July 19th Program: William Beigel: Breaking the code of WWII and Korean War Service Records
Just over 16 million Americans served in World War II and another 1.8 million in the Korean War. The veterans from these 2 wars undoubtedly had unique experiences during their service, but many share in common a “silent stoicism.” This reserve inhibits recollection and reciting with loved ones this aspect of their life, and prevents this phase of their history from being passed down. For those who didn’t return, over 800,000 from WWII and 54,000 from the Korean War, it’s even more difficult to resurrect their stories.
Saturday, July 19th, William Beigel will share his techniques for researching and, more importantly, interpreting military service records for WWII and the Korean War. As an actively curious WWII hobbyist, Bill’s passion for these veterans brings to life the story behind the records, providing answers to people who have wondered, perhaps for decades, what happened to their loved ones. An occupation as a Municipal transport contract writer by day, combined with a natural eye for detail, gives Bill a unique perspective in deciphering the code of characteristic arcane military documents.
What might be glossed over by an amateur as an unimportant acronym, can be the key that unlocks an important aspect of a veteran’s experience. And there’s a “ticking time-clock” element for those of us interested and want to be enlightened about our ancestors and relatives who served their country in these two Wars; fewer than one-third of the Americans who served in World War II are still alive and over one thousand die each day.
William Beigel has been researching and interpreting military records form World War II and the Korean War for over 10 years. Mr. Beigel is a graduate of UCLA with a BA in History and an MA in Geography.
Come and join us on July 19, 2008 at the First Presbyterian Church, 21 E. Constance Avenue at State Street. Please park in the upper lot off of Constance. The meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. Special Interest Groups start at 9:30 a.m. and are a great way to start your morning. Come early and plan to participate a group and enjoy refreshments and coffee.
There is ample free parking in the church’s lot and the facility is handicapped accessible. For additional information, please contact Mary Hall.
Last update: July 1, 2008