Happy St. Patrick's Day

This is a break from my SXSW notes. Many celebrations are being held today to honor St. Patrick. This day has special meaning for me as sixty seven years ago today my parents married in St. Louis. My father was still in the US Army, having just returned from the South Pacific and my mother worked for the Army in administration. Like many post-WWII couples, they started a family right away and I was born ten months later in Oklahoma, where they moved after my father's discharge from the military.

I recently was able to obtain my father’s final pay voucher from the Army through the National Personnel Records Center. It showed he arrived in the US in January 19, 1945 and was discharged in December 2, 1945 after enlisting in June 24, 1942. Any one who had a parent serve in WW2 or subsequent wars should take advantage of this service. It was really nice to see my father’s signature on the pay voucher. He has been gone for quite a few years now and I really appreciate getting these connections.

The luck of the Irish to all of you.

 

Comments

[John Maloney]

Hi - My dad is a West Point grad. Thought looking up the records of 'Mike Maloney' would be be an interesting diversion for St. Patrick's Day.

Too bad about the fire. Guess they could have used a good scanner and a couple thumb drives back in '73...

"Please Note: On July 12, 1973, a disastrous fire at the NPRC destroyed approximately 16-18 million Official Military Personnel Files. Branch, Personnel and Period Affected: Army Personnel discharged November 1, 1912 to January 1, 1960; Estimated Loss: 80%."

http://1.usa.gov/FPVkEr

Too bad.

I wish the fire was at the IRS.

-j

[bill Ives]

Thanks John. I agree about the IRS. Happy St. Patrick's Day