Researching non-relatives

I am an avid collector of ww2 items, including some uniforms. Several of the uniforms/photos are named. I know that in the UK you can easily research veterans records and get full copies, even if they aren't relatives. How can I research names here in the US. Any help on the subject would be greatly appreciated.

Also, is it possible to obtain any records if all you know is the division, and the laundry code... example H-61553. All uniforms are coded this way by the soldier/airman for ID after laundering, which usually is the first letter of the last name plus the end string of numbers for their service ID number. When I served in the USAF we used the first letter of the last name and the last four of our social security number.

:flag_USA_ww2::ac_p51b::flag_uk:

 

i dont know but i would like to know too