Hi Erie Friends! Hope this information is helpful not only to Cheryl, but others who are stuck in this type of situation. Social Security registrations were started in 1936. The Social Security Death Index was not established until 1962. If you do not have a Social Security number for someone, but suspect they did register for a number, you may write to: Freedom of Information Officer 4-H-8 Annex Bldg. 6401 Security Boulevard Baltimore, MD 21235 You must include full name, place of birth and date of birth. You should include proof of death, such as an obituary, newspaper article or the like if a death certificate is not readily available. Cost will be $16.50 whether or not information is found. Prepare for a 6-week wait. You may also want to go online to the National Archives Records Administration site at: http://www.nara.gov/regional/mprsf180.html and read what is available through St. Louis facility for WWI and WW II, as well as subsequent war-time resources. I have requested records from them for WWI and WWII and found them to be somewhat slow - but they do eventually respond and I've been happy with the information received. I believe they are now charging for this service, and perhaps that is detailed as well at the site. Lastly, I found information about a relative who also was killed in action in WW II at the Erie Historical Society. Imagine my surprise to even find a post card that was written by the man's father in their materials! You may find additional information as well by contacting them at: Erie County Historical Society 419 State Street Erie, PA 16501 (814) 454-1813 Good Luck! Barb