DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for information on my father’s military life. I know he was in the Army and was wounded. I was told in the Philippines.

I don’t have a computer or know how to use one, so if there is anyone who likes to look up stuff like that, I certainly would appreciate it. So would my younger sister, who keeps asking me questions, such as what division he was in and what did he do in the Army.

I may be reached at 743-5667. Thanks so much. — Nancy LeBlanc, South Paris

ANSWER: Sun Spots found the following on the Department of Defense website’s frequently asked questions page, which includes “how do I obtain a copy of a person’s military records?” It won’t answer all your questions, but it will give you a place to start.

“The National Personnel Records Center-Military Personnel Records is the repository of millions of military personnel, health, medical records of discharged and deceased veterans and other military records from all services from World War I to the present. The NPRC is one of the National Archives and Records Administration’s largest operations. NPRC-MPR stores medical treatment records of retirees from all the services along with records for dependents and other people treated at naval medical facilities.

“An individual’s complete service record is available to the former service member or, if deceased, to his or her next of kin (parents, spouse, or children).

“Limited information such as dates of service, awards, and training is available to anyone. Not available to the general public is information which would invade an individual’s privacy; for example, medical records, Social Security number, or present address. If requesting the records of a relative, a requester should mention the relationship to the former member (brother, uncle, or other). There is no charge for this service to former service members or their next of kin. For others, a nominal fee is charged for research and reproduction costs.”

You can contact the National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records at 9700 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132, 1-86-NARA-NARA (1-866-272-6272) or 1-800-234-8861, fax: 1-314-801-9195.

For those who have computers and would like to undertake a similar search, the website for doing so is http://tinyurl.com/7mbfrac, or by email at MPR.center@nara.gov.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My father, Charles “Buster” Donnell, is trying to locate men he may have served with during World War II. He was in the 103rd Company H. He was also a member of the Merrill’s Merauders.

Dad recently was awarded his Purple Heart after all these years. He was also interviewed by the Smithsonian Archives, which was quite an honor. Dad now lives in Florida.

If anyone has any information on members who are willing to be contacted or if family members have stories to share, please contact me. — Patty Hesse, pluked@yahoo.com, 671-4460

ANSWER: You might want to check out the website for the World War II memorial (www.wwiimemorial.com). It has a registry where you can enter the name of a veteran or search for someone.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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