Jennifer Holik

Military Monday – Fold3 Records

May 11, 2026 by Jennifer Holik Leave a Comment

Understanding the Reality of Fold3 for WWII Research

Let’s clear up a common misconception: Fold3 is not a one-stop shop for World War I or World War II military research. In genealogy groups, I observe the same responses which show up again and again: “Check Fold3.” “Everything burned.” “They have all the records.” None of those are fully accurate—and believing them can stall your research before it even begins. The truth is, researching 20th-century military service requires a strategy.

A Two-Part Strategy for WWII Research

Part 1: Reconstruct the Service Timeline
Start by identifying the individual’s movements or footsteps. The nits, ships, stations, dates and basic facts. This is the foundation of all military research. The following records help you build a timeline of service. It’s important to know that even if you have a complete service file, you are only getting puzzle pieces. It’s up to you to work the strategy and assemble the story.

Key records include (but are not limited to):

Official Military Personnel Files (OMPFs)
WWII Individual Deceased Personnel Files (IDPFs)
WWI Burial Files
Morning Reports (Army/Air Forces)
Rosters and payroll records
Naval and Marine Corps muster rolls
Merchant Marine files
Aviation accident reports

Part 2: Find the Context
Once you know where someone was, you can begin to understand what they experienced.

This is where the story comes alive:

Unit and regimental histories
War diaries and journals
Operational reports and after-action reports
Maps, photographs, and message traffic

These sources reveal battles, movements, wounds, losses, and daily life. This is how you move from data to lived experience.

What Fold3 Actually Offers

Fold3 is valuable—but it leans heavily toward contextual (Part 2) records, not full service histroy reconstructions.

You may find some individual-level documents, but you are unlikely to log in and uncover a complete service history neatly packaged. That’s not how WWII research works.

Also, be cautious with user-created memorials. Many are built from surface-level research and may contain gaps or inaccuracies. Always verify the information yourself.

Useful WWII Record Sets on Fold3

Commonly used collections include:

Draft registration cards
Hospital admission card files
Red Cross nurse files
WWII war diaries
European Theater of Operations records
Transport and ship manifests
Death indexes and cemetery lists
Missing Air Crew Reports (MACRs)
Naval and Marine Corps muster rolls
Donated unit records from reunion groups

Additional Fold3 Resources Most People Miss

If you want to go deeper, these are often overlooked but highly valuable:

World War I Army Morning Reports. You will find WWII Army Morning Reports or Company Morning Reports on NARA Catalog and the 1945 and 1946 still at NPRC on microfilm (at the time of this article April 2026).
Army Air Forces (AAF) Mission Reports – Provide operational details for bombing missions, including targets, losses, and crew data. Found in various donated unit collections.
After Action Reports (AARs) – Found in various donated unit collections; essential for understanding combat activity day-by-day.
Guadalcanal and Pacific Theater Records – Located within WWII War Diaries. These records are rich in diaries, intelligence summaries, and operational logs.
Submarine War Patrol Reports – Detailed narratives of patrols, engagements, and conditions at sea.
Holocaust and liberation-related records – For those researching units involved in liberation or displaced persons. Found in several collections. Also try the European Theater Records.

The Bottom Line

Fold3 is a powerful tool—but it is only one piece of the research puzzle. The majority of essential records you need to reconstruct service still live at the National Archives and Records Administration or within the NARA Catalog, often buried in textual records that require patience and strategy to uncover. You may also discover military records at Presidential Libraries, Museums (military, ethnic, etc.), genealogical and historical societies, University and local libraries and archives, and of course, buried in family boxes in attics and closets.

If you approach WWII research expecting a single database to hand you the full story, you’ll be disappointed and confused. But if you build a timeline and then layer in context, you can reconstruct a powerful, accurate narrative of service.

If you’d like to learn more about what is available on Ancestry, Fold3, NARA Catalog, and other sites, grab a copy of my Online Toolkits. Three PDF guides that cover NARA Catalog resources, General WWII research tips plus Ancestry, Fold3, and more. And a new guide on Civilian Conservation Corps Records.

As always, click here to see upcoming small group coaching sessions to learn how to use NARA Catalog, research Army or Navy service, find POW records, and more. These sessions come with extensive workbooks, plenty of Q&A for attendees, my 2-part research strategy and the replay. Need a researcher? I am taking research and book clients – email jennifer@ancestralsouls.com to set up a free consult to discuss your project.

Reconstructing Military Service Isn’t What You’ve Been Told

May 8, 2026 by Jennifer Holik Leave a Comment

The truth about reconstructing service history for your veteran

ALL THE RECORDS BURNED! WHATEVER WILL WE DO? THERE ARE NO ANSWERS!

