Charles,
How long has it been since ya'll tried to obtain his records? I ask because recently many of the records presumed to have burnt in the storage facility at St. Louis have been located!
Also, the DOD has declassified documentation that shows that U.S. troops were moved into S.E.A. as early as 1957.
Here is the link to apply for military records;
http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/Here is the best way to get a speedy rating;
1. After filling out the claim, before mailing it make copies. Hand written letter to his Congressman asking for his assistant. Make sure the letter is short and to the point!
2. If he belongs to a veterans organization see if they have a legislative branch in the DC area, giving them full POA over his claim. I am a Life Member of the VFW and I gave them the POA over my claim. The Vietnam Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled Veterans of America are all quality organizations.
3. The greatest piece of evidence that the VA cannot dispute is a hand written letter from someone he served with in combat, it isn't required, but the strongest piece of paper he can submit.
4. Find an official website of the Division he served with, it will show the dates of there deployment, their "In Country" dates. You can print and exclude this information as well.
I am a disabled combat veteran who served with the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division. Please tell your father I said "Thank you" for his service. It's a shame that we have to fight for the benefits we are owed, this is the result of a socialist government.
God's Speed,
Adam
