How to Retrieve Military Discharge Papers

By Jonas Hogg

Military discharge papers, officially known as "DD 214" (Defense Department form 214), are one of the most important records of a veteran's life. They are required for everything from obtaining Veterans' Administration home loans and health care to joining military associations and clubs and receiving military funeral honors. These forms usually are given to a veteran at the time of discharge, but sometimes this important step is overlooked, or the veteran's copies are lost or destroyed. Fortunately, with some patience and a bit of paperwork, a lost DD 214 can be retrieved.

Fill out the Standard Form 180 to obtain a lost DD 214; this is the most common method used. You can find the form at www.archives.gov. Basic information such as name and Social Security number is required, and all requests must be signed and dated by the veteran or next of kin. A table on the back of the form tells applicants where to send it. The most common address is: National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records, 9700 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132-5100.

Use the eVetRecs service at www.archives.gov; this is an alternate method. The records available from eVetRecs are limited to veterans or qualifying next of kin, which is limited to a spouse who has not remarried, or the deceased veteran's parents, children or siblings. All others must use SF 180. Click on the "Request Military Records" button, and a screen will walk you through the records request. The applicant will need to provide his relationship to the veteran and information regarding branch of service, officer or enlisted and dates of service.

Send a follow-up letter if 90 days goes by without a response. You can also contact the veteran's reference branch at Army Reference Branch: (314) 538 - 4122; Air Force Branch: (314) 538 - 4218; Navy Reference Branch: (314) 538 - 4200; Marines Reference Branch: (314) 538 - 4200; Coast Guard: (314) 538 - 4200. If you need the records quickly, it is possible to send the request via Federal Express and include a prepaid and self-addressed return Fed Ex envelope. Include the reason for the urgent request.

Some records were destroyed in a large fire in 1973, and older records will take time to locate. Be patient.

Veteran's clubs, such as Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and AmVets, are good sources of help and information in obtaining lost documents. But don't be offended if you aren't allowed to join until you can prove your veteran status.

Discharge papers often include sensitive information, such as the veteran's Social Security number. Once the new copy arrives, keep it in a secure place.

http://www.lenderva.com