Ummmm. Nope. Not true at all so let’s stop being so dramatic. Let’s also stop telling everyone on social media that the big fire burned everything – because it didn’t.

Exploring Fact and Fiction

Was there a fire at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in 1973? YES.

Did the fire destroy approximately 80% of the Army and Army Air Forces service files or Official Military Personnel Files (OMPFs)? YES.

Does that mean I can never know what my Army or Army Air Force veteran experienced? What units he was part of? If he was wounded, sick, taken prisoner, listed as Missing, or anything else? NO. Answers exist.

Am I only reconstructing service if the record burned? NO.

You are reconstructing service for every branch. Why?

OMPFs regardless of military branch do not come to you in a neat storybook package with a timeline of the veteran’s or war dead’s service. They come as official records. Puzzle pieces with dates (which may be confusing on Navy and Marine Corps records). Puzzle pieces of ships, stations, units, Replacement Depots, and more. The OMPFs do not provide context – the experience of your veteran or his unit or ship. You are responsible for sorting the puzzle – creating the military timeline and THEN finding context.

No One Told Us How To Find Answers

The big problem with the fire is that afterward there was no education, even on NARA’s websites or in their materials on how to find answers. How to reconstruct service. It was some big secret until a couple of people wrote books about requesting Army records or medals and looking at uniforms in the late 1990s/early 2000s back when we used to research via mail and more in-person. Those books didn’t actually provide a research strategy and clear direction on what records you needed.

It wasn’t until 2010 when I started researching while writing my first book and found a couple of books on Army service that were so far out of date, that I created the strategy, wrote the books, and started teaching. I required a clear strategy and path to finding answers for myself and I knew I could share that with the world. So I did.

What if the OMPF Burned – Where Do I Go Next?

If you are researching Navy, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, or Marine Corps – those OMPF are at NPRC. Almost none of them were impacted by the fire. As long as your veteran died or was discharged by 62 years ago today (a rolling date) – anyone can request those files.

If you are researching Army or Army Air Force later Air Force – you need to start with Army Company Morning Reports. Where available also get Payroll Reports and Monthly Rosters. Use these to reconstruct service and build your timeline. The Morning Reports will tell you the footsteps and changes of your soldiers.

Once you have the OMPF or the OMPF plus – Morning Reports or Payroll Reports or Monthly Rosters or Naval Muster Rolls or Marine Corps Muster Rolls – then you create a military timeline of service.

From there once you have established what units, ships or stations apply to your veteran’s service, you are ready to locate contextual unit records. This may include ship war diaries, deck logs, and Armed Guard Reports. Unit histories, regimental histories, journals, diaries, maps, photos, mission reports, After Action Reports, and so many other possibilities.

What does the OMPF Tell You or Not Tell You?

You will discover: The OMPF will provide puzzle pieces. Dates, places, changes in rank, MOS (job), next of kin details, biographical details, transfers, units, perhaps MIA or KIA information, medical and dental details as they pertain to service history while in military service. On occasion you will also find vital records for family members (to help prove legal NOK) or probate records, adoption records, mental hospital commitment papers, and other interesting things. The occasional family letter. Learn more in my article: Exploring the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF).

You will not find: Details on their personal life, thoughts, feelings, and how they handled anything. You will not find information on post-war life. You will not discover every minute detail about their combat experience.

A book was recently published about the 1973 Fire at the NPRC, called “The Erased Generation.” In this book, the author tells you the history, repeats himself a lot, provides incorrect facts about some records, and reconstructs three Army histories in the briefest way possible without providing you a clear strategy. While this book does have some merit – let’s talk about the unrealistic expectations of information in the OMPF he presents. Full disclosure, I purchased this book on 3 May 2026 on Amazon and it is his first edition. The author indicated he may update this book later.

In one of his reconstructions of Army service about a soldier named Leo who was wounded, he wrote in part: “The surviving record…does not record who carried him from the field.” No OMPF will tell you that. If he died then perhaps in the IDPF there may be some notation of who attempted to help him after he was wounded and died. The OMPF is not going to give you a play by play of anything. It provides puzzle pieces. Additionally, within a unit history, you may discover a notation about who helped him but usually not.

He goes on to say, in part: “It does not say how long he lay wounded before reaching aid.” Unless there is an eyewitness account somewhere – again you are not going to find that in the OMPF. This level of detail was never recorded in their official record.

He also adds, which made me wonder if he’s actually read more than one or two OMPFs, “it does not tell us whether he married, … spoke of the war …how the wound shaped the rest of his life….”

