US Military Records

[Pompey]

And an ATS hat and machinist insignia would fit--the ATS operated troop and cargo transport ships, and were the predecessor of the Army Transportation Corps.

Plus the ATS was army, so that would explain his rank of major.

So hopefully his US army record will confirm this. I have some things to look into. Do you know if the army gives service medals (the Australian army does for active service, particular theatres of war, as well as for valour, etc).

 

[AR_Banjo]

So hopefully his US army record will confirm this. I have some things to look into. Do you know if the army gives service medals (the Australian army does for active service, particular theatres of war, as well as for valour, etc).

Absolutely.

 

[Loshad]

Quite sure Wikipedia notes every ribbon issued by every
branch for yonks.

 

[Pompey]

Absolutely.

I imagined they would. I’m going to see if I can track those down as well. It would be good to be able to honour him on ANZAC day. Maybe the RSL will let me wear his medals (on the right side of the chest) for the march. Getting ahead of myself though, still a fair bit to be done before that.

 

[Loshad]

Do you have his medals/ribbons?

 

[Pompey]

Do you have his medals/ribbons?

No. I don’t know where they are. I am hoping my cousin does. I’ll give her a call in a few hours. Bit early to call her now.

 

[AR_Banjo]

One additional thing on requesting his records. As some have already pointed out, the National Personnel Records Center will quickly tell you about the fire that destroyed a large amount of files. I have read on some military history websites that records have been found after multiple request and denials. In other words, repeated requests after being told the records no longer exist have been successful.

If you haven't already, you may be able to find out a little information on this website:

NARA - AAD - List of Series - Genealogy/ Personal History: Military Personnel

aad.archives.gov

 

[donmatteo]

history session right here folks. So much has been lost over the years. Great to see, hear and read more about the pacific theater from a AUS perspective. Generally WW2 is UKGerman/USA/RUS and Japan/USA/China. We loose sight of Canada, AUS, NZ and the other countries that participated.

The fact I found interesting the most was the Army wearing Navy uniforms. We always knew they wanted to be Navy

 

[Pompey]

history session right here folks. So much has been lost over the years. Great to see, hear and read more about the pacific theater from a AUS perspective. Generally WW2 is UKGerman/USA/RUS and Japan/USA/China. We loose sight of Canada, AUS, NZ and the other countries that participated.

The fact I found interesting the most was the Army wearing Navy uniforms. We always knew they wanted to be Navy

It’s a little known fact that the first defeats inflicted on both Japan (Milne Bay) and Germany (against the famous Afrika Korps) on land were by the Australians. And the blitzkrieg tactic utilised by the Germans was a WW2 version developed by the Australians in WW1. General Guederian had studied the battle tactics used by General Monash and adapted them for use by the German army. That first battle on the 4th July 1918 was the beginning of Australians and Americans fighting together-a relationship that is still going strong over a century later. So what my uncle did was an excellent example of that.

 

[Pompey]

And of course the role the Canadians played, especially in the Battle of the Atlantic, was pivotal. It annoys me when Britain said that after the fall of France they faced Germany alone when Canadians were dying at sea in large numbers, as well as in the air, to feed and arm and defend the UK

 

[Loshad]

All valid points but might I point out that Ghengis Khan's tactics
bore all the trademarks of the blitzkrieg?

Carry on, lads.

 

[Pompey]

Blitzkrieg was the combined interaction of infantry, artillery, tanks and air power. Not detracting of course from genghis khans incredible military achievements. It’s staggering just how much territory he captured. I believe far greater than any other army.

 

[TexasTremor]

This is such a great group to belong too! I have learned so much in this thread and now hope to learn much more on my family's extensive military history.

 

[Pompey]

This is such a great group to belong too! I have learned so much in this thread and now hope to learn much more on my family's extensive military history.

I couldn’t agree more. I am so grateful for all the wonderful contributions and I’m delighted others have found this thread interesting. For all the tragedy that was WW2 there are some incredibly inspiring stories from all over the world. I feel very inadequate in the light of them and wish I could be half as good as that incredible generation.

 

[TexasTremor]

I couldn’t agree more. I am so grateful for all the wonderful contributions and I’m delighted others have found this thread interesting. For all the tragedy that was WW2 there are some incredibly inspiring stories from all over the world. I feel very inadequate in the light of them and wish I could be half as good as that incredible generation.

myself included

 

[TexasTremor]

Is a diesel vs gas really all that important after reading the other stuff ?

 

[Pompey]

Well, 4 years later and I think I’ve hit the jackpot.

Unfortunately, at this stage the US military were unable to assist in any way.

However, I finally tracked down some significant information. Firstly, it would appear he was never a commissioned officer in either the US Navy or US Army.

What he was though was a chief engineer on a number of US army small ships. Very little is known about what they did, it was all top secret apparently. Unfortunately, even today the powers that be both in Australia and the US want to keep it that way as much as possible. I don’t know why. Maybe I will know more in time, but it’s early days yet.

However, despite that both the Australian and US governments acknowledge that he did serve, and that he was honourably discharged in late 1946. As such, he can be awarded medals by both governments and I have now started the process of doing this.

It means I will legally allowed to wear his medals on the right breast and march on ANZAC Day, the most sacred day of the year in both Australia and New Zealand. Finally, after more than 80 years he will finally be given the public recognition he so richly deserves.

Apparently it can take 3 years to get the US medals. In any case, it will be with immense pride that one day I can wear his Australian medals AND his US medals on our most important day of the year. Lest we forget.

 

[Pompey]

Ok, I think I’ve gone as far as I can in this. I have now received all the medals I think I’ll be able to, and I’ve had them mounted . They have been mounted in the older pre Vietnam War method, which I decided was most appropriate as they are WW2 medals. They have also been mounted in order of rank, with the highest on the right, with overseas medals on the left.

As you can see, he was awarded The 1939-1945 Star, The Pacific Star, The 1939-1945 War Medal, the Australian Service Medal 1939-1945 and the United States Merchant Marine Medal 1941-1945.

Once again, a big thank you to all of you who contributed and it’s been a learning exercise for probably most of us. It certainly was for me.

With Remembrance Day approaching, I’m looking forward to commemorate my uncles service where for the very first time all his medals will be there.

 

[Optimus🤖]

Ok, I think I’ve gone as far as I can in this. I have now received all the medals I think I’ll be able to, and I’ve had them mounted . They have been mounted in the older pre Vietnam War method, which I decided was most appropriate as they are WW2 medals. They have also been mounted in order of rank, with the highest on the right, with overseas medals on the left.

As you can see, he was awarded The 1939-1945 Star, The Pacific Star, The 1939-1945 War Medal, the Australian Service Medal 1939-1945 and the United States Merchant Marine Medal 1941-1945.

Once again, a big thank you to all of you who contributed and it’s been a learning exercise for probably most of us. It certainly was for me.

With Remembrance Day approaching, I’m looking forward to commemorate my uncles service where for the very first time all his medals will be there.View attachment 268586View attachment 268587View attachment 268588View attachment 268589View attachment 268590

Congratulations brother! A job well done. Very happy for you .