How to Get A Copy of Military Service Records

Get a copy of your or a family member military records - including earned military medallions.

Did you lose your military service records? Perhaps you need information to help someone get a loan or retirement benefits. Or maybe you just want to know more about the parent you didn’t get to know – either way, this article will tell you how to get invaluable information and how to replace missing military service records.

Send a letter to the National Personnel Records Center and request the military service records you want. If you are the next of kin, you probably will not need a lawyer to get military service records. Simply address a letter to “the National Personnel Records Center, 9700 Page Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63132” requesting the service records you want. Your letter must include specific information, such as first, middle and last name of the person, social security number, date of birth, and branch and dates of service and places where active duty occurred. For completeness, you should file Form DD-214 – Certificate of Separation from Active Duty. The form can be retrieved or completed on the National Archives website. Or fax it.

Visit the National Archives in person. You can make an appointment to visit the National Archives and conduct onsite research for the records personally. Facility space is limited so you are urged to contact the appropriate authorities and make an appointment. Also, if you are not researching a next of kin, additional forms maybe required. Check out the website for more information.

contact your State or County Veterans Administration office. Depending on the information you need, your local VA office might be able to assist you. At a minimum, obtain the SF-180 form or information on how to get the records you need.

If you are busy, then hire an independent researcher. Too busy to do research yourself? Hire a specialist. There are several people who conduct records searches for a modest fee. These people are a great investment if conducting genealogical research.

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