My uncle's name was Walter L. Blocker. When I was a child he told me about being in the Battle of the Bulge. I know that he was a medic and that he was awarded a Silver Star for his actions during the Battle of the Bulge. I found his name in an index of Silver Star recipients. Is there a way to find a description of why he was awarded the Silver Star? I found a little bit of history of VIII Corps in Wikipedia. I would appreciate any help with finding out more about his service in WWII or at least more about his unit's service. Blocker, Walter L. HQ, VIII Corps, G.O. No. 46 (1945) P.S. Uncle Walter told me a story when I was a child about hiding in a wine cellar in a village with a wounded soldier he had pulled into the cellar with him. After they went into the cellar the village was occupied by the German Army. This was during the Battle of the Bulge. He told me how he could hear the Germans walking around upstairs. It seems like he said they were there about a week before the village was recaptured by Americans.
I don't have specifics about your uncle, but here is something about VIII Corps in the Ardennes. Chapter 14-THE ARDENNES: BATTLE OF THE BULGE
Lou, thank you for the information, I will read all of it. I found a map of the Battle of the Bulge that shows VIII Corps position in Belgium when the Germans counter offensive began. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/497155246340393005/
I found him listed here: Index to Army Silver Star Recipient in World War II "Blocker, Walter L. HQ, VIII Corps, G.O. No. 46 (1945)" They have a citation pate at: Citations for Awards of the Silver Star to U.S. Army Air Force Personnel in World War II But I don't see him listed. This site may help you find the citation: Awards of the Silver Star For Gallantry in Action - Home Page
Thank you. Unfortunately since I'm not an immediate family member I can't request my uncle's military records.
The general public can still get info under freedom of information act. Here is a link. Cheers. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and The Privacy Act
I think at least some of these records are now considered "historical" and available to the public. Just checked if he was discharged prior to 1955 the records are open to the public. See: Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF), Archival Holdings The freedom of information act mentioned above may also work but that's a different process and personnel records are often exempted from FOIA requests. A medal citation shouldn't be though. Some of the following don't require you to be next of kin: NARA - AAD - List of Series - Genealogy/ Personal History: Military Personnel Table of Contents More info can be found at: https://www.archives.gov/files/research/military/ww2/ww2-participation.pdf
Stephen, Do the request anyway through St. Louis using the SF-180 form and in the other section list the General order # for the Silver Star award. I've done it with several family members(uncles) and used the "genealogy" reason as part of my request. You might get some good stuff I know I have. Good Luck! Regards Clint