How Can I Identify Individuals in a Military Photo?

I had a question about military records. More specifically, I have an old photo from 1942 of a specific company with military people, and I want to know if I would be able to find out the names of those individuals.

Identifying the individuals in a 1942 military company photo can be challenging but not impossible, depending on the information available and the records that still exist. Here are steps to help you determine the names of the people in the photograph:

1. Start with What You Know

   • Identify the Unit: Look for details in the photo, such as uniforms, insignia, badges, or text (like the name of the company, division, or battalion) that might identify the military unit.

   • Location and Date: If the photo includes a date or location, it can help narrow down which records to search.

   • Written Notes: Check the back of the photo or accompanying documents for any names, ranks, or notes that may provide clues.

     
     

2. Research Unit Records

   • Unit Rosters: Many military units maintained rosters or personnel lists. In 1942, these would typically be found in:

     • Morning Reports: Daily logs of personnel activities, including arrivals, departures, and assignments.

     • Muster Rolls: Lists of individuals assigned to a unit, common in Navy and Marine Corps records.

     • Company Rosters: For Army units, rosters were often kept and may still exist in archives or historical collections.

   • Where to Search:

     • National Archives (NARA):

       • Search for unit records or request documentation from the branch of service.

       • Website: NARA Military Records

     • Fold3:

       • Fold3 has digitized records, including muster rolls and unit histories.

       • Website: Fold3

         
         

3. 3. Explore Local or Unit-Specific Historical Resources

   • Veterans’ Organizations: Groups like the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) may have records, rosters, or member connections to that unit.

   • Unit Associations: Many WWII units have alumni associations or websites where members or descendants share information and photos.

   • State and Local Archives: If the unit was formed locally (e.g., National Guard), state or county archives may hold records or rosters.

     
     

4. 4. Cross-Reference WWII Draft and Enlistment Records

   • WWII Army Enlistment Records (1938–1946): Searchable online, these records can help identify individuals from the same unit if you know the location or enlistment area.

     • Available on NARA, Ancestry, or Fold3.

       
       

5. 5. Use Newspapers or Historical Publications

   • Local Newspapers: Look for articles, announcements, or unit newsletters from the time. Many units were featured in local papers when departing for service or returning home.

   • Unit Histories: Published histories often include photos and rosters. These can sometimes be found in libraries or online marketplaces.

     
     

6. 6. Share the Photo with Military History Communities

   • Online Forums:

     • WW2Talk or Reddit’s r/MilitaryHistory are communities where enthusiasts and experts might help identify details.

   • Facebook Groups:

     • Search for WWII-specific or unit-specific groups where members share photos and research.

   • Veterans or Family Networks:

     • Reach out to family members of veterans who may have served in the same unit for help identifying the individuals.

       
       

7. 7. Check Reunions or Descendant Networks

   • Some WWII units still hold reunions, and many families of veterans maintain connections through social media or veterans' organizations. Attending one of these gatherings or reaching out to organizers may provide insights.

     
     

8. 8. Consult a Military Historian or Genealogist

   • Professional historians or genealogists specializing in military records may have access to resources or techniques to help identify individuals in group photos.

     
     

9. 9. Be Prepared for Challenges

   • Incomplete Records: Many military records, especially WWII Army personnel files, were destroyed in the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center.

   • Anonymous Individuals: If no names or identifiers are attached to the photo, you may need to rely on crowd-sourcing or family connections.

     
     

10. 10. Consider Sharing the Photo Digitally

    • Digitizing the photo and sharing it online with details (e.g., year, unit, location) can expand your reach and connect you with others who might recognize the individuals.

    
    

    By following these steps, you increase your chances of identifying the individuals in the photograph. Let me know if this helped and if you have any suggestions about what else you would like me to talk about.