Unit Operational Records

The search goes on...

I would like to hire a researcher near NARA @ College Park to dig through their records and find me notable records for my grandfather's unit (30th IR, 3ID). Anyone have any good referrals to solid researchers in College Park that do private projects like this?

 

While I can't help with a researcher working the NARA, I would like to offer a suggestion. Before you hire anyone, consider contacting NARA and requesting an index to the records of the 3rd ID. Getting that will allow you to become familiar with what's available and at a minimum, enable you to better communicate with the researcher. I'm suggesting the 3rd ID, rather than the 30th IR, because there may be files covering significant battles, lessons learned, operational instructions, etc. that involved the 30th but were created at the divisional level. I'm also basing this on my experience with the index for the 87th ID which contains available file listings for all the regiments and service troops.

You can contact the NARA here: http://www.archives.gov/contact/inquire-form.html#part-b

In the section "I have a question about research and records at the NARA", chose "Records created by the United States military" in the first drop down menu. In the question box right below this, type "I would like to request an index to the records of the 30th Infantry Division during World War II." Scroll on down, complete the contact info and send it off. I've done this numerous times and have only failed to receive the index one time. They should send you a confirmation of receipt.

Let us know how you research progresses. Good Luck!

Steve

 

Thank you very much for the response, very helpful.

 

Good luck on getting a timely answer from NARA. I can recommend MIke Constandy of Westmoreland Research. I know him well. He does good work at reasonable rates. His webpage is here - http://www.westmorelandresearch.org

Regards,
Marc
www.digitalhistoryarchive.com

 

Thanks Marc, checking the website now.

 

Getting the index (or list) of records from the NARA has not taken very long, at least not in my experience. I definitely agree with you that, when it comes to getting copies of documents from the NARA, it can take a very long time. That's where hiring a researcher or making the trip to College Park might be worthwhile.

 

I intend on hiring a researcher... but, man, part of me wants to just go up up there and get lost in all of that for a few days.

 

I've had good luck with NARA also, except for the one time already mentioned. Thought of another possible angle this evening. Don't know where you live, but if you're anywhere within reason of Abilene, Kansas, the Eisenhower Library has around 14,500 pages of docs on the 3rd. None are specific to the 30th but it might be a good place to wet your feet. I've been there several times and the people are very helpful and it's very user friendly. Scroll down to the 3rd: http://www.eisenhower.archives.gov/research/finding_aids/pdf/US_Army_Unit_Records_4.pdf

 

Yeah, I looked through their website a few times. I'm in Virginia, so a little too far away for a day-trip to Kansas. But thanks for the link, much appreciated.

 

The Eisenhower Presidential Library has recently uploaded a video to YouTube titled, "Why Like Ike: Research Room". I thought it might be of interest for any that might consider a trip there to make use of the US Army Unit records held there.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeCG5g1qZJM

 

The Eisenhower Presidential Library has added another video to YouTube. It is a good primer on how to use WWII unit records to research a soldier's WWII service.

 

My grandfather served in (and commanded) the 331st AAA Searchlight Bn, which served in England, North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. I have all his letters that he wrote home, but of course he couldn't say much about the actual locations and action. I want to find out more about the unit's specific locations and battles, etc. Given the number of people who have relatives who served, and the interest in WWII history, I'm surprised this hasn't been already compiled by someone for nearly every unit.

Anyway... the Eisenhower Presidential Library video above was very helpful, thanks @TD-Tommy776! Following the instructions in that video, I found the index of US Army Unit Records, which says that 331st AAA Searchlight Battalion is in Box 282. But then when I click the link for "Book 2, Boxes 127-489", the PDF has absolutely nothing on the 331st. What am I missing?