The 29th Infantry Division, nicknamed the "Blue and Gray" for its heritage drawing from both Union and Confederate soldiers of the Civil War, played a crucial role in World War II. Tracking down specific information about soldiers who served within this division requires a multifaceted approach, as a single, comprehensive online roster doesn't exist. This guide explores the avenues you can take to research the 29th Infantry Division roster and uncover the stories of the brave men who served.
What Records Exist for the 29th Infantry Division?
Unfortunately, there's no single, readily accessible online database containing a complete roster for the 29th Infantry Division during WWII. However, various resources can help you piece together information. These include:
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National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): NARA holds a wealth of military records, including personnel files for soldiers. These files often contain details like enlistment date, assignments, decorations, and sometimes even photographs. Accessing these records requires knowing the soldier's name, and potentially other identifying information. NARA's website is an excellent starting point for your search.
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Fold3 and Ancestry.com: These subscription-based genealogy websites index many military records, including some from WWII. While they may not have a dedicated 29th Infantry Division roster, searching by name and potentially adding "29th Infantry Division" as a keyword may yield results.
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State Archives: Depending on the soldier's state of residence, the state archives may hold additional military records. These records can provide supplementary information that isn't present in federal archives.
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Unit Histories: Books and online resources documenting the 29th Infantry Division's campaigns in WWII may mention individual soldiers, particularly those who received awards or were otherwise noteworthy. These histories can provide valuable context and potentially lead you to other sources.
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Memorial Websites: Websites dedicated to remembering WWII veterans often include searchable databases of soldiers. These can be a valuable resource for finding basic information and potentially connecting with descendants.
How to Effectively Search for a Specific Soldier
To maximize your chances of finding a soldier's record within the 29th Infantry Division, you'll need as much information as possible, including:
- Full Name: This is the most crucial piece of information. Include middle initials if known.
- Date of Birth: This helps narrow down search results.
- Approximate Dates of Service: Knowing the years the soldier served will significantly refine your search.
- Home State/Town: Knowing the soldier's place of origin can help you narrow down your search across different archives.
- Unit Number (if known): If you know the specific regiment or battalion within the 29th Infantry Division, it will significantly aid your search.
What Kind of Information Can I Find?
Successfully finding a soldier's record can reveal a wealth of information, including:
- Personal Details: Name, rank, date of birth, and home address.
- Military Service: Dates of enlistment and discharge, units served with, campaigns participated in, awards and decorations received, and any injuries suffered.
- Post-War Life: Some records may include information about the soldier's life after leaving the military.
Where can I find information about casualties?
Finding information about casualties requires a similar approach to finding records for living soldiers. You'll need to use the available resources mentioned above, focusing specifically on records related to casualties and war deaths. NARA and dedicated memorial websites are especially useful in these searches.
Is there a digital database of all WWII soldiers?
No, there isn't a single, complete digital database encompassing all WWII soldiers. The sheer volume of records and the complexities of data organization make creating such a database a monumental task. However, the various resources outlined above provide valuable pathways to access individual soldier records.
By utilizing a combination of these resources and employing effective search strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of locating information about soldiers who served in the 29th Infantry Division during WWII. Remember that patience and persistence are crucial in this type of genealogical research. Good luck!
