Need Korean War Records for my Grandfather

Question

Hi Wikitreers,

I am still researching and trying to find some basic information about my grandfather’s service during the Korean War.

I have found some information, but still can’t seem to find his Regiment and company in the U.S. Army?

He was drafted in 1951 returned in 1953 and did see heavy action being wounded. He apparently did receive medals. He was a machine gunner during his time in service.

Please see profile for further info regarding his military dates, etc which might help find out more about where in Korea he fought and served and maybe a timeline 1951-1953?

Is there any sources available to obtain his military records? A dog tag SN?

Thank you

Comments

I don't see anything at Fold3 other than the index record which looks like something you have added to. It would seem that there should be more records...if they are yet public I don't know. Maybe one of our mil specialists can point you in a better direction.

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Hi T,

Thank you for the comment. I don’t think much is available in genealogy databases regarding the veterans of the “Korean War” from my research perspective but hopefully there is more or will be more someday.

“The Korean War, which ended with an armistice on July 27, 1953, is sometimes referred to as the "forgotten war" or a "police action" because it was overshadowed by World War II several years earlier, and Congress never declared war on North Korea.”  See article Here

Indeed it does seem, “Forgotten”

Answer 1

Andrew,

You may be able to find something on Archives.com. There was a link from Fold3 for military records, but I'm not a paying member so I can't see what's there. It's $9.99 a month to access.

Alternatively, you can send a request to the National Archives (https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/ompf-access-public) to get copies of those records.  I had to do that for my father who was in the Navy prior to WWII.

Edit: Please note that Archives.com and Archives.gov are not the same site.

Hope this helps!

Comments

Hi Ken

Thank you!

I will look into this.