The process as described below is for obtaining the DD214 for a deceased relative, but may be the same for the living. From online: "Visit the veterans page of Archives.gov (see Resources). At this website you can create your request form to receive the deceased veteran's DD214. Once the request form is created, you'll need to print it out, sign it and mail it. Click on "Request Military Records" at the bottom of the Archives.gov page."
My husband says there are local "Veterans Service Officer" offices, to ask. Another local resource to point you in the right direction, or maybe help you with requesting your own DD214, is the VFW.
I notice online that you pursue the document through the branch of service you were in: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, etc. This should be free, but there are advertisements by companies who may charge you....you can do it for free, imo.
Hope this is helpful. Since you are already online, google "Obtain DD24".
Please be aware that in 1973 there was a major fire which wiped out Veterans Service records which was a darned shame. I submitted the form to try to get my father’s WW 2 records & received a letter back informing me of the fire. They suggested I send a request to the Dept of the Treasury to research my dad’s pay history as this would at least tell me his rank. I have to believe these DD 214’s are held somewhere else. I was going pleased in how quickly they got back to me, however. So I wish you luck!
Shane, your Dad should have had these papers at one time. My Dad had a card he carried in his wallet, so did an Uncle. Its not the legal typed copy they want but it does show discharges. TG I found all Dads military paperwork in one envelope in a dresser drawer. Helped with his application because there was no research.
JoAnn my dad died in 1965 & through the years they got lost. I just wanted to try to trace where he was during his 4 years overseas in Europe in WW2. If you know of any other way I would love to hear suggestions as I’ve become a WW 2 enthusiast. Thank you!
"Visit the veterans page of Archives.gov (see Resources). At this website you can create your request form to receive the deceased veteran's DD214. Once the request form is created, you'll need to print it out, sign it and mail it. Click on "Request Military Records" at the bottom of the Archives.gov page."
My husband says there are local "Veterans Service Officer" offices, to ask.
Another local resource to point you in the right direction, or maybe help you with requesting your own DD214, is the VFW.
I notice online that you pursue the document through the branch of service you were in: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, etc. This should be free, but there are advertisements by companies who may charge you....you can do it for free, imo.
Hope this is helpful. Since you are already online, google "Obtain DD24".
But if you can download form SF 180, (Request) fill it out and mail it to:
National Personnel Records (NPRC)
1 Archive Drive
St.Louis, MO 63138
There is always a form to fill out, Lol.
They suggested I send a request to the Dept of the Treasury to research my dad’s pay history as this would at least tell me his rank.
I have to believe these DD 214’s are held somewhere else.
I was going pleased in how quickly they got back to me, however. So I wish you luck!