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Research Tools

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE USS LCI NATIONAL ASSOCIATION WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND THE CONTENT OF THE RESEARCH AND RESOURCES PAGE AS NEW INFORMATION IS OBTAINED. 

Many of our members and site visitors are looking for more information related to their or their family member’s military service during World War II, particularly their experiences while serving on board a Landing Craft Infantry (LCI) ship.  Below are some recommended resources to explore.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Extensive information is available for Veterans including Health Care, Benefits, Burials and Memorials, Resources, Locations and Contact information.

VETERANS BENEFITS HANDBOOK AVAILABLE 

A handbook “FEDERAL BENEFITS FOR VETERANS, DEPENDENTS & SURVIVORS -2018” updated with the latest data, is now available.  The booklet explains disability, pension, health care, education and housing loans, and other benefit programs for veterans and their families. Now includes information on survivors benefits.

NEW 800 NUMBER FOR VA GRAVE INFORMATION

The Department of Veterans Affairs now has a toll-free number where you can inquire about headstones for veterans or other questions concerning the grave-marker program.

This new system will greatly enhance the ability to get answers to customers who need them quickly. By calling 1-800-697-6947 you are connected to VA’s National Cemetery Systems, Office of Memorial Programs in Washington, D.C. This line operated from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM Eastern Standard Time, Monday – Friday. Service representatives can now supply immediate information about the status of applications, headstones, or marker delivery and general information about memorial programs.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR VA BURIAL BENEFITS

All veterans with discharges other than dishonorable, their spouses and dependent children are eligible for burial in VA National Cemetery. The National Cemetery System operates 114 cemeteries within the United States and Puerto Rico. Those eligible for burial also are eligible for a government provided headstone or marker and President Memorial Certificate. Veterans and their dependents may apply for all VA benefits by dialing 1-800-827-1000.
Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)

General Resources

NATIONAL ARCHIVES

An excellent resource for researching your ancestry, military records and other public records.  You can also browse their online exhibits.

NATIONAL ARCHIVES VETERANS’ SERVICE RECORDS

Veterans or their family members can request military service records online as well as learn how to replace lost medals and awards.  The site also provides useful information on doing research using military records.  There are also World War II photos to browse.

VETERANS SERVICE RECORDS AT ST. LOUIS

IMPORTANT! The location for obtaining personnel service records has changed!

The center holds the military personnel records of discharged and deceased veterans of all services. It does not hold records for individuals still on active duty, in the National Guard or Reserves, or living Army Retirees.

Visit their website to learn more on how to request documents related to a veterans service or to obtain any medals received as a result of military service.

Please submit your written request for any information regarding your military service to:

National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63138

Visit their web site for more information:

VFW MEMBERSHIP OK’D FOR POST KOREAN WAR VETERANS

For the first time since 1936, Congress has changed the VFW congressional charter. They have amended the charter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars to allow more than 1.8 million veterans who have served in Korea since the end of that war to join that organization.

OBTAINING RECORDS FOR A LCI

  • To obtain official documents for each LCI, please send a written request to the National Archives:
    National Archives at College Park
    8601 Adelphi Road
    College Park, MD 20740-6001
    Local: (301) 837-2000
    Toll Free Customer Service: (866) 272-6272
    Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9AM – 5PM (Closed Sundays and Federal Holidays)

LCI WWII records are also accessible online with a paid annual membership at http://www.fold3.com

Preserving the History and Legacy of US Navy and Coast Guard WW II Veterans

Landing Craft Infantry: NavSource Photo Archives 

Complete listing of LCIs that includes the ship specifications, photographs and the campaigns associated with each ship.

Naval History and Heritage Command

The Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), headed by the Director of Naval History, is an Echelon II command headquartered on the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C.   NHHC serves as the Navy’s institutional memory by preserving, acquiring, producing, and disseminating history and heritage products and resources through Navy historical, archival, museum, curatorial, art, and underwater archeological programs.

