I have copies of the 85th Divsion action reports from NARA, but my request was for records at company level. Did companies keep these kind of records? If so, is the NARA the only repository? What about regimental level records?
Steve, I have not found any Company level reports in twelve trips to the NARA. I have found Battalion Journals, however. With the exception of MRs, I seriously doubt that you are going to find Company level data at College Park or anywhere for that matter. Of course, Morning Reports are available from NPRC, St. Louis. Dave
How would I find battalion journals at NARA? I am specifically interested in 3rd Battalion, 339th Infantry Regiment.
I've lost my link but I think the library in Georgia has unit histories. Maxwell AFB maybe? Try this and good luck; Air Force Historical Research Agency - Home Just reread myself and see you're looking for Army. Try this one. http://www.history.army.mil/
Years ago, I asked a NARA archivist this same question. I was told, that after WWII, for reasons of space, all AAR's, journals etc. below regiment were destroyed, with the exception of independent battalions. Upon several visits to NARA at College Park, I discovered that there were other exceptions to this rule, but they are exceptions. Some battalion journals do exist. Also, for example in the 90th Infantry Division files, I found company "histories" and company reports, but these examples were all state-side reports, and histories before the unit shipped out overseas. If you are serious about researching the 85th Infantry Division, you owe it to yourself to book a hotel, and spend a few days at NARA looking through the 85th ID holdings. If you are interested in a specific regiment of the 85th ID, you can narrow your search that way. In the G-3 Operations (division) or S-3 Operations (regiment) there is what is called a G-3 Journal & File for every day/month the unit was in combat. It basically consists of a 24-hour log sheet that jots down every message received and dispatched, with other important facts pertaining to that section of headquarters, WITH the actual messages. You can gleam a lot of information about a specific company from these. Greg C.
Steve, the NARA may not have them but I'm sure someone has the detailed unit histories. I am doing some research for a co-worker on the Rainbow Division and found these items in a university archieves. Have you also tried getting in touch with the 85 divisions vetrans association?
Wow. Thanks for the help folks. I guess I have a little leg work to do. I will try to get in touch with the Polar Bear Association to find out what they may know.
I'd certainly like to see what I'm able to find on Company F, 339th regiment, 85th division when they first arrived on the lines late March, 1944. My father was wounded March 30th, 1944 near Minturno, Italy just a few days before the big push (Diadem) that started May 11th, shortly after which his entire company was killed or captured. However, since 339th was temporarily attached to the 88th during the first few weeks, it could be the 88th Division reports I will have to research. Not sure.