More info wanted.

Raysrunt · #1 (**permalink**) March 1st, 2008, 09:09 PM

Hello, I have been trying to find out as much as I can about my dad's service in WW II. I know his movements, thanks to the after-action reports for his unit (47th infantry, co. F), but after he was wounded, I have no more information. I know he was at the 280th Station Hosp. in Cherbourg. Would love to find his medical records. However, the great fire(!) took his personal records. It seems to me that the hospital should have had separate records. Anyone know how I could find these? Thanks.

Skipper · #2 (**permalink**) March 2nd, 2008, 07:05 AM

You may try the

SERVICE HISTORIQUE DE LA DEFENSE
Chateau de Vincennes
BP 166
00468 armées

These are the National archives.

GPRegt · #3 (**permalink**) March 2nd, 2008, 09:09 AM

This link may help you get started.

Steve W.

T. A. Gardner · #4 (**permalink**) March 2nd, 2008, 04:07 PM

The military doesn't keep a service member's medical records after they are discharged. Instead, they are either given to the member (the normal occurance) or, they are destroyed locally. The only exception I know to this is that those who retire may have theirs held at a local base or other location due to their continuing access to the military medical system.

GPRegt · #5 (**permalink**) March 2nd, 2008, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T. A. Gardner

The military doesn't keep a service member's medical records after they are discharged.

Unless I've misunderstood the information, from the link I left, it would appear that NARA has records.

Steve W.

T. A. Gardner · #6 (**permalink**) March 2nd, 2008, 07:26 PM

Its possible that the British services do this, but the US ones do not. I know this first hand.

GPRegt · #7 (**permalink**) March 2nd, 2008, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T. A. Gardner

Its possible that the British services do this, but the US ones do not. I know this first hand.

OK, but I can only go on what I've read on the NARA website about the situation in the US.

Steve W.

Raysrunt · #8 (**permalink**) March 2nd, 2008, 08:59 PM

Thanks guys, I'm not sure yet how I will proceed, but I appreciate the help. May have to go with what little I have.

T. A. Gardner · #9 (**permalink**) March 2nd, 2008, 10:30 PM

I would suggest at this point contacting the division reuinon group in which you father served. Most divisions have one so it shouldn't be too hard to find. At least there might be someone who actually knew him still around to fill in some details.