I always knew that my Grandfather served in World War II, but never knew exactly what that service was.
I can imagine him leaving his hometown in Brookhaven, MS going North for a better life and ending up in Chicago.
Then there was a call for men to join the Service and serve their country. Most men were drafted but my Grandfather enlisted.
U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946 about Robert L Smith:
Name: Robert L Smith
Birth Year: 1906
Race: Negro, citizen (Black)
Nativity State or Country: Mississippi
State of Residence: Illinois
County or City: Cook
Enlistment Date: 8 Apr 1942
Enlistment State: Illinois
Enlistment City: Chicago
Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Branch Code: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Grade: Private
Grade Code: Private
Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Source: Civil Life
Education: Grammar school
Marital Status: Separated, without dependents
Height: 72
Weight: 165
According to his enlistment record he was seperated, but not from my Grandmother. His wife's name was Esther(which happens to be my Mom's middle name). I can see him joining to serve his country and looking toward the future.
Talking to Mom she told me that my Grandfather fought overseas and did see some kind of action. In fact she said he had seen one of his good friends killed. She said it messed him up really bad. I set out to see what his service was and why it had such an impact on my Grandfather. I know War is bad on any Human Being, but I needed to know exactly what my Grandfather did.
First I applied for his DD214(report of seperation), but of course his Army Records were burned in the fire at the Archives.

Just so happen that when I was waiting on my son to pick me up from Union Station from my trip to Savannah, I met a really nice man which happens to be an Veteran Advocate. I told him what I knew and what I had tried to do. He gave me his email address and told me to email him the Final Payment Record and he will see what he can do.
He was able to determine that my Grandfather was processed out at the Old Camp Grant, IL post on 10 Nov 1945. He was last in ARS staging detachment(APO 980). His actual date of transfer was 21 Oct 1945 and his Service no#36 399 247.
As you can see from his enlistment record he went in as a Private and came out as a Corporal.
I am still trying to get his actual service record and currently working on a FOIA Letter.
No matter what my Grandfather actually did, I am so Proud to know that my Grandfather fought to defend his country to make it more safe for You and I.
Although our African American Men were not given the recognition that they deserved for their Service and the sacrifices that they made to help keep this Country safe. I will always remember their efforts.
I just want to say Thank You and you're service will never be forgotten.

Source cited: Beverly E Smith-Mathis, United States Archives, John Weiss, and Ancestry.com
The minute your grandfather put on his uniform to serve this country is a special tribute its self. Now it's his granddaughter who keeps that tribute alive by honoring him now.
ReplyDeleteFelicia,
ReplyDeleteNice post honoring your grandfather. Thanks to him and all the other African Americans who served this country. Their contribution will never be forgotten.
Thanks for sharing.
Sandra
Felicia,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this post on your Grandad. Funny, my Grandad was also a "Robert L." Fantastic job honoring his service.
Thanks for sharing.
I would love to hear how you obtained the pay stubb. Nice piece of history you have there. Nice tribute. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteFelicia,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post and tribute to your granddad. Thanks go to him and to all who served.
Love the photo! He looks so young in the photo I thought maybe he was just a teenager when he enlisted, but I can see from your records that he wasn't. Men of all ages rushed off to enlist in 1942- such a patriotic generation!
ReplyDeleteFelicia,
ReplyDeleteYou may not actually need a FOIA letter. See: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/
However, w/burned records maybe a FOIA will get you other pertinent info that will round out what was not destroyed.
I really enjoyed all the info I got on Dad's Navy service. If the next-of-kin requests for a deceased family member, it's also generally free. Just be sure to ask for ALL documents in the file. :)
You may know all this already, but hope it helps or at least, wishing you lots of luck! :)
I'm posting Dad's file a few pp at a time on TC Thursdays if you want to see the kinds of things that might exist (at least in non-burned records). :)
WOW! I remember your beautiful tribute to Mr. Smith FeFe & the wonderful job you did on compiling the research. A tribute of honor for sure & special time for the online CoAAG community!:)
ReplyDeleteI admire your tenacity in finding your grandfather's military records.
ReplyDelete