Was your Ancestor’s WWI/WWII/Korean War Military Records Really Lost in the 1973 National Archives Fire?

In one instance, we had an epic bit of luck illustrated by the two copies of the DD-214 document shown above. Our client had requested her ancestor’s records directly from NARA several years ago; she was given only his final pay voucher and told that the rest of the records were destroyed. When we requested the file more recently, we retrieved his restored “fire kissed” file (70+ pages) that contained portions of his Air Force training paperwork, medical records, enlistment documents, and his 32 page service record book.

After the restoration, the file contained both the partially burnt DD-214 copy that was in her ancestor’s original file plus a readable full copy of the same form that had been provided to another researcher decades ago and then temporarily lost. 

Our ‘Mini-Reconstruction’ was a great way to work around those destroyed and partially burnt files, but we knew we could improve on it. We listened to client feedback and focused in on the information our clients find most valuable, and the result is our ‘Reconstruction Overview Package’ – an affordable (150 page minimum) collection of specific records that illuminate your Veteran’s war experience and provides opportunities for further investigation.

Let’s say your ancestor’s file is among the thousands of files still awaiting restoration. When Twisted Twigs requests to view the file, NARA conducts an internal search for a ‘B-File’, or burn file. If anything has been located the preservation department will ‘fast track’ it for on-site viewing and it will be presented along with any other documents on hand. New files are turning up all the time as preservation work continues.

With our Mini-Reconstruction and Overview package, we start with the OMPF whether it’s a complete burn file or a final paystub only and go to work checking the rest of the selected record collections. We move through the record groups in a widening circle to bring your veteran’s experience to light. We have also started using rosters & morning reports for some of our veterans when our clients request them and for veterans that remained in the US during WWI, WWII, and the Korean War.  

The Twisted Twigs team sharpened our skills at digging genealogical gold out of unlikely places during our work on all those ‘Mini-Reconstructions’, and we believe that has translated perfectly into our ‘Reconstruction Overview’. Below is a letter from a client’s great uncle (shared with permission) to the 313st Infantry asking about his brother who was fighting in France – it was found in the Unit Diaries. Sadly, so was the response he received.