Help decifering Letter from National Archives

Hello. I have sent for my father's records before and only got things like his dental records and immunizations. My father is a WWII vet and worked in Naval Intelligence breaking a top secret code based on the Japanese language. So, I know there have to be more records than this. He really needs to see what he knows to be true written down in black and white, for his peace of mind. So, this time, I sent the form with a two-page cover letter with dates, places etc. Sooooo...

Today I got a letter back that states, in part, "We have located military records for the veteran named above. The archival Official Military Personnel File is a record in the legal custody of the National Archives and REcords Administration; access to this record will be granted by providing a copy of the file." * And, "The medical records you requested are maintained in a file separate from the OMPF, and they have not been transfered to the legal custody of the National Archives and Records Administration. In accordance with the Privacy Act and the implementing regulations of the Dept. of Defense and the military departments, we will grant access to these records." **

*What does this mean? A copy of what file?

**Does this mean that I will only get his medical records from this? That is part of what I asked for, but I requested a lot more than just medical.

Also, they are asking $60 in copying fees. Is that normal?

Thanks in advance, Karen

 

I can answer two out of three questions.

From what I understand you may get access to his records EXCEPT to medical records which are still classified.
Fees are normally requested (usually 50 cents per page+ shipping) so 60 $ is not surprising

 

I have been requesting a lot of records lately and most cost $60. In cases where the records were destoyed in the 1973 fire it was $20 to get a copy of the Final Payment Work Sheet, which is only one page. That said, it was more than worth it to add some big pieces to my research puzzle.

 

Thanks for the responses. Why in the world would medical records still be sealed? What I do know about the medical deal is that after his friend died in his arms, he "woke up" in a military hospital (sounded like the psych ward?). Two armed guards and an officer were in the private room with him. The doctor asked him, 'what do you remember about what happened?' My father started to reply that he was on the deck of the ship, breaking code, but the guard or officer intervened and ordered the doctor not to ask anymore questions. So I asked for his medical records from Aiea Naval Hospital in Hawaii. Anyway---hopefully more answers coming. Thanks again! ~K

 

Medical records are usually secret for privacy reasons. 99% of records have no sensitive information, and this is also probably the case for your ancestor. It's just a general measure, nothing particular for this case.

 

Thank you all. I do know that several years after the war, two F.B.I. agents came to his house and said he was now free to talk about what he did during the war. So, I believe everything has been declassified. But who nows? I just can't believe how hard it is to get those records. I hope this is it. My dad needs this so much. Thanks again. ~Karen

 

Karen,
Send a copy of that letter to your Federal Representative or one of your Senators and ask them to help get your fathers records. Sounds like they are just giving you the run-around. Get the records while he is still alive as HE is entitled to ALL his medical records--his next of kin will have a much more difficult time. I agree with Gee George, send them the $60 and see what you all get--it's robbery for one document but worth it if it's what you need--and you may get much more. I don't know what they mean by providing them with a copy of the file--that's what you're asking for. This sort of thing really ruffles my feathers, your father did his part serving his country in the time of war, now, all he is asking in return is for his records. I have asked my Senator to help in these matters several times--they don't like it, but it has always got results. Don't give up.

 

I wish you good luck, Karen. Because he is alive, you may be able to push for access to records. I really hope you will be able to help him and fill in his story.