World War 2 medals

[Victor N TN]

I recently ran into a cousin I never knew I had. We have met a few times and swapped a few photos and family information. She has her father's Honorable Discharge from the US Army in 1945. He fought in the Pacific. His MOS was as a mechanic. But as I looked over it, I saw he was awarded a few medals. Good Conduct, American Defense, Purple Heart... and a Bronze Star w/V device.

None of his other records were ever found. Pictures of him in a hospital cot with bandages and a few other photos of places where he was stationed. She said any time she or her brother would ask about what he did in the war he would just say "you don't NEED to know". After his death his brother told his widow that he had sold his medals to buy her a watch when he came home from the war.

Now what I'm after... Is there a government database somewhere that she can get the citations that went with his medals? I think there used to be a place in Missouri that kept up with records. Her and her brother just want to know what he did and what he went through. Whether they like what they find, I can't say. But I told her I would try.

While part of me thinks he didn't tell them for a reason, part of me can see her point of view as well. I told her I would see if I could find a place to start.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

 

[John L]

Re: World War 2 medals

Victor,
Yes she can get the medals replaced, and if she has his discharge papers it makes the process much faster. Many of the old records were lost when one of the buildings burned down. I used to have the info for where she would need to go but I dont have it anymore. Hopefully someone else will jump in here. Good news is she will be able to do it without much work.

 

[sinister]

Re: World War 2 medals

http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/replacement-medals.html

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: World War 2 medals

I passed this information along to her. I'll let everyone know how this turns out.

 

[He Shoot Me]

Re: World War 2 medals

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Victor N TN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I passed this information along to her. I'll let everyone know how this turns out. </div></div>

Victor, please do. I would be curious to know if there was a record describing the reason/action why the/any medal was given. It would be awesome to read about my grandpa's silver star and purple hearts. He told me when I was young and all I recall is the silver star had something to do with him taking on a tank with a grenade. My uncle has all of his medals and may know more of the details, but I would great to read about it.

Thanks,

-Pat

 

[shootist2004]

Re: World War 2 medals

the names of the burnt records were Hubbard thru Z

 

[w1423]

Re: World War 2 medals

From what I understand of the fire at the Military Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, the fire destroyed the Army Air Force Records from Hubbard to Z and along with some others .

My last name is Moore and they had my fathers records there as I was doing some research on a Letter of Commendation he got from USMC Gen Holland M. Smith on Iwo Jima for his actions. He was MSGT US Army assigned to HQ Co 3rd Marine Div for the invasion, then stayed on when Army took over Island Command and was made SgtMaj of Island Command Headquarters.

Unless they have had another fire in the past 10 years?

If they can't get the medals replaced Victor, shoot me a PM.

 

[patriotoutlaw]

Re: World War 2 medals

I know my Daddy's records were lost in a fire...