How to Obtain WWII Military Records and Purple Heart Information

To request a deceased veteran's service records and inquire about a Purple Heart, follow these steps:

1. Gather Essential Information

• Veteran's full legal name, date/place of birth
• Service number (not Social Security number)
• Branch of service, dates of service, unit(s) if known

2. Submit Request to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)

• Online (preferred): eVetRecs (National Archives)
• Mail: NPRC, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138
• Standard Form 180 (SF-180): Download, complete, sign, mail/fax.

3. Provide Proof of Relationship

• Birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court documents establishing next-of-kin status.
• If not next-of-kin, written authorization from next-of-kin or legal representative.

4. Specify Purple Heart Inquiry

Request "Decorations and Awards" section. The Purple Heart is awarded for wounds/killed in action due to enemy action. Not all combat veterans received it; it requires documentation of injury and command approval at the time.

5. Expect Processing Time

• Routine requests: 4–12 weeks (can be longer due to 1973 fire that destroyed ~80% of Army/AF records 1912–1964).
• Expedited for burial/benefits: indicate urgency.

6. Alternative Sources

• Unit histories, morning reports, after-action reports (National Archives, College Park).
• Veterans organizations (American Legion, VFW, DAV) – free assistance.
• State/county veteran service officers.
• Fold3, Ancestry (subscription) for digitized records.

7. If Records Are Lost

Reconstruct using alternate sources: pay vouchers, medical records, VA claims, newspaper clippings, buddy statements. NPRC can issue a "NA Form 13038" certification of service based on available data.

Persistence and thorough documentation are key. Start with eVetRecs for the fastest response.