The National Archives National Personnel Records Center Releases Military Files on Prominent American Veterans
Press Release · Thursday, June 9, 2005

Washington, DC

"Opening the Door to the National Archives in St. Louis"

WHAT: For the first time, the National Archives National Personnel Records Center will open to the public nearly 1.2 million official military personnel files of former U.S. Navy and Marine Corps enlisted personnel who served in the military between 1885 and 1939. This opening will also include 150 official files of "persons of exceptional prominence", including former Presidents, famous military leaders, celebrities, entertainers and professional athletes who served in the military and who died at least 10 years ago.

Selected excerpts from those files will be available for the media at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis and at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. Among the individuals whose files will be highlighted are: Charles Lindbergh, Joe Louis, Steve McQueen, Clark Gable, Elvis Presley, Alvin York, Wendell Wilkie, Edouard Izac, Hank Greenberg, Douglas MacArthur, John F. Kennedy, Humphrey Bogart, Grover Cleveland Alexander, John Lejeune, Jackie Robinson, Franklin Roosevelt, and Jack Kerouac.

WHEN: Thursday June 9, 2005
St. Louis: 10 AM. – 1 PM.
Washington, DC: 9 AM - Noon

WHERE: The Archival Programs Division, Room 2005
The National Personnel Records Center; 9700 Page Avenue, in suburban north St. Louis.
The Press Office, Room G-1, The National Archives Building; Pennsylvania Avenue, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, DC.
A photo ID is required to gain entry to both buildings.

Background: On Saturday, June 11, the National Personnel Records Center will host a formal dedication at 11 AM. Archivist of the United States, Allen Weinstein will officiate at the ceremony U.S. Congressman William Lacy Clay and other dignitaries will participate. The Center, which will open an exhibition highlighting some of these newly-opened records, will be open to the public following the ceremony.

CONTACTS: For PRESS information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs Staff at 202-501-5526. In St. Louis, contact Bryan McGraw, Director, Archival Programs, NPRC, at (314)801-9132.

# # #

05-72