Let me make this clear – when you were discharged – the military was done keeping tabs on you. No OMPF is going to give you post-discharge details on his personal life or wounds or medals. Although once I did see a notation about a Bronze Star being award post-discharge in a mostly burned file. In fact, even while you are in service, you are not going to get that level of detail. If you want to know more about his wounds or illnesses – attempt to get his VA File. You are not going to find this level of detail in any OMPF.

Finally, on the subject of this book, the author also, in multiple places tells people the Draft Registration Card contains the military service number. IT DOES NOT. A Draft card means you registered and were eligible for service. It does not mean you served. See my article on the Draft Card for more information.

Are OMPFs the Same for Every Branch?

OMPFs for World War II are similar in content for all military branches. Each branch however does have it’s own forms. So a medical or transfer form for one branch may look different in another branch.

Where Can I see an OMPF?

Have you ever seen an OMPF for any branch? If not, visit my WWII Research and Writing Center site and explore some WWII Record Examples. These files will give you an idea of typical contents.

If you are ready to start a research or writing project, or would like to brush up on your WWI, WWII, Korea, or Vietnam research skills, visit my online store and sign up for one of the upcoming Small Group Coaching sessions – specific to your military branch. You can also reach out for a free research or book writing consult to jennifer@ancestralsouls.com

Which John Smith is Mine in all These Military Records?

May 8, 2026 by Jennifer Holik Leave a Comment

Locating the elusive service/serial number with a common named ancestor.

I recently helped someone, we’ll call him Joe, with locating information on their family member, William A. Campbell Jr. from Brooklyn, NY, who served in the Navy during World War II. He said William was born 1925 died 1977 and served on ships that were sunk. No other initial details were given.

If you have conducted genealogical research, the first red flag is that William Campbell in New York is a very common name. Without more clarifying information, how could you possibly find a service number for him so you could request his OMPF? I’ll show you.

Search the Go-To’s for Service Numbers – Navy Example

In this article I’m strictly showing the go-to’s to attempt to find a Navy service number. If you are researching other branches, some of these resources will apply and then there would be others to consult.

With such little biographical information to start with (while waiting for more details from Joe) I start with the BIRLS database on Ancestry to see if I can find any possible William A. Campbell Jrs that fit the birth/death dates. I found a potential match – birth 18 Sept 1925, death 14 Aug 1944. Enlisted 18 Oct 1943, discharge 25 April 1946. The name listed was William Campbell. Ok so Joe confirmed those dates and we see there is no ‘A’ or Jr listed with this entry. Could be the person who indexed it didn’t add it or the BIRLS entry didn’t have it.

With this confirmed I took a quick search in Navy Muster Rolls only to confirm there were multiple William Campbell’s of various varieties – with and without middle initials, some with Jr.

Next I searched U.S. Headstone Applications on Ancestry in case he had a military stone issued. This will provide a serial or service number. I had checked FindAGrave but there was no helpful information or a photo of his gravestone. This Applications provided me with a potential who matched the birth/death dates. This William was married to a Katherine. I confirmed with Joe the wife’s name and where he was buried. BINGO – I have the service number.

Reconstructing Naval Service History without the OMPF

Most people mistakenly think if the service file burned in the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), that you don’t have to reconstruct service. However, this is incorrect thinking. Let me explain.

Whether the OMPF burned or arrives fully intact, it doesn’t appear in exact chronological order. It doesn’t provide context about the experience of war. It provides puzzle pieces you can use to create a timeline and reconstruct the footsteps of this veteran.

Need to understand this concept more – read my articles:

WWII Research Tip! The OMPF Contains Gold

Exploring the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF)

The Difference Between the OMPF & IDPF

While you wait to order or receive the OMPF from the NPRC, there are, in the case of Navy research, many records you can attempt to locate. You want to start first by searching the service number – in this case 815 72 75. When you search – try it first WITH the spaces. Then try it without. Then try by name.

As you do this it is vital you put together a timeline of service to track the movements, ships, stations, and locations of your Naval veteran. These include:

Navy Muster Rolls (NARA Catalog, Ancestry, Fold3) – to establish some of the ships/stations. You may not find all this through Muster Rolls due to poor quality of the pages or incorrect indexing or OCR results. The OMPF will have all ships/stations.
WWII War Diaries (Fold3, NARA Catalog) – once you have identified the vessels on which your veteran served
Movement Cards (NARA College Park not digitized) – for Merchant Vessels to track Armed Guard movement
Deck Logs/Port Director Logs (NARA College Park not digitized) – for daily logs of the vessel – both Liberty Ships and Naval Vessels
Armed Guard Reports (NARA College Park not digitized) – for a set of records, some narrative potentially, about the Naval Armed Guard’s service aboard a merchant vessel.

WARNING! Pay attention to how the veteran appears in the reports. It may be confusion as this William was.

