Hmmm…I realized today that I do not know much about my dad, Charles Marshall Smith’s, military service. I did find a few items on-line. The first was from the Army enlistment records at Fold3 <http://www.fold3.com/page/84706603_charles_m_smith>. The other was from the same records on the NARA website <http://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=893&mtch=3&cat=all&tf=F&q=Charles+M+Smith+nebraska&bc=&rpp=10&pg=1&rid=1475173&rlst=1475173,7742209,>. However, I am confused. Both list an enlistment date of 2 April 1946 for the Panama Canal Department. I am almost positive that Dad enlisted earlier than that, I believe it was the spring of 1945 just before the end of World War II. He followed his older brothers, Jim, Bob, and George in the service.
So…I was able to order a copy of his discharge papers (DD-214) from the National Archives <www.archive.gov>. It will take awhile (the form says “up to 90 days”) to receive the information, so I will have to wait patiently. The DD-214 should give me all the information I need to then order his complete military file from NARA. I’ll keep you posted.
Charles Marshall Smith
Is it okay to say that you dad is one good looking guy? I was so drawn to his photo from the Military Monday pintrest board. Good luck on learning more.
Can’t wait to hear once you receive his DD-214!
I’m also looking forward to hearing what you find out. And to see how quickly you get a response for your DD-214 request!