The 9th Infantry Division played a significant role in the Vietnam War, and tracing individual soldiers within its ranks requires a multifaceted approach. Unfortunately, a single, publicly accessible roster encompassing every soldier who served in the 9th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War does not exist. The information is scattered across various archives and databases, making the search a challenging but achievable task. This guide will outline the methods and resources you can utilize to potentially locate information on a specific individual.
What Records Exist for the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam?
Several avenues exist for tracing a soldier's service within the 9th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War. These include:
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National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): NARA holds a wealth of military records, including personnel files. These files may contain information such as enlistment dates, assignments, decorations, and even combat records. However, accessing these files often requires specific identifying information like the soldier's name, date of birth, and service number. Navigating NARA's website can be complex, and it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with their online resources before beginning your search.
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Fold3: This subscription-based website provides access to a vast collection of military records, including many relating to the Vietnam War. It can be a valuable resource for finding information about soldiers who served in the 9th Infantry Division, and often offers easier navigation than the NARA website.
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Ancestry.com: Similar to Fold3, Ancestry.com is a subscription service offering extensive genealogical records. It may contain relevant military records, including those for soldiers in the 9th Infantry Division, potentially containing photographs and related family information.
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Unit Histories: Researchers have compiled unit histories for the 9th Infantry Division's deployments in Vietnam. These histories might not contain individual rosters but may provide broader context about the division's operations and the locations where specific units were deployed. Searching online for "9th Infantry Division Vietnam Unit History" can lead you to various resources.
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State Archives: Depending on the soldier's state of residence, the state archives may hold additional records. These archives might include draft records, service medals, or other related documents.
How Can I Find a Specific Soldier's Information?
To improve your chances of success, gather as much information as possible about the soldier you are researching:
- Full Name: Including middle name or initial is crucial.
- Date of Birth: This will significantly narrow down the search.
- Approximate Dates of Service: Knowing the timeframe of their service in Vietnam will be helpful.
- Service Number: If you have this, it will dramatically expedite the process.
- Rank: Knowing their military rank can help focus your search.
What If I Only Know Partial Information?
If you only have partial information, it may still be possible to find the soldier’s record, although it might require more time and effort. Focus on using the information you have to narrow your searches on the resources mentioned above. Consider using wildcard characters (*) in your searches to account for variations in spelling.
Are there any dedicated online resources for the 9th Infantry Division?
While a comprehensive online roster doesn't exist, numerous online forums and communities focused on military history and specific units might offer assistance. Searching for "9th Infantry Division Vietnam Forum" or similar terms could uncover valuable resources and connect you with other researchers who may possess knowledge about the unit.
What challenges might I encounter?
Privacy concerns and the passage of time have resulted in some records being redacted or difficult to access. Be prepared for the possibility that some information may not be readily available. The complexity of the records and the sheer volume of soldiers who served can also make the search time-consuming.
Finding information about soldiers who served in the 9th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War requires patience and persistence. By systematically utilizing the resources described above, you can significantly increase your chances of success in uncovering valuable information about the individuals who served their country. Remember to respect the privacy of living individuals and handle sensitive information responsibly.
