This post is reprinted from my original Chicago Family History blog, originally posted 7 Mar 2010.
Going through some old photo albums to scan in pictures of one relative, I came across a photo of another relative I had not really researched. His name was James Privoznik and he was born in Chicago July 30, 1921. His parents were Mae, nee Holik, and Jim Privoznik.
I know very little about James, but I have sent for his IDPF (Individual Deceased Personnel File) and hope to learn more about him through those records and records from his Division. James served in Europe during World War II. He was in the Army’s 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division as a Private First Class. James was killed on January 11, 1945 in Luxembourg. Family story says he told his family to bury him where he falls. His body rests in the Luxembourg American Cemetery in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. James was awarded the Purple Heart.
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Read again next week to see how the story continues…….
Phyllis
September 26, 2012 at 5:12 pm
Hi Jennifer can you tell us a little more about a IDPF and how to obtain one? Thank you
Jennifer Holik, Professional Genealogist
October 1, 2012 at 6:53 am
Hi Phyllis. Thanks for stopping by my blog. You can send this letter with as much information as possible. The files are free to family members and take about six months or more to receive.
To request a WWI Burial File or WWII or beyond IDPF write to:
Military Textual Reference Branch (NWCTM)
National Archives
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
Dear Staff:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby make a request for the “Burial File” for my below listed family member who died or was killed-in-action while serving in the military during World War I (OR LIST WWII)
Soldier’s Name:
Branch of Military:
Military Service Number:
Division:
Date of Birth:
Date of Death:
Burial site in U.S.A.:
Buried:
Relationship to deceased:
Very truly yours,