hello my grandfather, a `Army Vet of WWII who helped chase down the desert fox just passed away and i want to know how i could go about getting his military records and list of ribbons/awards he recived. can any one recomend a good place ot do this. thanks
There are literally dozens of other sites you try as well, just do a search on military/armed forces records. Whether or not you will have to pay to acquire, or get access to, his records through certain sites, I can't say. All pertinent information you may have on his service (full name, service number, branch of service, rank, date of enlistment, etc.) will make finding the information a lot easier.
I always recommend you start by talking to ALL of your relatives to see if they have any newspaper clippings or letters or anything about him. You will be surprised what your Aunt may have kept. Identifying his unit is a great place to start. Then you may find info on that unit in a book or on a website.
Like Custermen says, ask your relatives. Specifically, ask for his military discharge papers. This is the Golden Egg that will provide you with exact information for obtaining your grandfather's military records.
From the link USNVet940 gave you, in the search window at the top of the home page, enter "DD214." Click on a result with "How to Request Military Service Records or Prove Military Service" and then click on "DD Form 214 (Report of Separation)."
A note at the bottom of that page reads: The report of separation form issued in most recent years is the DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Before January 1, 1950, several similar forms were used by the military services, including the WD AGO 53, WD AGO 55, WD AGO 53-55, NAVPERS 553, NAVMC 78PD, and the NAVCG 553.
