Any suggestions on researching service with little info?

Hello everyone. I am hitting a wall with my research into my grandfather's WWII service, so I am hoping someone may have a few suggestions on where to look with little info to go on.

My grandfather was KIA, we believe sometime in 1944. My grandmother remarried in 1945, so she never really spoke much of him. My father was born in August of 1944, and he never knew his father. The only information I have on him is as follows:

His name was James Riley Davis. According to my father's birth certificate, James Riley Davis was born in Alabama and would have been about 24 years old in 1944. His occupation was listed as soldier. I have no idea where he entered the service from or where he met my grandmother. She and her mother and brother traveled to several different states working in factories during the early years of the war. My aunt recently found a photo of my grandmother and grandfather while going through some boxes of old photos. From the photo you can see some of the insignia on his shirt. From that I know he was a Sgt. The photo is small so hard to make out the shoulder patch, but it looks to be a patch from the US Armored Divison. I can't make out the number at the top of the patch however, so I am not sure which one he may have served in.

Is there any way I can trace down any of this information? What would be the best source to look into? I've looked all over the internet, but most sites I find on the Armored Division do not give rosters or complete casualty lists. Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Thanks all!

 

The best source for FACTS would be Sgt. Davis I.D.P.F. (Individual Deceased Personnel File). I could find no one by the name of "James Riley Davis" from Alabama that was KIA during WW 2. It is possible that he entered the US Military from another state. I believe he rests in the USA, so you may wish to try Find A Grave on the internet. Also, have your father contact A.W.O.N. (American War Orphans Network). AWON should also be able to help. Best to start with obtaining Sgt. Davis I.D.P.F. No fee, but a 4-6 month wait.

Richard V. Horrell

 

Thanks for the info! Just curious...to get the I.D.P.F. will I need a service number or can it be referenced another way? My lack of basic info has been my problem with getting any records. I know so little and there are hundreds of James Davis out there! Frustrating! I was hoping the shoulder patch in the photo would give me a better starting point, but it seems it has only deepened the mystery!

 

It is best to provide the soldier's Serian Number. However, if you do not have it, you do not have it. Profile the I.D.P.F. people with all the FACTS that you have. Maybe even a photocopy of the photograph you have typed of. I have seen them work with very little & come up with the desired I.D.P.F. Just be sure of those facts that you provide, that they are FACTS. Correctly spelled name, date the soldier was KIA, etc.

Richard V. Horrell