Post-1958 Research

Marine Corps muster rolls and unit diaries have yet to be digitized and added to the internet. Despite estimates that 2/3's of Vietnam-era Marines have passed on, the Marine Corps does not pass Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF) to the National Archives for 62 years after a Marine's discharge to avoid privacy concerns.

We Can Help

If a next of kin possesses medals, discharge papers, photos, diaries, anecdotes, and the all-important DD214 or (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)., we can help to decipher and interpret the information and combine that with unit histories to build a story of your Marine's service. This is particularly relevant to service in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq.

The best and most complete service record is contained in the Marine's OMPF. This file contains the Marine's service record book and his or her medical records. Due to its sensitive nature, only a next-of-kin relative can request the OMPF. Turnaround time can be lengthy but well worth the wait.

How to Order an OMPF

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) website holds military records from the Revolutionary War to the present, including service records, pension records, military maps and unit records.

If you qualify as a next of kin to the veteran you’re researching, a good place to start is NARA’s Military Service Records page where you can request a copy of your family member’s military records online.