These researchers can trace a World War II veteran’s service for families

The National World War II Museum in New Orleans is offering a valuable service to families seeking to learn more about their loved ones who served during the war. Researchers can trace the service records of veterans, providing details that include training, medical history, units, battles, and promotions. This program has helped many families fill in the gaps of their ancestors' wartime experiences.

The Vanishing Generation and the Need for Remembrance

The echoes of World War II are fading as the generation that fought in it dwindles. On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise military attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, leading to the U.S. officially entering World War II the next day. Of the 16.4 million Americans who served in the war, fewer than 46,000 are still alive today. This scarcity underscores the urgency of preserving their stories and experiences for future generations. Many families are left with unanswered questions about their loved ones' service, a void that the museum’s program seeks to fill.

The impact of World War II on American society was profound, shaping everything from the economy to international relations. Understanding the sacrifices made by those who served is vital to appreciating the nation's history and honoring their legacy. As Chrissy Gregg of the National WWII Museum poignantly notes, 'There’s one half of one percent of American World War II veterans that are still with us today. And so, every time we can bring a veteran to campus or someone who experienced the war in some sort of way, it is a joy and an honor.' The museum recognizes its responsibility to continue telling these stories before they are lost.

Community Reaction: A Family's Discovery

InvestigateTV's own Tisha Powell used the program to learn more about her grandfather, Ulysses Reed Sr. Reed was a U.S. Army World War II combat veteran who served in the 679th Ordnance Company. Powell said many details of his military service had remained unknown until the researchers provided new information. This experience highlights the power of the program to connect families with their heritage and provide closure to long-held questions.

The story of Ulysses Reed Sr. resonates deeply within the Augusta community, as many families here likely have similar untold stories of wartime service. The National WWII Museum’s efforts serve as a reminder that even seemingly ordinary individuals played crucial roles in a global conflict, and their contributions deserve recognition. Local historical societies and libraries in Augusta can be valuable resources for families looking to uncover their own family histories related to World War II.

Unraveling the Records: A Complex Process

Dr. Mike Bell, executive director of the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy at the museum, explained that researchers can now trace Reed's service from basic training at Camp Beauregard, Louisiana, to his release at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. The 679th Ordnance Company managed ammunition and supported Allied troops in Europe. Bell shared the findings with Powell this spring after weeks of searching documents. This process involves meticulous detective work, piecing together fragments of information from various sources.

The challenges faced by the researchers are significant. Reed’s official military personnel file from the National Archives Records Administration in St. Louis was lost in a 1973 fire. The fire destroyed 80% of Army and Army Air Corps records from 1912 to 1960, representing millions of lost personnel files. This loss underscores the fragility of historical records and the importance of ongoing preservation efforts.

Reed's Journey: A Detailed Account

Reed served in the 679th Ordnance Company, which managed ammunition. Morning reports detailed the company’s movements, showing they were formed with soldiers who went to a camp outside Wilmington, North Carolina, and others from Fort Bragg. The company then traveled to Fort Stewart, Georgia, for field training before boarding a secret ship to Lancashire, England. They later deployed into Wales and France, where they set up ammunition supply points and supported 7th Army as they crossed the Rhine River.

The 679th Ordnance Company's role was vital to the Allied war effort. They were responsible for breaking down ammunition, categorizing it, issuing it, and moving supply points forward. Without a reliable supply of ammunition and fuel, the Allied advance would have been significantly hampered. The company's work in the Rhineland, supporting the 7th Army's crossing of the Rhine River, was particularly critical in breaking through German defenses.

Looking Ahead: Preserving History and Supporting Families

The museum’s Historical Research Services help families fill in the gaps of their World War II veteran's service. If historians determine the available records contain substantial information, families can receive the veteran's WWII story in the form of a book. The research services have a fee of $165 to obtain a veteran's file. The museum is also part of the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency’s Hub and Spoke Program, working to locate and identify American service members who remain unaccounted for from World War II and other conflicts.

The Hub and Spoke program is a critical national initiative aimed at accounting for missing service members. The National WWII Museum’s participation demonstrates its commitment to not only preserving the stories of those who served but also to actively seeking out and identifying those who remain missing. This work provides closure for families and honors the sacrifices of those who never returned.

Chrissy Gregg of the National WWII Museum emphasized the importance of continuing to tell these stories. 'Every time we can bring a veteran to campus or someone who experienced the war in some sort of way, it is a joy and an honor,' she said. The museum's researchers, who are veterans themselves, work tirelessly to uncover these details.

The Lasting Impact on Ulysses Reed Sr.’s Family

The discovery of Ulysses Reed Sr.'s service record revealed more than just a timeline of his wartime experiences; it illuminated the profound impact his service had on his family's life. After the war, Reed returned to Louisiana to his wife and young daughters. During the war, he was able to send home about $900, which his wife used to purchase “upwards of 20 acres of land.” The financial stability provided by Reed’s service significantly altered his family’s trajectory, allowing them to build a foundation for future generations.

“So, this service changed the trajectory of my family’s life,” Powell said. The 1950 census reveals Reed as a landowner, a stark contrast to his unemployment status in the 1940 census. This transformation exemplifies the opportunities that military service can provide, even amidst the hardships of war.

A Call to Remembrance: Connecting with Local History

Dr. Mike Bell and his colleagues at the National WWII Museum see their work as more than just historical research; they view it as a way to give veterans agency and a voice. “So that we understand what they did, but also to understand why they did it and the importance of it and what they achieved.” This philosophy resonates deeply, reminding us that every veteran’s story contributes to the larger narrative of American history.

For Augusta residents seeking to learn more about World War II and local veterans, several resources are available. The Augusta Museum of History often features exhibits and programs related to local military history. The local libraries also provide access to historical archives and genealogical resources. Engaging with these resources can help families connect with their heritage and honor the sacrifices of those who served.

The National World War II Museum's service is not just about filling in the blanks of a family’s history; it’s about honoring the sacrifices made by our veterans. Ulysses Reed Sr. and countless others like him deserve to be remembered for their service and the impact it had on their families and communities. As we look ahead, it’s important to continue supporting these efforts to ensure the stories of our veterans are not lost to time. Residents of Augusta can visit the museum or contact their local historical societies to learn more about the brave men and women who served during World War II.