Looking for info on my grandpa. WW2

Discussion in 'Service Records' started by JonnyLee, Nov 17, 2011.

  1. JonnyLee

    JonnyLee Junior Member

    Hello, my name is Jon, I am looking for any kind of info on my grandpa's time in the service in ww2. His name was Paul Valentine Mayo he was from Montana. I believe he served in the 3rd army. I know he landed in Normandy on D-day and was shot in France amongst the hedgerows in the following days. He received a purple heart for that. That is about all the info I have. I was hoping someone might be able to tell me how I might go about obtaining any kind of records of his time in the service. I was about 10 yrs old when my grandpa died and never understood how great it was that he served. Now I am 28 and very interested in the Second World War. I ask my family members about my grandpas time in the army but no one seems to know much. Any kind of information would be highly appreciated. Thank you very much.
    Jon W.
     
  2. BFBSM

    BFBSM Very Senior Member

    Jon,

    Was your grandfather born in 1914, and hail from Big Horn County?

    Military Records from: Veterans' Service Records, you can also get guidance with your research. I do note from other posts that there was a fire in the archives in the 70's and some records were lost.

    Mark
     
    buk2112 likes this.
  3. JonnyLee

    JonnyLee Junior Member

    Hey Mark. Yes I just confirmed with my mom that he was born in 1914 and from Big Horn County. I must say I was pretty surprised how quickly you responded. I've never posted on a forum before and didn't really expect much. I'm looking forward to participating in other forums here. Seems like a great place to learn about WWII.
    Thanks again,
    Jon
     
  4. BFBSM

    BFBSM Very Senior Member

    Jon,

    If you go to: Paul V Mayo: biography, pictures and information - Fold3.com, there is a memorial page with some details about your grandfather, including details of his enlistment. If you can't access the documents give me a yell, and I can download them for you, you can even sign up for a 14 day trial and do so yourself.

    Also attached to this page is a copy of the 1930 US Census.

    Mark
     
  5. buk2112

    buk2112 Junior Member

    Jon,

    Was your grandfather born in 1914, and hail from Big Horn County?

    Military Records from: Veterans' Service Records, you can also get guidance with your research. I do note from other posts that there was a fire in the archives in the 70's and some records were lost.

    Mark
    BFBSM is right, there was a fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis,Missouri in July 1973. Sadly about 85% of Army records were destroyed. But you should definitely give it a shot to see if anything remains. I made a similar request for my grandfathers papers and all that remained was a final pay voucher, but that was still an interesting piece to have and it contained his signature. Another thing you might try is looking at the courthouse where your grandfather lived. Service members were encouraged to register their discharge papers there upon returning home, so if they lost their own papers they could easily obtain a copy if needed for benefits. I found my grandfathers discharge papers in this way. It will contain the info that you seek, his unit,decorations,battles and campaigns etc. You might also want to visit another forum on the web similar to this one, World War II Forums. It has primarily American membership, you maybe able to get addtional help there. Good luck with your search!

    buk2112
     
  6. karnak75

    karnak75 Junior Member

    oops sorry post in wrong area
     
  7. peaceful

    peaceful Senior Member

    Hello and welcome Jon

    Wishing you great success in your search.

    State of the Union address today-I'll be watching from Canada!

    peaceful
     

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