How to Obtain Your Grandfather's DD Form 214: A Comprehensive Guide

Obtaining your grandfather's DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty is a crucial step in understanding his military service. Whether you are a veteran, a next of kin, or someone with permission from the veteran, this article will guide you through the process of obtaining this important document.

Determine Eligibility

Before starting, it's important to know who qualifies to request a DD 214. You can request this document if you fall into one of the following categories:

You are the veteran themselves. You are a next of kin (e.g., spouse, child, parent). You have the veteran's permission to request the document on their behalf.

Gather Information

To request a DD 214, you will need to provide the following information about your grandfather:

Full Name: The complete name of your grandfather as it appears on his enlistment papers. Service Number: Unique identification number assigned to your grandfather upon entry into service. Social Security Number: Your grandfather's Social Security number, if available. Date of Birth: Your grandfather's date of birth. Date of Discharge: The date your grandfather was discharged from service. Branch of Service: The branch of the military in which your grandfather served (e.g., Army, Navy, Air Force).

Request the DD 214

There are several ways to request a DD 214 from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), part of the National Archives.

Online Request

The National Archives offers an online service called eVetRecs to order a DD 214. Here's how to do it:

Visit the National Archives website. Click on the eVetRecs tab. Select Get Started and follow the prompts to order your DD 214.

Remember, this service is free. Be wary of websites that charge for this service.

By Mail

If you prefer to request the DD 214 by mail, you can use the Standard Form 180 (SF-180). Here's what you need to do:

Visit the National Archives website to download the form. Fill out the form with the required information about your grandfather. Send the completed form to the NPRC at the following address:

Attention: National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)
1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138

In Person

If you are located near St. Louis, Missouri, you can visit the NPRC in person to request a DD 214.

Visit the NPRC's website for more information on in-person visits. Make an appointment and bring the required documents with you.

Wait for Processing

After submitting your request, there may be some processing time associated with obtaining the DD 214. Processing times can vary depending on the availability of records and the complexity of the request. Some records may be incomplete or unavailable due to the 1973 fire at the NPRC. If this is the case, you may need to order a set of complete military records and a reissue of any medals or ribbons.

Contact Veteran Service Organizations

If you need additional assistance, consider contacting veteran service organizations like the American Legion or the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). These organizations can provide support and guidance throughout the process.

Make sure to check the National Archives website for any specific requirements or updates to the process.