The Ancestry Naval Muster Rolls results show me for this service number: William N Campbell Jr. You may scratch your head and say wait – his middle initial was A. Why are you telling me this is the same guy? Because the service numbers match and the N isn’t actually a middle initial. It indicates NO middle initial. In Army Records it appears as NMI. When you look at most of his muster rolls you will see whomever typed these listed him twice. Listed several people twice. This is likely to distinguish the orders/movements rather than try to type all on one small space. Pay attention to how the information shows up. Confirm the service number.

Using the available Muster Rolls on Ancestry and NARA Catalog I was able to a quick reconstruction of service history. This told me:

He was Naval Armed Guard which meant he was going to be transferred to different ships and therefore, different records would be required to find context.
I learned he was on at least three different vessels. They did not sink according to MARAD docs. Further research should be done to confirm this and ensure the correct vessel identifications.
He was taken off the SS ASA GRAY for medical reasons and appears to have spent a lot of time then on land at the Naval Armed Guard Center before returning to any vessel. Again – this has to be confirmed through the OMPF and additional records.

Basically once I confirmed the service number, I was able to do a quick timeline of his service. Easy.

If you would like to learn more about Navy research and reconstructing service history, whether the OMPF was impacted by the first or not, click the link to my online store below and register for one of my upcoming small group coaching sessions or book a 1-1 private session today.

The WWII Draft Card Does Not Prove Military Service

May 7, 2026 by Jennifer Holik Leave a Comment

World War II draft registration cards are one of the most accessible and information-rich records for understanding the men who were eligible for military service. These cards provide a snapshot of a man’s life at the precise moment in time in which he registered. We learn basic biographical information that can aid our military research, especially if we are working with a common name. These information fields include:

A man’s full name
Home address
Date and place of birth
Age at registration
Occupation and employer’s name and address
Name and address of a person who would always know his whereabouts (often a spouse, parent, or close relative).
Physical description, noting height, weight, eye and hair color, complexion, and identifying marks.
In cases like my great uncle John’s below – we also learn he died prior to being potentially drafted.
In some cases where a man previously served or died while in service, that will also be noted on the draft card.

For men born between 1877 and 1927, multiple draft registrations were conducted, including the “Old Man’s Draft” of 1942 for men aged 45–64, meaning even those who never served still appear in these records.

Where to Find Draft Registration Cards

Ancestry, FamilySearch, Fold3, and NARA Catalog all have World War I and World War II Draft Registration Cards. You can also find the Korean War-era Draft Cards on Fold3.

The Value of Draft Registration Cards

WWII draft registration cards are useful for genealogists and researchers trying to track individuals between census years or reconstruct family units. The listed contact person can help confirm relationships or reveal previously unknown relatives. The employment information offers insight into skills a man had based on the type of work he was doing. This may have influencedwhere he was placed in a job (Military Occupational Specialty once inducted into service. Because these card were created between census years, they may be the only surviving record that ties a man to a specific place and time during the early 1940s.

For military researchers, these cards are a foundational starting point, even though they do not confirm actual service. They do not provide a military service or serial number.

There is a new book on the market that talks about the 1973 Fire at the National Personnel Records Center. This book includes three Army reconstructions and many inaccurate mentions of the draft card providing a military service number. Please note – the draft card does NOT provide a service number. Individuals did not receive a military service or serial number until they were inducted.

The draft cards help distinguish between individuals with common names. They provide birth data needed to request official military personnel files. The cards establish geographic context for further research in local draft boards, and potential enlistment or induction locations.

When used alongside other sources—such as enlistment records, Official Military Personnel Files (OMPFs), WWII draft cards become a critical piece of the larger puzzle, helping reconstruct not only military service, but the broader personal and social history of the WWII generation.

The Advantage of Private WWII Coaching: Clarity, Depth, and Results

May 6, 2026 by Jennifer Holik Leave a Comment

Most genealogists don’t struggle with World War I or World War II research because they lack passion. They struggle because they’re trying to navigate increasingly complex or burned records, conflicting information, and overwhelming databases on their own. Private coaching changes that dynamic entirely. It replaces guesswork with guidance, dispels the fire myths, and helps genealogists move forward with clarity instead of giving up because of a fire.

Two of the biggest advantages of private coaching are knowledge and precision. In genealogy, we tend to go after quick facts. A census record to show us where someone lived, who was in the family, what work they did, and perhaps when they immigrated. A vital record to fill in the birth, marriage, or death parts of the timeline. A land record to show ownership and where someone lived during their lifetime. Quick facts that most people never provide context for. You build a family tree and consider it done.

It isn’t.

