Hi, I am working on a Fathers day gift for my father in law. His father passed more than 20 years ago, and is someone who I consider a hero. He was in the third infantry division during WW2 and served and fought all throughout europe against the Nazi regime. Anyhow when he was alive he rarely spoke about the war because he witnessed many things, that he’d rather not talk about. This fathers day I am compiling a book, and have already requested a copy of his military records, I was wondering if there is anything else anyone can think of to make it extra special. I have seen on t.v. where veterans familys revieve a U.S flag that is folded upon there death is this only if they died while serving? Does anyone know of any registery’s or certificates?
CAYENNE
In his service record book there will be a lit of medals and unit citations that he and his unit may have received. I would then pick up those medals and such and incase them in a display case along with the Flag….I have one from my time served in the Marines 67-68 Veitnam made by my dad, and I have done one for my son that served and is serving in Iraq 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, now maybe 2007 and 2008! Good Luck!
ANISE
The widow of the of the decieced service member usually gets the flag. If you can get the flag you can buy the medals and awards listed on his records after that encase them it looks awsome
TILLIE
Let old dogs have their day including Fathers! Great idea but check it out first to see if his children consider it as such!
Sometimes old memories are best to let lie as they sometimes add grief and sorrow on such a special day.
Honor your father-in-law with a gift of LOVE and hope that just being together on his special day is enough!
KINSLEY
Get on yahoo search Fort Stewart, GA, that is the home of 3ID the same division he fought in, and see if you can get some 3ID patches from them its the same patch as WW II. Also what did he do in the Army, Infantry, Cavalry, Tanker, Medic etc. Once you find that out go to. They have some of the best military items brand new, tailor the fathers day gift to what your grandfather did. And tell your father his father is a hero. Good luck
HAMPTON
This worked great for my husband from our daughter: Find an old black and white picture of him in uniform. Not the military picture but perhaps of him leaning against a jeep or laughing with his buddies, at home on leave with the family. Get it put into digital and have the specks and flaws fixed. Next find a military style frame (my daughter picked one that stands on an airplane propeller because her dad was also in the Air force). Be very careful with digging up his military records and history. There is a good reason why WWII guys don’t talk about what they did or saw because they don’t want to inflict that horror on their family so please go lightly into that area. Thank you for honoring our veterans, your father and his father.
There is a series of books put together in the 40’s called Pictorial History of the Second World War. I think there are 5, I have 3 and they go from 1939 to end of war. They are heavy books full of pictures of the war. If you can find it (they are hard to find), you might actually find your grandfather’s division in it! Good luck.
COLLIN
your question raises a problem.Your grandfathers documents may be involed with the “secrets act”.I myself saw active duty.The secrets act I cannot disobey or else ill lose everything.Your grandfather must have seen horrific situations.If It Was me,I woundt talk about it either.You might ask but you maynot recieve documents unless restricted or confidential.Apart from that you should contact his old unit and go from there
ELTON
If your father-in-laws father was an honorably discharged vet. , the family is entitled to a flag. He didn’t have to die in combat or still be in the service. Contact your local VFW or American Legion post for more information concerning this tribute. You could also contact the 3rd Inf. Div. Association to see if they might have any further records of him or if any of his buddies are still alive that might provide some personal info. on him. Good luck.
DRUCE
Boy, are you in luck because right now until June 6, 2007, is offering free access to all of their indexed military records. They cover all American wars dating back to 1607. In some cases you can even download original entries, draft cards, and many other things.
There are POW records, AND they have the WWII United News Newsreels(!) with detailed descriptions of what is on each newsreel., 1942-1946; 267 issues of ‘The United News’ produced by the U.S. Office of War Information during World War II.
Go make your gift special!