Hi Everyone: I just received a newsletter from another society that I belong to (Utah Valley PAF Users Group). I have used some of the below information from an article written by Bruce Cramer "World War II Records on the Internet" published in their June 2004 Volume 14; Number 7 Newsletter. Many of us were touch by the release of "Saving Private Ryan" a movie more or less dedicated to the Men who served our country during the forgotten war. At least I know I was. The lines for this movie were huge for weeks. And I did my waiting in the long lines with everyone else. Most of us waited with anticipation to learn what our family members experienced and whether the documentary would be accurate. I myself don't know how accurate the film was, but I do know I have spoken with many veterans that state it was. And I know personally, the film was well worth waiting in those long lines for. When I went to see this movie, it was the first time in my life that I saw so many individuals touched. In fact, many never left their seats even after the lights came on. As I wiped my eyes from the flooded tears, I looked around and found myself not alone. In fact, Many present were doing the same. I saw families holding each other, men crying, some sitting in silences remembering the friends and family they lost during this war. Many individuals have asked, How could a movie have such an impact on so many of our lives? The answer is simple, for everyone who participated in the showing of this film, was touched in one way or another. Why? Because either they themselves lived the event or they knew someone within their own family who did. These individuals fought willingly or even died for their country. And Saving Private Ryan, brought life and meaning to them all. Brothers, fathers, uncles and cousins. Basically, men and women who gave diligently for this war. So you and I could have FREEDOM as we know it today. Personally, my grandfather was in the Navy for which he made it a life time career. He fought in this war and was even at Normandy. Unfortunately, he passed away just six months before the release of Saving Private Ryan and didn't get to see how it really affected so many individuals lives. However, I do believe he watched from the other side and felt great joy. That others would now know and understand what he and his comrades really did for their country. And something I'm personally grateful of my grandfather and all other military personal for. In order to show respect to these brave men and women and to help give history to their lives. I have included some websites that may benefit you in placing your relative or ancestor in this oh so important History. Many genealogist have tried in vain to get their ancestors World War II Army records only to find they have been destroyed by a fire in 1973. For those who have done this, Not all is lost. Even though these records were destroyed, 10 million medical records have been found (for ALL branches of the service) And may now be ordered. You'll first want to check out the web site for National Personnel Records center at. http://www.archives.gov/facilities/mo/st_louis/military_personnel_records.html (Note:cutting a pasting the above address will help to get to the website easier.) You can email them at NPRC.Referrals@nara.gov or write to National Personnel Records Center 9700 Page Avenue St. Louise, MO 63132-5100 You will need to provide the full name of the person, service number, branch of the service, the reason for the record request, and your relationship to the person you are looking for. (Note: turn around time can take weeks or even months) While your waiting for your reply, why not try to find some additional information on your ancestor. Each branch of the Untied States Military has their own Web site ending with .mil. They are http://www.army.mil (Army); http://www.navy.mil (Navy); http://www.usmc.mil (Marines); http://www.af.mil (Air Force). Each of these sites are connections to unit or ship histories, photos and other details officially published by the United States Government. You will find details including what happened to the unit or ship during the war as well as after the war. (Note: information on individuals is generally limited to officers) You can also search the veterans organization for more detailed information on individuals. See http://www.vet.org to find listings of some of their organizations. These organizations maintain list of their current and former members. Including their last known addresses. In addition, death dates and places for those that have died. They may have burial and next of kin information which can also benefit you in your research. I wish you luck with the pursuit of finding information and documentation on your World War II ancestor. And may we all remember our service men and women who have fought and died for our country. Without these brave individuals, we would not have what you and I know today as FREEDOM!! "Web address and sites were what were taken from the above mentioned newsletter article written by Bruce Cramer. You may order a copy of the UVPAFUG Newsletter by going to http://www.uvpafug.org" Cindy Hofmeister hofsearch@aol.com