Introduction to Army units: Background information on the composition of the World War II U.S. Army -- Individual reports: The various Army records pertaining to an individual soldier -- Organizational records: the Army's records of what a man's unit did during the war -- Finding records: placing around the country where you can find records of your soldier's service -- Tangible evidence of service: Identifying what you may already have and what it can tell you about your relative's service -- Appendix A: The Infantry and Airborne divisions in World War II -- Appendix B: The Armored and Calvary 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: Draft classifications -- Appendix K: Concentration camp "liberator" units -- Appendix L: Common MOS definitions.
Summary:
"In this fully revised edition of Finding Your Father's War, Jonathan Gawne has written an easily accessible handbook for anyone seeking greater knowledge of their relative's experience during World War II. Jonathan explains and shares techniques he uses to research archives, libraries, veteran associations, and myriad other sources of information to track down wartime careers. Detailed appendices also give a wealth of useful information including insignia of ranks and branches; common MOSs; a breakdown of each division by sub unit; a capsule history of each campaign; and a bibliography of useful books. With over 470 photos, charts, and an engaging narrative, this book is an invaluable tool for understanding our 'citizen soldiers,' who once rose as a generation to fight the greatest war in American history" -- Back cover.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.