Frequently Asked Questions. . .

. . . plus some Not-So-Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out about the unit history?

I’m not done putting together my notes about the regiment, but if you drop me a line I’ll share what I’ve got. It isn’t much . . . then again, it’s better than nothing. I also recommend browsing this web beacon by entering some keywords (eg WWII) in the search box. Anyway, here's a little to get you started:

39th Infantry Regiment - Active Duty Units

The first battalion of the 39th Infantry Regiment (traditionally stationed in Germany) is not active at the moment. However, the second battalion is serving as a Basic Training unit at Fort Jackson in the United States: contact them at 2/39 Infantry.

At one point they had an official historian for the 39th Infantry Regiment, so they may be able to help . . . although I wouldn't hold my breath waiting to hear back.

Unit Operational Records from WWII

The official battalion-level daily reports ran from day to day. My impression is that the government still holds daily records for each regiment at the National Archives and Records Administration. Unfortunately, they aren't available online, and I live permanently overseas so a trip to the archives is practically impossible. There are individuals who do this research for a fee, but I don't know any personally and would therefore be reluctant to recommend anyone.

WWII Histories

The few personal memoirs and unit histories written at that time are not always easy to find. Largely due to Dave Hardesty's enthusiasm and hard work, I can now provide a list of some titles that you might look up through an inter-library loan. Ask, and ye shall receive.

The official US Army history of WWII (known as the 'Green Book' series) gives a bit of detail of specific actions, but only in a piecemeal manner. The unit turns up from time to time but the Green Book doesn't track it from day to day.

Although my first step is usually to turn to the Green Book series to find out what was happening to the unit at a given time, my European Theatre of Operations (ETO) copy has gone astray during a move. You, however, can turn to the official version which is now online. Try the link above (although you may have to Google it, since DA changes their links faster than I can fix them).

Likewise, if you can find your own copy of this (plus the Mediterranean / North Africa edition) or borrow it through an inter-library loan, it will describe what the 39th Infantry Regiment got up to in North Africa, Italy and France/Germany.

How do I stay in touch with other 8th Infantry Division veterans?

Have a look at the 8th ID Yahoo Group. Post, ask questions, refresh your memory or just lurk – you can get the postings sent to your regular email address, too.

How do I get 8th Infantry Division Veterans Association membership information?

Why, at the 8th Infantry Division Association, of course. There is also an alphabetic roster of 8th ID vets you might want to check out.

How can I locate a buddy of mine that I served with in the military?

Click here, and drop me a line with as much of the following information as possible:

*Surname in the unit [just making sure -- believe it or not, some guys have different surnames these days]:

*First Name:

Middle Initial:

Rank:

*1/39 Inf, 4/12 Inf or both?:

*Company:

Platoon:

*Arrived (month/year):

*Departed (month/year):

Home of record

So long as you’re not from the IRS, I’ll post the information on the Web Beacon along with your contact details, if you like.

How do I get copies of individual military records and request medals?

With respect to those of us searching for information about WWI and WWII veterans, I wish I were able to lay hands on individual service records for that era, but I'm pretty sure they went up in flames in the St Louis archives fire c. 1974. At the same time, military histories tend to lack extensive information about individuals. And, as you'd expect, most fellows from that era aren't online, for all the obvious reasons. Naturally, I'm happy to post information about "your" veteran in hope that the historians among us can turn something up.

That said, if you are a veteran yourself, or next of kin, you are entitled to make a formal request for records using the US government's Standard Form 180. It provides information about the service history of the veteran and the specifics of the request being made. The form must be submitted to the appropriate Military Records Center. The only way to find out what they have (if anything) is to ask.

Assistance in obtaining records or medals can be provided by Veterans Service Organizations such as the VFW, American Legion, DAV, VVA, etc. and local and state veterans agencies.

For an on-line Standard Form 180 or for answers to other questions, go to the federal government's Military Personal Records frequently asked questions page.

In addition, one can occasionally find enlistment details by searching the AAD archives. Another source of potential information may be found at the American Battle Monuments Commission; similarly, the VA graves locator may turn up some news of a particular veteran.

Don't overlook information from family members, and in small towns you might contact the local veterans' association, the local library and the local newspaper.

Finally: Google is your friend. The internet never sleeps, there's always something new turning up, so be persistent. Courage!

Am I still welcome to post my details if I served with one of the sister battalions in the regiment?

Sure, why not. Depending on circumstances, I may just point you to one of the other associations if that’s likely to get you a better result, but shoot me an email and we'll see.

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p.s. If you're new to the Web Beacon and haven't already written in, you can add your name to the roster now!

Didn't find what you were after? Try looking in the 'previous posts' over to the right, or use the search tool at the top left of this page.