Requesting extensive records

Hi. I helped my father fill out the forms to get his military records. When we received them, it was almost laughable. (though it made him very depressed) It was very, very basic. There is nothing about where he served, what ships and subs he was on, or even the injury that sent him to the Naval hospital. My dad broke a code based on the Japanese language. It was top secret. We want all of his records, not just when he went in and got out and what his teeth looked like. Oh brother! I'm sure it is my fault in not knowing exactly what to fill out to get more than this general information. The purpose is not to be compensated (he refuses that), but to help him with his PTSD and me with the book we've written together.

Is there a special way to word things so you get ALL records? Would it help if I wrote a personal letter? Thanks in advance! ~Karen

 

Karen--Not your fault at all. The Navy has always been a bit overboard at saving the taxpayers money (at least that's the excuse they use for furnishing very few records with the initial request). Usually they send a letter explaining "You will receive all miscellaneous documents if you submit a follow-up letter citing the Request Number at the top of the page". Write a letter and explain exactly what you want. A veteran is entitled to all has records, including medical. Some top secret information can still remain "Top Secret". Only recently they declassified the information on the Code Talkers and even information on landing crafts, so if it's still in that category you may not get it.
But definitely write and ask for everything in his file.

While you're at it, ask them for a replacement set of your fathers medals. He may have never seen the actual awards because they were short on brass during the war and usually just presented the ribbons.

Don't give up--good luck. dave

 

Thank you so much! I will do that!