Did a fire destroy military records?

Did a fire destroy military records?

Did a fire destroy military records?

In 1973, a fire at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri, destroyed the records held for Veterans who were discharged from the Army and Air Force during certain periods of time.

What military records were lost in a fire?

All in all, about 80 percent of the military personnel files of Army and Air Force service members that were housed on the sixth floor were lost for good. Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard files were mostly spared. Only those that had been actively worked on were on the sixth floor at the time and hence lost.

How do I verify someone’s military service?

Verification of Military Service Please use the Defense Manpower Data Center’s (DMDC) Military Verification service to verify if someone is in the military. The website will tell you if the person is currently serving in the military. The site is available 24-hours a day.

When did the fire destroy military records?

July 12-16, 1973
The fire destroyed some 16 million to 18 million official military personnel records….National Personnel Records Center fire.

Fire underway, 1973, Aerial View of MILPERCEN, National Archives.
Date July 12-16, 1973
Venue National Personnel Records Center
Location Overland, Missouri, United States
Coordinates 38°41′06″N 90°22′14″W

Where are military records stored?

the National Archives and Records Administration
If you’ve been discharged from military service, your personnel files are stored here at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). We are the official repository for records of military personnel who have been discharged from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard.

What year were military records destroyed in fire?

1973
On July 12, 1973, a disastrous fire at the NPRC destroyed approximately 16-18 million Official Military Personnel Files.