Hi Mary: I am going to cc the GenTips also as my answer may help someone else out. > I looked at the types of forms I have and not one of them says DD 214. They > are: > > Separation Qualification Record - at bottom of form it has: Form no.100 - 15 > July 1944 > At top: THIS FORM WILL NOT BE REPLACED IF LOST OR SOLD. SAVE IT. > next one: > Enlisted Record and Report of Separation and Honorable Discharge: Form 53 - > 55, > 1 November 1944 One thing I had forgotten to mention and I apologize for it, the DD 214 has not always been around. I believe it was created sometime late WWII or after it. Prior to that it was another form that looked similar but had a different number. > Now, where is the type of form no. DD 214 listed? AT top or bottom? Maybe I > don't have the correct one? Easy, just look at the top of the form and it will say "Report of Separtion or Discharge from Active Duty. The number should be at the bottom left hand corner of the page. > Also, could you tell me the date for the draft for WW2? I thought Dad was > drafted, but maybe he chose to sign up as it has 25 Feb 1941 as inducted? Good question which unfortunately I cannot answer. However, keeping in mind the War didn't start for us until Dec 7, 1941 (Pearl Harbor) he may have enlisted then back in Feb 1941. > You mentioned the cost of the hearing aid from your own pocket. Hope you > don't think I am too nosy, but why wouldn't you soldiers want to use your > benefits? Dad acted like he thought it was a type of charity, but I feel like > he and the others gave up the best years of their lives to fight for this > country and for freedom from persecution. He was in perfect health when he > joined up and went thru those years of pure hell (pardon me)... You Dad's opinion is why some of us did't use all the benefits. I did use part of my GI Bill for schooling and to buy a home and that's about it. As fas as the hearing aid goes, since I didn't press the issue when I left the service, the hearing loss was not sent before a medical board. Now, I would have to go back to the VA and press it and have it sent to a medical board. Fortunately, I requested copies of my audiogram from when I went into the service and when I left and it definitely shows a distinct loss. So if I ever decide to press it, I have the paperwork to do so, but it's not likely that I will. A lot of veterans I know feel the only thing they rightfully should be given is a piece of ground and a flag for when that day comes to join the High Commander of us all. George gebasden@worldnet.att.net http://www.basden.com >