Military Research Requires a Different Strategy and Tools

Military research is different. It is more than adding facts to a timeline because you found a record on Ancestry or Fold3 that mentions a name. Usually people attach these records with no idea about what they really mean. The information they actually convey or that they should be included in a timeline. A military timeline that is very different from a timeline created on Ancestry. I can teach you how to create this and promise it will change your research reality.

When you are working with military records, Army Morning Reports, timelines, and fragmented archival material, small mistakes can lead to completely incorrect conclusions. It is very likely you are also missing key records because no webinar speaker told you they existed. A coach helps you ask better questions, choose the right sources, and interpret documents accurately the first time. Instead of collecting random records, you begin building a cohesive, evidence-based story.

Accelerate Your Learning

Private coaching also accelerates progress in a way self-paced learning rarely can. Many genealogists spend hours searching databases like Ancestry or Fold3 without a clear strategy, often missing key records that would unlock their research. With a coach, you’re not just told where to look, you’re shown where to go, what records you absolutely need and how to think. You learn a repeatable research process from me that covers all branches for World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam, that helps you move forward faster and with greater confidence.

Value, Speed, Accuracy

But the value goes beyond speed and accuracy. Coaching provides structure, strategies, timelines and resources. Instead of juggling scattered notes, downloads, and ideas, you begin organizing your research into timelines, patterns, and narratives. This is especially critical for those working on WWII projects, where service histories span record groups and repositories like National Archives and Records Administration plus online sites like Fold3, Ancestry, FamilySearch, branch-specific museum sites, and more. A coach helps you see how all the pieces fit together.

A Coach Provides Accountability

There’s also a level of accountability that most genealogists underestimate. When you’re working alone, it’s easy to stall out, second-guess your direction, or abandon a line of research when it becomes difficult. Coaching creates momentum. You’re supported, challenged, and guided to keep going—even when the research becomes complex or emotionally heavy.

And that emotional layer matters more than many expect. Genealogy is not just about names and dates—it’s about people, experiences, and often trauma. Whether you’re uncovering wartime service, loss, or long-buried family stories, having someone to help you process and contextualize what you find can be transformative. Private coaching creates space not only for discovery, but for understanding.

Ultimately, genealogists choose private coaching because they want more than information—they want results that mean something. They want accurate timelines, richer stories, and a deeper connection to the past. Coaching bridges the gap between curiosity and clarity, turning scattered research into a purposeful, powerful narrative.

If you’re serious about your research, private coaching isn’t an extra—it’s the advantage that helps you go further, faster, and with far more intention. Learn the 2-part research strategy I created 15 years ago to research any veteran even if the service file burned. Get your specific questions answered. Tell your story. Start today by choosing your session package and let me help you find the answers you seek.

May 2026 Bonus Offer

When you purchase a coaching session between now and May 23, you will automatically be registered to the Wednesday, June 3, 7:00 p.m. CST WWII Records Small Group Coaching session for free. This session is a general Q&A for researchers.

Feel free to reach out to jennifer@ancestralsouls.com with questions. I’m happy to answer them!

May 2026 Morning Report Classes and More

May 5, 2026 by Jennifer Holik Leave a Comment

Here is what’s on tap for May World War II education! To find all offers, learn more and register, please visit my online course site – Ancestral Souls Wisdom School.

Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00 p.m. CST WWII Cafe (Free)

Wednesday, May 6, at 7:00 p.m. CST. WWII Death Records Guided Group Coaching (90-minutes)

NEW! Thursday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. CST NARA Catalog Army Morning Reports Coaching (1-hour) If you have struggled to find he Morning Reports you need, join me for this 1-hour Zoom coaching and learn how to make the catalog less frustrating. I’ll also show you how to download full months’ reports.

Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m. CST Organize Your Military Research + Timeline

Wednesday, May 13 at 11:00 a.m. CST WWII Army Records Small Group Coaching (plus Morning Reports)

Wednesday, May 13 at 7:00 p.m. CST WWII Prisoner of War Records Small Group Coaching

Thursday, May 14 at 11:00 a.m. CST at 7:00 p.m. CST NARA Catalog Army Morning Reports Coaching

Thursday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. CST WWII Records Small Group Coaching

Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00 p.m. CST WWII Army Records Small Group Coaching (plus Morning Reports)

Wednesday, May 20 at 11:00 a.m. CST Organize Your Military Research + Timeline

Wednesday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m. CST at 7:00 p.m. CST NARA Catalog Army Morning Reports Coaching

Friday, May 22 at 11:00 a.m. CST at 7:00 p.m. CST NARA Catalog Army Morning Reports Coaching

Military Monday – WWII Education

May 4, 2026 by Jennifer Holik Leave a Comment

For genealogists, family members, and military researchers, I have a month full of military programs to help you learn new skills and where to find records. As we move into Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day, a couple programs offer you the opportunity to research your family’s war dead. To learn more about these programs and register, click here to see upcoming small group coaching sessions. My coaching sessions are so focused that you will learn new tips, new tools, receive extensive workbooks, and get you unstuck.

