I recently ran across my Granfathers military things, or atleast some of them, and it has really got me interested in his role in WW2. He died when I was young so I never got to talk to him about it, and my Grandmother doesn't know that much about it. Anyway, what I was wondering is; he has patches from the 8th Army, 5th Air Force, and the 41st Infantry Brigade. I don't know how the military gives out patches so how could he have all of those. I'm just trying to find out anything that I can about his service. Anything would help. Anything about these Units or about how the military gives out patches or anything.
2007-12-22 13:52:30 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
All Vets are told to have their DD214 registered with the County Registrar when they get home. Most do. If your Grandmother or your parent does not have the DD214 the County is the 1st easy step to get a copy. It will not show all the units he was in. Only the last or the one he spent the most time with. It will also detail any Medals. If you know he earned the CIB (Combat Infantry Badge) those were all upgraded to a Bronze Star in 1947. The National Archive is the keeper of all that is paper. The fire in 1973 destroyed most of the WWII records of the Army so they may not have it. You might get lucky.
Not knowing the dates of service you can only guess. The 5th AF began in the Philippines before WWII and ended up in Australia. The 8th Army did not exist before 1944 and the 41st might have been the 41st Infantry Division. Doing a search will get you lots of info but probably not exactly what you want.
He might have been in all for a while during the war or gotten bounced around after the war. Many guy's that were short on points to go home were getting moved from unit to unit to help get them home. This could result in a lot of patches. My Dad was moved out of the 80th ID in July 45 and went to 2 others before leaving Germany in Sep 45.
Another good source of info are old letters he sent if they exist.
Good luck
2007-12-22 16:19:41 · answer #1 · answered by Stand-up philosopher. It's good to be the King 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Back then the Army and Air Force was one- The Army Air Corp.
Patches change as to what unit you are in and also you earn combat patches. These can be your unit or those of units which you are attached to.
2007-12-22 14:08:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your grandmother is not able to find his DD214 at the county office like stated before, try the link below. Unfortunately, there was a fire many years ago, and your grandfather's information may have been lost.
2007-12-22 17:20:10 · answer #3 · answered by Pink Monkey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, I would talk to your father or mother and see what they know, Then you can go to mil.com or vet.com they have lots or places to send you. You can also see by chance if the have your grandfathers discharge papers I know long shot and request his medals for you mother or father. If you find those documents it would tell his discharge and enter dated and you could place ads in Legion magazine or other veteran magazine and maybe somebody has a story for you about you grandfather
2007-12-22 14:37:05 · answer #4 · answered by path2631 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Each patch is from a different unit he served with.
If you have a pic with him in uniform the ones on his left shoulder are units he served with and the ones on his right shoulder are the units he deployed with
2007-12-22 15:09:55 · answer #5 · answered by Old Guard 33 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I don't have a answer for you but someone on this website/forums may have a answer! Good luck
http://www.combatsim.com/
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year :)
2007-12-22 14:04:26 · answer #6 · answered by It's A Girl ? 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would go down and talk to someone at the VA about it.
2007-12-22 13:58:57 · answer #7 · answered by rannots123 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