“The Heart of Hell” (LCI(G) 449)

The Heart of Hell is the untold story of the crew of Landing Craft Infantry 449. Based on 130 exclusive interviews with sailors who survived the battle, the families of the men killed in the fight, and more than 1,500 letters the sailors mailed to loved ones during their long months at sea, this is a story of duty, brotherhood, love, and courage.

This book is based on the extensive research of Dennis Blocker, LCI National Association Pacific Theater of Operations Historian. The book, written by Pulitzer Prize winning writer Mitch Weiss, describes the actions of the crew of LCI(G) 449 during the Battle of Iwo Jima in February 1945.

The Saga of the USS LCI(L) 35 – The biography of Stanley Galik, SC, 2c

This website, developed by USS LCI National Association Director Stan Galik and his son Mark, includes the biography of Stanley Galik, SC, 2c and a detailed history of his Navy Service and that of the USS LCI(L) 35 beginning with the ship’s commissioning on January 28, 1943 and ending with its decommissioning on November 15, 1944.

Veterans History Project 

The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.  Sailors that served on Landing Craft Infantry are highlighted.

The Legacy Project

Is a national, all volunteer initiative that encourages Americans to seek out and preserve the personal correspondence of our nation’s veterans, active-duty troops, and their loved ones.

Navy Memorial

Website to “Honor, Recognize and Celebrate the Men and Women of the sea services”.  Includes Navy Log, Lone Sailor, and Heritage Center.

Museums and Sites of Interest

Amphibious Forces Memorial Museum and the LCI(L) 713 – Portland, Oregon 

Our Mission is to preserve the history of the Amphibious Forces in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, to educate the public on the rich naval maritime heritage that the Amphibious Forces have played in our nation’s history, and the importance of preserving historic naval ships for future generations.  The USS LCI(L) 713 is currently being restored in Portland, Oregon.

The National World War II Museum New Orleans, Louisiana

The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn.

National Museum of the Pacific War Fredericksburg, Texas

“Uncommon valor was a common virtue.” Fleet Admiral Nimitz’s words in 1945 ring true today as we tell the sweeping story of World War II in the Pacific. This is the story — the history — we are dedicated to honoring, teaching and preserving at The National Museum of the Pacific.

National WW II Memorial – Washington, D.C.

The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S., the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home.  Symbolic of the defining event of the 20th Century, the memorial is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice and commitment of the American people.  The Second World War is the only 20th Century event commemorated on the National Mall’s central axis.

National D-Day MemorialBedford, Virginia

The National D-Day Memorial Foundation’s mission is to preserve the lessons and legacy of D-Day.  The Foundation maintains and operates the National D-Day Memorial in direct support of that educational mission.

National Veterans Memorial and MuseumColumbus, Ohio

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum began with a vision from the late Senator John Glenn (1921-2016), Colonel, USMC (Retired), who understood the pressing need to carefully preserve not only the names, dates and battles, but the intimate memories, personal belongings and painful losses of our nation’s veterans. His vision is now the guiding principle for the institution he inspired.

These four foundational pillars are to:

  • Honor  Americans’ contributions to our country though military service
  • Connect  civilians with veterans and their experience
  • Inspire  visitors to serve their community and nation as active engaged citizens
  • Educate schoolchildren about the history and value of service

LST 325 MemorialEvansville, Indiana

The mission of the USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc. is to educate its visitors to the role of the LST in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.  It is our desire to preserve the memory of these ships and all the countless heroic men who died in battle during the service to their country.

USS LST 393 Veterans MuseumMuskegon, Michigan

A non-profit corporation, created to preserve USS LST 393.  LST 393 is one of only two LST’s (Landing Ship Tank) remaining from 1,051 built during WW II.

Imperial War MuseumUnited Kingdom

IWM is a family of five museums and historic sites covering war and conflict from the First World War to the present day.  Our sites and unique collection of objects tell the human stories of lives engulfed in war and show how conflict has shaped the world in which we all live.

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