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Overview-
Originally published in 2006 and selling through three printings, this invaluable guide has been revised and updated for a new edition. In this work, leading military historian and researcher, Jonathan Gawne, explains and shares the techniques he uses to research archives, libraries, veteran associations, and myriad other sources of information to track down wartime careers.
The book provides an overview of the Army in World War II, from the basics up. It goes on to explain how to find information from such sources as discharges, uniforms, paperwork, the National Personnel Records Center, National Archives, other facilities, and what you can expect from veterans organizations (and how to find them). The book also helps you to assemble the data you have collected and piece together the story of your relatives' wartime service.
Detailed appendices also give information on such things as insignia of ranks and branches, listing of common MOS's, a breakdown of each division by sub unit, with a brief history and a listing of their campaigns, a capsule history of each campaign, and a bibliography of useful books on various campaigns and units. Color illustrations of campaign ribbons, decorations, insignia, and rare photos accompany the detailed text.
About The Author-
TABLE OF CONTENTS-
Introduction to the Second Edition
The War in a Nutshell
SECTION 1: Introduction to Army Units
Background information on the composition of the
World War II US Army
SECTION 2: Individual Records
The various Army records pertaining to an individual soldier
SECTION 3: Organizational Records
The Army’s records of what a man’s unit did during the war
SECTION 4: Finding Records
Places around the country where you can find records of your soldier’s service
SECTION 5: Introduction to Army Units
Identifying what you may already have and what it can tell you about your relative’s service
APPENDICES
Appendix A: The Infantry and Airborne Divisions in World War II
Appendix B: The Armored and Cavalry Divisions in World War II
Appendix C: Army Groups, Armies, and Corps in World War II
Appendix D: Major Army Commands of World War II
Appendix E: The Army Air Forces in World War II
Appendix F: Vehicle Markings in World War II
Appendix G: The Campaigns of World War II
Appendix H: Official Abbreviations Used in World War II
Appendix I: The Green Books and Select Bibliography
Appendix J: Separation Qualification Record
Appendix K: Concentration Camp “Liberator” Units
Appendix L: Common MOS Definitions
REVIEWS-
“…focus is on researching individual and social history. Using this book will help you write a family history narrative.”
“…a great read not only for genealogists wishing to research an ancestor, but also for those who simply have an interest in the United States Army during World War II… written so that anyone, even those with no military background, can understand, yet also includes more advanced information… detail is phenomenal… a must read reference book for any professional genealogist or military historian…”
“…very practical useful guide to assist all those whose relatives served in the wartime US Army. …very well illustrated… Finding You Father’s War is highly recommended for all those who find themselves in need of assistance in doing research on World War II.”
“…a useful book for anyone trying to establish the history of any US veteran during WWII.”
"…a thoroughly comprehensive guide to the U.S. Army in the World War II period… covers an enormous range of subjects…"
"a terrific guide that details how to go about researching and understanding the lives of a generation of servicemen that answered their nation’s call when the world was at war."
