The Challenge of World War II Military Research and Records

For many of us, the story of a World War II veteran— whether a parent, a grandparent, an uncle, or an aunt—is a significant and moving chapter in our family history. But the search for details can often be frustrating and discouraging. We know they served, but finding the records that bring their story to life can feel like searching for a needle in a historical haystack.

The biggest roadblock is the catastrophic fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO, in 1973, which destroyed millions of Official Military Personnel Files. By necessity, genealogists have learned to search other ways to reconstruct their ancestor’s records. Some other sources include; Draft Registrations, Morning Reports, Submarine War Patrol Reports, and Missing Air Crew Reports.

On Friday, November 21^st at 10:00, Michael L. Strauss will be presenting, via Zoom, World War II Military Research and Records. This lecture focuses on sources and strategies to reconstruct those records most affected by the fire.

Michael L. Strauss is a professional genealogist and a military historian. He has a B.A. in history with a concentration on the Civil War and an M.A. in military history. He has lectured extensively and authored multiple publications.

You are invited to join us! No membership necessary. Go to the BIGS website to register and receive the Zoom link: bigenealogy.org/events.

Thursday, Nov. 13, 10:30 a.m.Tour of the Genealogy Department at the Seattle Public Library (with optional research time in the Seattle Room)

Join SGS on Thursday, Nov. 13, at Seattle Public Library’s Central branch for a tour of the Genealogy Department and an optional opportunity to research in the library’s Seattle Room.

SPL genealogical librarian and SGS Board member Mahina Oshie, will guide the tour through SPL’s Genealogy Collection and provide an overview of their resources.  SGS and SPL have a long history of collaboration starting 102 years ago.

The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Seattle Room Collection comprises over 50,000 items documenting and exploring the culture and history of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. The room is open to researchers by appointment only. This tour will have access for 10 researchers in the afternoon. Attendees wishing to research in the Seattle Room should indicate their interest when registering for the tour and have a pre-planned research focus.  Those who do not get a reserved research space in the afternoon (if demand exceeds 10 people) will be given guidance to arrange for a return visit. 

The tour begins at 10:30 a.m. at the library, afterward there will be an optional lunch gathering at a nearby food court (a two-block walk).

Pre-registration required. $20 nonmembers ($15 for SGS members).

Library tour limited to 20 people.

Researching in the Seattle Room is limited to 10 people (places allocated on first come, first served basis). Join the Tour 

The National Archives has added more records to its pension collection for the War of 1812 (National Archives Identifier 564415). Files for veterans and widows from the surnames A — Laughlin are now available online.

Before 1871, Veterans could only qualify for a pension if they could prove that a war injury prevented them from earning a living. For widows, they had to prove they had married the solider before the end of the war in 1815. After 1871, all veterans and widows could apply provided the solider had served for at least 60 days. After 1878 benefits were further extended to include veterans, widows and their children if the soldier served at least 14 days. Those who served the war effort in capacities other than soldier were also made eligible.

Pension files area wealth of genealogical information, often containing testimony of a comrades and family Bible records.

As with any collection, be sure to check back often for when more records are added. 

Our monthly PSGS Program this month will be “No OMPF?  No Problem!”  with Sara Cochran.

Join us on Wed, Nov 19 at 1pm (PT).  

This will be hybrid. Join us in person at the Sylvan Way Library or on Zoom. No cost and open to the public.  The Zoom link will be posted the day before on our website (psgsociety.org) and our Facebook page.

Researching 20th Century veterans is especially difficult as a fire destroyed millions of Official Military Personnel Files in 1973. This program will look at other ways to find the stories of the WWI and WWII veterans in our families.

The Polish Genealogical Society of America is hosting its next quarterly webinar on November 16th at 2pm Central Time. The topic is “Ask a Polish Genealogy Researcher.” A flyer is attached – feel free to distribute to your networks.

Our presenter, Aleksander Zawilski, is a researcher and tour guide with Polish Origins. He will answer your questions about researching Polish genealogy. 

What questions do you have about:
– What are…?     Where do I find…?     How do I…?
– Who can I ask about…?     Why is it difficult to…?
– What helpful questions will others ask?

If you would like to submit your questions in advance, please do so before October 30th and send to: [email protected]

This webinar is free for PGSA members (please log in to get your discount) and non-members pay $15.

Register here: https://pgsa.org/product-category/webinars/

PGSA memberships start at $25: https://pgsa.org/membership2021/

This Halloween, MyHeritage is offering free access to over 1.5 billion death, burial, cemetery, and obituary records from October 30 through November 2, 2025.

Search the free collections

These records are rich with genealogical details, such as names, places, dates, and family connections, and can open doors to new family history breakthroughs. Since last Halloween, 18 collections in this category have been added or updated, making the chances of finding something new even better.