Today I received a huge package (over 70 pages, both sides). It is the civilian work records of my grandfather, James Banigan. He was employed at the Newport Torpedo Station on Goat Island during W.W.II. and earlier. I had always wondered if there was a way to find out about his employment. He was not in the armed forces, but a civilian employee on the base. Well, this package includes : his job application - with 5 personal references and a previous work history, school history, birth certificate, also papers from during his employment such as promotions, absences, injuries on the job, timecards, various correspondence, etc. He was written up one time for improper and negligent work. (He was a machinist that made the gyroscopes that steer the torpedoes). I laugh out loud thinking of the words he must have said when someone dared to say his work was not perfect. There is a letter in his own hand, defending himself against the charges. There was also a medical history, and doctor's physical exam.

If you want to get some of these records for someone in your family, check out the online site for National Personnel Records Center. It took quite a while to get these papers back.

Include information:
Name
Birthdate/location - death date
SSN (if any)
Location of employment
Job description
Approx. dates of employment
Reason for requesting information
Signature

I recommend looking at the website for this office. It gave clearer descriptions of what to include. When the envelope came the agency was:
National Archives and Records Administration
National Personnel Records Center
Civilian Personnel Records
111 Winnebago St.
St. Louis, Missouri 63118-4199

The best part --- because he was related to me-- IT WAS FREE!

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