Service Records and Research
To all family members and others searching for records or doing research:
We often get asked specific questions that would require the we have a soldier’s service record to answer you. We almost never have that record. Next of kin hold the key to finding that information. If you are, you can help yourself and help us expand what we have available on this website. In order to take the first step make an official request for his service record. Here is a link to the form, called a Standard Form 180:https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html
The veteran, or “next of kin” is only one entitled to a copy of the service record upon official request. No one else, and this includes, the National Association of the 6th Infantry, Inc. is entitled to a copy of that record from the government. Nevertheless, we often get requests for this very information from our members or interested parties looking for information about a relative. We do not have it unless next of kin already provided it to us. So, if you are looking for how our website can help you, get the service record and this site can do wonders to help you find much more information about your relative who served with the 6th Infantry Division.
You may find that some of the records were destroyed in the 1973 fire in St. Louis. If that is the case, which it may be, do not be discouraged. There are other resources out there to find records for the Vet of whom you are searching. An excellent and very helpful services which we recommend is Golden Arrow Research. Their website link can be found here:
https://www.goldenarrowresearch.com
I have used them myself and found them very helpful, professional and responsive.
Remember, a Division is over 15,000 men. A regiment over 5,000. Without the service record, you might be looking for a needle in a haystack. With the service record, you will have the means to discover much more. And your next step could be to contact Golden Arrow Research. If you have questions, feel free to contact either me or Danny Thomas.
Sincerely,
Thomas Price