You can also book these as private sessions for yourself or your genealogy group. Contact me to learn how.

Army Morning Reports Small Group Coaching

Thursday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. CST or Thursday, May 14 at 11:00 a.m. CST or Wednesday May 20 at 7:00 p.m. CST or Friday, May 22 at 11:00 a.m. CST

WWII Death Records Small Group Coaching

Wednesday, May 6 at 7:00 p.m. CST

Organize Your Military Research Group Coaching

Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m. CST or Wednesday, May 20 a 11:00 a.m. CST

Army Records Small Group Coaching

Wednesday, May 13 at 11:00 a.m. CST or Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00 p.m. CST

WWII POW Records Small Group Coaching

Wednesday, May 13, at 7:00 p.m. CST

WWII Records Guided Group Coaching

Thursday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. CST

Fold3 – Words & Context Matter

May 3, 2026 by Jennifer Holik Leave a Comment

Recently, Fold3 announced the arrival of a new World War I record set. The Arkansas, WWI Discharge Records, 1917-1919. The description from Fold3 and also the Arkansas State Archives is Key Information Included in the Records:

Biographical Data: Veteran’s age, place of birth, and place of residence at the time of service.
Military Service Details: Specific information regarding their enlistment, unit assignments, and discharge.
Casualty Information: For service members who died during the war, the records include the date of death and the location of their burial.

What’s Wrong About These Records?

First, these are not discharge papers. Let’s be crystal clear about that. A discharge paper is an actual paper, not an index card of service facts.

Second, a discharge paper was not issued for World War I or World War II for those who died or were killed while in service. For those who died in World War I, a Burial File would have been created. For World War II, an Individual Deceased Personnel File. Not a discharge because if you are dead, you cannot be discharged.

Third, these should be labeled Statement of Service Cards. If you read the fine print on the back of these cards – these are Statement of Service Cards. It is clearly indicated. These cards can be used to find valuable facts to include in your Timeline of Service and to continue your military research. However, they do not exist for every state. If they do exist for your state, you should check the State Archives or Ancestry, FamilySearch or Fold3. Remember though, they may be incorrectly called discharge papers.

If you are ready to learn the 2-part research strategy to research any veteran even if the records burned and how to locate and navigate Army Morning Reports on NARA Catalog – register for one of my upcoming small group coaching sessions. These are focused trainings in Zoom Meeting format to answer your questions and teach you the military skills you need to find answers.

Coming in May 2026. All programs can be found here.

Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00 p.m. CST WWII Cafe (Free)

Wednesday, May 6, at 7:00 p.m. CST. WWII Death Records Guided Group Coaching (90-minutes)

NEW! Thursday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. CST NARA Catalog Army Morning Reports Coaching (1-hour) If you have struggled to find he Morning Reports you need, join me for this 1-hour Zoom coaching and learn how to make the catalog less frustrating. I’ll also show you how to download full months’ reports.

Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m. CST Organize Your Military Research + Timeline

Wednesday, May 13 at 11:00 a.m. CST WWII Army Records Small Group Coaching (plus Morning Reports)

Wednesday, May 13 at 7:00 p.m. CST WWII Prisoner of War Records Small Group Coaching

Thursday, May 14 at 11:00 a.m. CST at 7:00 p.m. CST NARA Catalog Army Morning Reports Coaching

Thursday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. CST WWII Records Small Group Coaching

Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00 p.m. CST WWII Army Records Small Group Coaching (plus Morning Reports)

Wednesday, May 20 at 11:00 a.m. CST Organize Your Military Research + Timeline

Wednesday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m. CST at 7:00 p.m. CST NARA Catalog Army Morning Reports Coaching

Friday, May 22 at 11:00 a.m. CST at 7:00 p.m. CST NARA Catalog Army Morning Reports Coaching

Need help researching? I take research and book writing clients. Email info@wwiirwc.com to set up a free consult.

WWII Army Morning Reports Tell A Story

May 1, 2026 by Jennifer Holik Leave a Comment

Did you know you can reconstruct Army and Army Air Force service using Company Morning Reports? These records may tell you a very detailed story about your soldier or airman’s service. This is the most important records you need to reconstruct military service, even if the OMPF (service file) survived the 1973 fire.

