1941-1945: World War II
Overview of WWII Records from the National Archives
Starting Points
World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942 - remember that the 4th draft included men who were between ages 45-64 (born 1877-1897) - not all states are indexed yet
World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
World War II Prisoners of War Data File, 12/7/1941 - 11/19/1946 (NARA)
World War II Prisoners of the Japanese File, 2007 Update, ca. 1941 - ca. 1945 (NARA)
State Specific:
Arkansas, First Draft Registration Cards, 1940-1945
Georgia, World War II Draft Registration Cards,1940-1942
Louisiana, First Registration Draft Cards, 1940-1945
Louisiana, Second Registration Draft Cards, compiled 1948-1959
Getting Military Records:
Unlike earlier wars most recent Military Records can be requested for free if you are a spouse, child or sibling of the veteran using the new Veteran's E-Service Record Request but they have a list of requirements you must have:
The veteran's complete name used while in service
Service number
Branch of service
Dates of service
Date and place of birth (especially if the service number is not known).
If you suspect your records may have been involved in the 1973 fire, also include:
Place of discharge
Last unit of assignment
Place of entry into the service, if known.
All requests must be signed and dated by the veteran or next-of-kin.
The National Archives has a database of dead and missing Army & Air Force veterans
He Served But He Never Made It Home
If you have a veteran who served in Korea or WWI who died on foreign soil write for his IDPF File - Individual Deceased Personnel File - directions are here