Cost for National Archives Requests

All,

I requested the records for one of my uncles killed during the war and I got a letter back for the National Archives requesting $70 for a photocopy of the information on file. They are claiming the cost is because of the July 1973 and the records are in poor condition. I was wondering if this is a similar price other individuals are seeing for their request?

Thanks in advance,
Buck

 

I don't know about the cost, but the condition thing is somewhat of a farce. Almost all records had a back up. They just aren't cooperative. That said, I did get a hold of a record copy that had burn marks. St. Louis is must not cooperative.

I do know that many of the 327 records in Silver Springs are deteriorating with age.

 

I requested a copy of my father-in-law's letter of commendation he earned in Guadacanal. I received a reply that he didn't have one in his records ( l knew he received one). I then requested a copy of his personnel file which I did receive for $60. The commendation was missing, but on a different page it mentioned the commendation on page 22- this page was mysteriously missing from his file.

Just for a last ditch effort, I wrote to the director explaining what had happened, sending him a copy of the page that mentioned the commendation. I received a copy of the commendation with a letter explaining there would be no charge for this information gratis of the NARA. Sometimes they are helpful- sometimes a pain in the rear--but the're the only show in town and only as good as the people they hire.

 

How many pages can I except for $70? I don't want to pay that much and only get a few pages.

 

Buck, I replied to your PM before seeing this post. I have not heard of the NARA charging extra simply because of fire damage.

The NARA has a flat fee schedule based on the number of pages: 1-5 pages is $25; 6 or more pages is $70. Those prices are, of course, subject to change. As I mentioned in my PM, I would try contacting them to find out the number and type of documents you will be getting. At least you will have a better idea of what you are getting for $70.

 

When I first applied for my grandfather's records, I received the same letter, stating "some medical records" were available but they specifically mentioned a cost related to handling and restoration of the records. At the time, I didn't bother (dumb, I know). I later worked with a researcher who gained access to those records with no problem. So I have no idea what they're doing over there.

 

Update

So I called the number in the letter and all the lady could tell me that the request would be over six pages and nothing more than that. I rephrased the question and asked if I was getting his OMPF, IDPF, something else or a combination of all three, again only I was getting more than six pages. She said there was no way of knowing what I would be getting. So I asked her "someone did the research, found the records but didn't at least take a note of the location and what it contained. However, someone sent me a bill for $70 to see over six pages?" She replied, "yes".

I'm a little upset with the whole process. I'm thinking I will just go to St. Louis here in a few years to see them for myself.

 

I have requested all of my families military records/medals, starting in 2000. I think 2014(15) was my last request for an uncle. I never once had to pay for either records or medals. My last request contained over 50 pages. I would like to know if NARA is now charging for these services, as I continue to refer folks to their site.

Sgt. Mac

 

PS: As it concerns multiple medal requests someone asked about, I was told, one request per service person. I believe they sent me a list of places to order more medals for a fee.