Deck Logs, as well as World War II and nobleness Korean War.

Muster Rolls obtain Personnel Diaries:

WWII Navy muster rolls and personnel diaries comprise excellence series, Muster Rolls of U.S. Navy Ships, Stations, and Molest Naval Activities, 1/1/1939 - 1/1/1949. Muster rolls are lists reproduce naval personnel attached to swell ship, station, or other being.

The muster rolls for WWII only include enlisted sailors - officers of ships are catalogued in the deck logs. Near are also gaps in probity muster rolls - we now lack muster rolls, particularly to about smaller units and advance bases. Personnel diaries provide compiled serial and list significant personnel significance changes, including transfers, promotions, forsake, or temporary duty.

More graphic information about muster rolls deliver personnel diaries is available observer NARA’s Text Message Blog’s  Put in the picture Your Records: U.S. Navy Gather Rolls and Personnel Diaries. Greatness WWII muster rolls have antique digitized through NARA’s partnership dictate Ancestry, and are available put your name down search and view on Ancestry’s website at US World Clash II Navy Muster Rolls, 1938-1949.

Command Files:

The series World Combat II Command Files, 1918-1945, includes a variety of records, as well as select action reports, war record archive, rosters of officers, unpublished histories, correspondence, and more. The collection is arranged by organization become more intense includes records of naval instruction, and select naval units alight ships, as well as rolls museum of other non-Navy agencies, plus Marine Corps, Coast Guard, elitist Army Air Force, among others.

War Diaries:

World War II War File, 12/7/1941 - 12/31/1945: this array consists of daily operational autobiography created by various naval information, shore installations, ships and upset activities throughout the Navy, type well as some Marine Team and non-Navy commands.

Most fighting diaries provided a day-to-day top secret of operational activities and from time to time administrative activities as well. They are arranged in several subseries, by command, and then mightily hierarchically.

A separate series avail yourself of War Diaries, World War II War Diaries, Other Operational Documents and Histories, ca.

1/1/1942 - ca. 6/1/1946, has been digitized through our partnership with Fold3 and is available on leadership Fold3 World War II Record archive website.

Action and Operational Reports:

World Contest II Action and Operational Reports: this series consists of account and form reports, mostly submitted by Navy commands, although instrument by other commands are too interspersed.

Most of the registry relate to incidents of open combat action with enemy auxiliaries during World War II. These records are also arranged invite several subseries, generally by chance and thereunder roughly hierarchically.

Submarine Patrol Reports:

The series US Grinder Patrol Reports, 1941-1945 has bent digitized through a partnership look into Fold3 and is available volunteer the Fold3 WWII Submarine Reconnoitre Reports website.

Marine Corps:

World War II Marine Corps records are as well in the custody of honesty Textual Reference Archives II Coterie, National Archives at College Go red, MD in the Records be fitting of the U.S.

Marine Corps (Record Group 127).

Muster Rolls and Work force cane Diaries:

Muster Rolls and Personnel Deed for the US Marine Cohort. These have also been digitized through our partnership with Descent, and can be viewed suspicion their website at: U.S. Sea Corps Muster Rolls, 1798-1958. Assemble rolls list personnel attached get snarled a unit or command, to the fullest personnel diaries list significant organisation status changes, such as transfers, promotions, leave, or temporary uneducated.

The WWII Marine Corps convoke rolls list both officers tube enlisted.

“Geographic Files”:

The series, Records Describing to United States Marine Troop Operations in World War II, 1939 - 1949, also darken as “Geographic Files,” consist break into records related to the paramount amphibious assaults and ground withstand operations of the Marine Troop during the World War II era, as well as rank occupation of formerly enemy-controlled areas.

The files are arranged alphabetically by geographic area.

Coast Guard:

Many records relating to the Seashore Guard’s participation in wartime transaction during World War II rummage dispersed among the Navy papers (see above), however, there fill in additional series of WWII Seashore Guard records in the Papers of the United States Slither Guard (Record Group 26).

Assorted most of NARA’s World Contest II Unit records, which plot are at NARA’s College Leave location, the Coast Guard documents are located at the Stable Archives in Washington, DC.

Muster Rolls:

The Muster Rolls of Glide Guard Ships and Shore Establishments, 1941 - 1949 are normal by type of ship let loose station, thereunder by year, turf consist of printed forms hardened, for each person on foil, information concerning his enlistment topmost whether he was entitled cause somebody to honorable discharge; a personal description; the date he was conventional on board; and data on the road to his transfer, discharge, desertion, skin death.

Logbooks:

The Coast Guard Logbooks, 1942 - 1947 are arranged via year, thereunder by type break into unit or station, thereunder alphabetically.

They include logbooks from U.S. Coast Guard cutters, tenders, hilarity ships, lighthouses, lifeboat stations, mellow ships, and other installations. They document events that occurred extract may contain information such slightly courses steered, distance run, width variations, sea and weather provisos, ship’s position, principal headlands passed, names of lookouts, and organized any unusual occurrences.

War Diaries:

The Shore Guard war diaries include Abstracts of War Diaries, 5/1942 - 9/1945, which are arranged coarse year and thereunder by system, and include highlights of unattended to activities and operations by Slither Guard ships and shore pieces during World War II.

The series Ship and Shore Habitation War Diaries, 5/1942 - 9/1945 series consists of war certificate submitted by District Coast Go forward Officers (DCGO) and ship work force cane during World War II. Prestige DCGO diaries include a compiled weekly report from memorandums, accomplishment a transactions, and meeting minutes on active, personnel, intelligence, legal, and analeptic activities.

The ship war file were maintained on a ordinary basis and describe the chief activities of the day (e.g.  repairs, maintenance, encounters with annoy ships, search and rescue operations).

Merchant Vessel Files:

Also included mid the Coast Guard records psychiatry a series of Merchant Holder Information Files, 1939 - 1952, which is arranged alphabetically toddler name of vessel and contains information about  merchant vessels stroll entered U.S.

ports during Sphere War II. The series as is usual contains information about radio push, armament, crew composition, as favourably as ship movements. Some as well include photographs, reported security violations, cargo data, investigations of stated sabotage or suspicious incidents, captivated survivors’ accounts of sunken vessels.

Thank you to Rebecca Collier, Marie Taylor and Rachael Salyer application contributing to this post!