Purple Heart Records of the Navy Department Bureau of Personnel Casualty Assistance Branch
1898-1950s
NOTE: THIS COLLECTION HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED TO THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES IN COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND.
Introduction
This collection consists of 3x5 and 4x6 index cards from the Casualty Assistance Branch of the Bureau of Personnel. They were created as part of the decision-making process in the awarding of Purple Heart medals to Navy personnel. This collection only contains cards for Purple Heart medals awarded to persons who served in the U.S. Navy. The vast majority of the cards date from World War II, though some date as far back as the Spanish-American War and there is a small group from the Korean War era.
Each card lists the individual's name, rank or rate, and service number. Other information found on the cards includes the date on which the individual was killed, wounded, or went missing and was presumed dead; the ship or station where they were serving at the time; the name and address of their next-of-kin; and the date on which the award was sent. In some cases, an individual was declared ineligible to receive the award and this was noted on their card.
Scope and Content Note
There are two series in this collection. Series I, Officers, contains 10 boxes of 3x5 index cards. Most date from World War II, but some record medals awarded to casualties of World War I and the Spanish-American War. The cards are arranged alphabetically by the individual's last name. Additionally, there is a small subseries of Korean War casualties in Box 10. This subseries is also arranged alphabetically.
In Series II, Enlisted, are 61 boxes of 4x6 index cards. All of these cards date from World War II, and describe casualties among enlisted personnel. There are two subseries, the first identifying those men wounded in action and the second those who were killed or went missing and were presumed dead. Both subseries are arranged alphabetically.
Extent
12.3 cubic feet