Basic Records

Seek and ye shall find.

Just Start by Knowing your Objectives.

There are MANY military records available for the Next of kin.

The first thing you need to do is locate or obtain the Service Number of your fallen service member ~ as this will be an important key to all the rest. This is NOT the Social Security Number. A Service Number is something different. If you’re a current AWON Member, and you need to locate a Service number, Click Here for help!

Armed with your service member’s Service Number, we suggest you start with the five basic information files that every son or daughter or next of kin should want to find. This preliminary information may be enough, depending on your purpose. Or it may lead you to a more specific quest. But seek information from these five sources FIRST:

1. Records from the service member’s VA (Veterans Administration) Claim File.

2. Records from the service member’s OMPF (Official Military Personnel File).

3. Records from the service member’s IDPF (Individual Deceased Personnel File).

4. Records from the service member’s file at the ABMC (American Battle Monuments Commission).

5. Records from the service member’s file of World War II Army Enlistments.

Helping you gain access to the Basic Records you deserve is one of the most “Basic” Missions of AWON!

When you become a Member of AWON, your Welcome Package will include several pages of detailed and experienced Advanced help in obtaining records. Which in some cases you may not have known to ask. Or WHAT to ask. Or of WHOM to ask.

There are deeper approaches and wording suggestions on our Advanced Records page . . . but you need to be a current AWON Member to see it.

Meanwhile ~ check the Basic Records page in our Website’s RESOURCES section. Click here!