I speak to many people on a daily basis about reconstructing World War I or World War II Army and Air Force research in the U.S. and Europe. Everyone is asking the same question. How can I find out where my soldier or Airman was every day? His OMPF (service file) burned in 1973.
The answer is simple. You start with Company Morning Reports. Here are 5 reasons you need these records.
- Company Morning Reports will help you reconstruct a soldier’s service, allowing you to document where he was every day he was in a company in a particular unit. You will also know when he changed units so you can continue tracing his service.
- Morning Reports document illness and wounds and if the clerk documented things, what field hospital or other hospital he was sent to.
- You’ll see changes in rank, MOS (job), transfers to temporary duty assignments so you know where he was at all times. Often, men were sent to DS (detached service) to help another unit. In those moments you also want to consult the other unit’s records to learn what was happening. This changes the soldier’s war experience.
- Changes in status to MIA, POW, KIA are also listed.
- Awards may be listed in Morning Reports if the clerk added that information. Many people want to know when or why a soldier received a specific award or decoration. This is one resource to help you discover that information and the often elusive General Order (GO) number.
Access Army Morning Reports
To access Morning Reports, as of May 2026, you can locate and download some on NARA Catalog, through December 1944. We are still waiting for 1945. If you need 1945 and beyond, I do take research clients. I’d love to help you with a research or book project. Email me at info@wwiirwc.com to set up your free phone consultation today to discuss project options, fees, and time.
Want to learn more about Morning Reports, come learn how to locate them on NARA Catalog in one of my small group coaching or NARA sessions. I also teach this in my Army and Army Air Force Small Group Coaching sessions as well. Current program list is available on my online course site.
© 2026 World War II Research and Writing Center
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