Morning Reports listed many details about the company which include:

The location of the company for the date of the report.
Strength of the unit in numbers of men
Details of those entering and leaving the company
Names of those declared AWOL, Missing In Action, Killed In Action, or wounded.
Details about promotions or demotions.
The reports also provided information on the day’s events. Some clerks reported weather conditions, in addition to the usual information on where the unit was fighting, and other enemy encounters.
The companies were required to report numbers of men at each meal, which provided information to the Army, who then was able to provide food and appropriate supplies for the soldiers. These numbers also alerted headquarters when the ranks were depleted and replacements were needed.

Telling A Story

It’s important to know that not all Morning Reports (or any military records) are created equally. Yes there were guidelines but some report writers documented a lot more than the basics.

It has been my experience that Armored Infantry Battalions and Tank Battalions give the most description in their reports. This isn’t to say other units do not provide such rich detail, but this has been my experience after 12 years of research, teaching, and writing.

This Morning Report is from HQ Co 51st AIB (Armored Infantry Battalion). Here are a few days in October 1944 that tell us a story about the men in this unit.

7 October 1944 has moved to ¼ mile South of Serres, France. Company starting moving from old area at 1845. Closed in present location at 2230. 8 October 1944, unit enjoys pancakes and bacon for breakfast. Plenty of seconds too! First meal cooked by mess personnel for quite some time. Plenty of men in the process of cleaning up. Movies tonight in MG platoon area. Received two replacement today. Issue of cognac and Vermouth. All men digging slit trenches. Requisitions take for all shortages. This is definitely not a rest period. Two companies of the Battalion ready for movement at a very short notice. Two thirds of Company ready to move, also Catholic church services attended by many men of the Battalion. Services conducted in church in Serres also both services held in bivouac area this afternoon. Many men attended. First time the entire company has been together for quite some time. [i]

9 October 1944 unit remains ¼ mile South of Serres, France. Movies are shown today. Four shows, at 1000, 1400, 1900 and 2100. Very good relaxation for all men. Name of show, “Cover Girl”. All platoons commence training. Cleaning up of all vehicles also. Showers at 1030 and 1230. Twenty-five men allowed at earn period, the swimming pool was also available to men going for showers. Red Cross Club mobile in area this afternoon serving coffee and doughnuts. Many men expressed the worth much more than the coffee and doughnuts. The donuts were succulent. Officers commissary open in schoolhouse in Serres. Most of the Officers in company waited in line to buy some necessary clothing. Very good spaghetti sauce and noodles for supper tonight. Meals were enjoyed by all. [ii]

10 October 1944 unit remains ¼ mile south of Serres, France. Enemy planes are overhead at 2300. On 11 October 1944 unit remained in same location, sunshine at last. Pancakes and bacon for breakfast. Steak and potatoes for lunch. Movies and showers continue. Catholic church services in Med Detention area. Red Cross Club mobile in battalion area. Delicious doughnuts and coffee. Battalion addressed by General Wood and he commented on the excellent job being done. Division Awards presented. Issue of clothing and equipment. Inspection of men in ranks under arms. Two enemy planes were heard overhead about 1800, probably out on a reconnaissance.[iii]

12 October 1944, location remains the same. The company awakened at 0700 and breakfast served at 0730. New drill schedule starts at 0830 including inspection in ranks, close order drill and crew training. We received four replacements today, and men were immediately assigned to platoons. Showers and shows continue. Break down of clothing and equipment and issue of PX rations. Care and cleaning of weapons. Protestant and Jewish services in Med Detention area. Post exchange sales store in company area. [iv]

13 October 1944 unit continues to be ¼ mile south of Serres, France. Enemy planes are heard at 0200. Morning training continues and inspection in ranks with weapons occurs. Toast with breakfast and pork chops for lunch. Showers and movies are still in effect. Jewish services are at 1600, men permitted to attend. PTA money taken in to be sent home. Requisitions made on all sorts of clothing and equipment. Maintenance on vehicles continues. Care and cleaning of weapons Enemy planes are overhead again at 1230. Music in battalion area furnished by Division Band. Sounded very good to hear some real American music. PI sales in company area.[v] The movie projector went out of operation after the first reel had been shown at the first show. Disappointment to many means it was a good show. Enemy planes are heard overhead at 2200. [vi]

That’s quite a lot of great contextual information about the soldiers in this Company! Add this to your family history stories and people will definitely be more interested in reading the stories!

If you are ready to start a research or writing project, email me at info@wwiirwc.com and let’s set up a free phone consultation. I’m excited to help you bring your family’s military history to life and preserve it for generations.

