US National Archives - Service Records

US Military personnel records can be found on this website which is a valuable tool in genealogical research. Most veterans and their next-of-kin can obtain free copies of their DD Form 214 (Report of Separation) and other military and medical records.

Required Information
Your request must contain certain basic information that will facilitate the location of your service records. Useful information to include:

• The veteran's complete name used while in service
• Service number
• Social security number
• Branch of service
• Dates of service
• Date and place of birth (especially if the service number is not known).
• If you suspect the 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

Requests for service records must be by either post or fax only. This is due to Federal law [5 USC 552a(b)] which requires that all requests for records be submitted in writing.  Note that each request must be signed and dated. You may submit more than one request per envelope or fax, but it is advised to submit a separate request (either SF 180 or letter) for each individual whose records are being requested. The response will be in writing by U.S. Mail regardless of whether you send a fax or mail.

To request service records for USA military personnel post to:

National Personnel Records Center,
Military Personnel Records,
9700 Page Avenue,
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100.

Or to send by Fax dialling from Ireland:

00-1-314-801-9195

Prologue Magazine Article: National Archives publication.

This very useful and interesting Prologue Magazine article outlines the type of military service records held in the archives along with the support services. It also displays some samples of service records. Included also in this article are some excellent guidelines on how to apply for a service record.

U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration provides online access to archival databases holding records on international relations, war records and all retained records pertaining to the business of the federal government.

All resources are provided free of charge.