Thank you for the information on the date of destruction of records. Perhaps that will give a lead on further insight on the reason. What ever the reason , thanks to all who contribute to the website and to the assistance of the people at NARA , we will find answers to our questions. I do know that for information on returning troops to New York , the Associated Press in post VE day periods did post names of ship arrivals giving the name of the ship and the numbers of service men aboard. These snippets appeared in many local papers so if the date of return is known , a check of a newspaper for that week might give the name of the ship. In my case , it worked. These AP dispatches did not, however give names of service men. Thanks to everyone who contributes information on questions to this list. Every bit of knowledge submitted helps stitch together our records. Jessie, CA