rgsamsel

And if you go to the county courthouse (Recorder of Deeds, Prothonotary, whatever) there are usually what are called Soldiers and Sailors Records Books where returning vets registered an original copy of their Honorable Discharge Certificate and forerunners of the DD-214. I've used them in NY, NJ & PA with 100% success. You will need to know what county the vet returned to when he was discharged.

New York city not sure which borrow I think queens or brooklyn is that nassua county?

The death and wound documents are officially called "Presidential Killed (or Wounded) in Action Certificates", although they are more often referred to as "Columbia accolades" or "Wilson accolades".

In 1993, Planchet Press published "AEF Award Certificates", by Thomas J. Nier. It covers all the various award and recognition certificates down to division level. Long out of print, but worth searching for.

Jeff.

I have one of these certificates that was my Grandfathers. I have been trying to get the purple Heart for my mom the next of kin. Been trying now for ten years. The natioal personnel records center seems not to acknowlodge it as proof. His records were lost when the center had a fire back in 1973. The VA can't locate his records for me to see if there is any other proof of him being wouned. Any idea's would be greatly appreciated. His discharge papers are missing and his head stone at the national cemetery is mark PH for the Purple Heart. He was in the 82nd Division 325th infantry company c.

Bob