This website is an EXCELLENT source for WWII 503rd PRCT info:

http://corregidor.org/heritage_battalion/index.htm

Here's one soldier's story from G Company, 503rd PRCT:

http://corregidor.org/503_nyk_control/control/open.htm

There's also a "Mail Call" link where you can post a request similar to the one you';ve posted here:

http://corregidor.org/mail/APO/APO_open.htm

THe Heritage Battalion is the association for WWII veterans of the 503rd.  Here's some info from their site at:

http://corregidor.org/heritage_battalion/joinus/join_why.htm

Why Join Us? 

503d Heritage Battalion

The Membership Roll of the 503d Parachute Regimental Combat Team Association, World War II, Inc. has been closed. The Association has voted to be a "last man standing" Association, which places a finite life upon it as the last of the Paratroopers leave us.

A number of people have been seeking membership of the Association, so as to support its aims and ideals. With the Association's Membership Roll closed to non-Troopers, these people have, until now, been regretfully turned away. 

There are those of the post-war generations who have a genuine desire to understand the history of the war through understanding the history of the 503d.  There are generations of our sons and brothers who have come within the professional shadow of our 503d Lineage, through service in Korea and Vietnam.  More lately, with the reactivation in Vincenza, Italy of the 2/503d (as part of the 173d Airborne Brigade) a whole new group of patriotic Americans are to see service in the tradition which we started. 

There are also our own sons and daughters, and their sons and daughters, who have expressed their desire to preserve our Heritage and love of country.  With our passing, we want to leave them a framework for their own efforts.  

Until the formation of the Heritage Bn., there has been no way for all of  these people to enjoy the benefits of close association with the 503d PRCT. 

For it shall be to them that we shall pass our torch. 

Proud I'm Allowed,
Francis X. O'Neill Jr.

Good luck with your search!

JR

Here is a website that you can use to research historical records.

http://www.archives.gov/

http://www.archives.gov/aad/

I did a prelim search of the info, and found a couple of Charles Moline.  I have found that sometimes the middle name is listed first, then the  surname is just an initial.  I did find one from PA, and it looked like the enlistee was from Jersey.  The info for these records comes from IBM punchcards from the 40's, and not all info is initially legible, and may not be complete. 

Here you can receive draft records, location, ect.  From there, you get their service number, and from the service number you use a SF 180 to request a copy of their records, at the National Archives from the address in St. Louis, Missouri.  There also may be some possible items to find under the VA link, once you have the service number.  As the next of kin, you get much more information than average. Usually, you get an extract of a DD214 or the equivilent.  It should list the combat jumps, campaigns, and other information.

Good Luck!

SF Demo

It's not the ride that gets you, it's the sudden stop at the end!

Many thanks to all for your excellent ideas and suggestions. Just to let you know, I am following up on all them. I have already submitted a form to NPRC requesting records on my father (and hoping they weren't destroyed in the fire). Will let you know the results.

This is very exciting and, ultimately, will be very rewarding. My own son (7 years old) is beginning to ask me questions about my service in the Marine Corps, which is one of the many reasons I'm (once again) interested in MY father's service and his contributions to WWII.

I appreciate everyone's assistance!

Regards,

Steve Moline

All:

I did get records on my father from the NPRC. From all accounts, it looks like he served from Jan 43 - Nov 45, and then from Nov 45 - Apr 47. He served with the Anti-Aircraft Command and then the Airborne Command (according to shoulder patches in photographs) and earned a parachute badge at some point during his service. He served with the Army of Occupation on Japan (second stint I assume!) and left the service as a 1stSgt serving with the 674th Parachute Field Artillery.

If anyone has any additional or clarifying information on these units, or anything else to add, I'd be extremely grateful.

Many thanks

Steve Moline