You can also learn my 2-part military research strategy in my Research a Veteran program available at my online course site. I’m also offering small group coaching for WWII Army , WWII Navy , WWII Army Air Force, WWII Merchant Marine and Coast Guard, WWII Army Morning Reports, WWII POWs, WWII IDPF and death records, and WWII Marine Corps (USMC) research. These small group coachings focus in on what the students needs rather than another basic WWII lecture. Explore the upcoming programs at the Ancestral Souls Wisdom School store.

[i] Company Morning Report HQ Co 51^st AIB dated 11 October 1944. National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, MO.

[ii] Company Morning Report HQ Co 51^st AIB dated 11 October 1944. National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, MO.

[iii] Company Morning Reports HQ Co 51^st AIB dated 13 October 1944. National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, MO.

[iv] Company Morning Reports HQ Co 51^st AIB dated 13 October 1944. National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, MO.

[v] Company Morning Reports HQ Co 51^st AIB dated 15 October 1944. National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, MO.

[vi] Company Morning Reports HQ Co 51^st AIB dated 16 October 1944. National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, MO.

The Myth of Fold3 Military Records

April 27, 2026 by Jennifer Holik Leave a Comment

Can we talk for a moment about the reality of Fold3 and military records? I’ve observed in a number of Facebook genealogy groups that people have no idea what Fold3 really contains or how it can help with your research. Additionally, most people have no idea how to actually research WWI or WWII military service.

The most common responses I see to a WWI or WWII research question in genealogy groups is “Fold3 has military records.” “All the records burned so good luck.” “Go to Fold3 they have everything you need.” It’s time to set the record straight.

Researching World War I and World War II Service

There is an actual strategy to researching 20th century military research. It’s something I developed 15 years ago and anyone can use it and find answers to reconstruct service, even if the records burned.

Part 1 – Locate individual and ship/company details to reconstruct ships/stations or units through which someone moved. Records to assist with this include but are not limited to: Official Military Personnel File, WWI Burial File, WWII Individual Deceased Personnel File. Army/Army Air Force Morning Reports. Rosters and Payroll Records. Naval Muster Rolls. Marine Corps Muster Rolls. Merchant Marine personnel files. Aviation Accident Reports.

Using the above files and more you can create a timeline of service to reconstruct and compile the puzzle pieces. Remember – everyone is reconstructing service even with a full service file. OMPFs or service files provide puzzle pieces but little context to the actual experience. This is where Part 2 comes in.

Part 2 – Find the context. This means you want to know what the veteran experienced while in service. You will find this in unit/regimental histories, Journals, Diaries, Maps, Photographs, Messages, Action Reports, and so many more records.

These records will tell you about the battles, sometimes in graphic details. They may tell you about wounds or deaths. You will be able to piece together the experience.

The Reality of Fold3

While Fold3 has military records from the Revolutionary War to the late 1900s. If we are focusing strictly on World War I or World War II records, you are going to find the Part 2 – contextual records on this website. That said, there are some individual records to help you create your timeline of service. But in general – you aren’t going to search Fold3 and find your veteran’s service history. Even if you discover someone has written a Memorial – make sure you do the work yourself to verify what is there is accurate. So many memorials are thrown together with basic online only details and leave a lot out or are incorrect because the researcher doesn’t know how to research.

Records You Might Use on Fold3

This is not an exhaustive list but common records people seek to find individual details and context.

Draft Cards
Hospital Admission Indexes
Red Cross Nurse Files
WWII War Diaries
European Theater Records
Ship or Army Transport manifests
Death indexes and cemetery lists
Donated Unit Records from various WWII Reunion Association Groups
Missing Air Crew Reports – MACRs
World War I Army Morning Reports
Naval and Marine Corps Muster Rolls

And so much more. Fold3 also provides excellent details about each record set they publish so be sure to read that.

The bottom line is – yes Fold3 can provide some great resources but it is not the end all be all for your military needs. Much of what you still need is sitting in an archive or buried in NARA Catalog.

If you’d like to learn how to better search Fold3 and NARA Catalog or learn my 2-part research strategy, I am teaching small group coaching sessions. Each session is focused on a specific military branch like the upcoming Army Records Small Group Coaching in May 2026. You will learn the 2-part strategy, how to build a timeline, and find context specific to Army records. Want to learn how to search WWII Morning Reports with ease on NARA Catalog – register for my Army Morning Report small group coaching.

I also have general WWII Q&A sessions, POW sessions, and WWII Death Record sessions. Explore all at my online course site Ancestral Souls Wisdom School and be sure to visit the FREEBIE page to join the newsletter. Every week I send out reminders of upcoming programs, discounts on classes, and tips, websites, and resources to help you move your research and writing forward.

As always, I take research clients and book clients. I ghost write books for private and for-sale family projects. Email info@wwiirwc.com to set up a free consult to discuss your project.

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