Just a super quick Research Tip!
When you obtain the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) you will discover additional information that isn’t contained in other records. A lot of people assume the OMPF was included in the Individual Deceased Personnel File (IDPF) but that’s inaccurate. There may be a few pieces of service history but you will never find the complete file.
The OMPF may also contain not only Awards the service member received but also commendations. Last night I started writing about Ray Milton Bridges who was KIA aboard the SS Samuel Parker as a Naval Armed Guard sailor. Within his OMPF was a posthumous commendation. This wasn’t in his IDPF.
Also of note on Ray, he was originally buried by the British in a British military cemetery in Italy, then later transferred by AGRS to an American cemetery. Quite often you see the original British burial paperwork in the IDPF but not his. Years ago when I got his IDPF I thought it was not scanned properly but once I had his OMPF, I realized why it seemed too short, missing pages, etc.
Here is his commendation which talks about his service.
Posthumous Commendation
17 April 1944
The Chief of Naval Personnel takes pleasure in issuing a posthumous commendation to Ray Milton Bridges, Seaman First Class, United States Navy for service set forth in the following
CITATION:
For outstanding service as a member of the crew of the United States Navy Armed Guard aboard the S.S. SAMUEL PARKER during action against enemy aircraft in the Mediterranean Area from May to July 1943. When hostile planes viciously attacked his vessel off Bengasi, Libya, BRIDGES skillfully fought his gun and contributed to driving off the enemy bombers without damage to his vessel. Subjected to almost constant attack for nine days while his ship was anchored off Sicily, he maintained accurate and deadly fire in a concentrated barrage which sent many of the hostile aircraft to their destruction. Steadfastly remaining at his battle station, despite a hail of enemy fire, he carried out his duties with a high degree of courage and efficiency until mortally wounded. BRIDGE’s extreme bravery and unswerving devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Randall Jacobs
Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy Chief of Personnel
If you need more help on the differences between the OMPF and IDPF – read my article The Difference Between the OMPF & IDPF. Then search my site for IDPF, OMPF, and other search terms or people. This website contains more than 10 years of information for your military education.
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