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After 36 years, veterans, archvists still dealing with effects of records center fire

St. Louis Public Radio
Published August 10, 2009 at 9:28 AM CDT
Most of the fire and water damage was on the sixth floor of the National Personnel Records Center. (photo courtesy NPRC) Click to enlarge.
Most of the fire and water damage was on the sixth floor of the National Personnel Records Center. (photo courtesy NPRC) Click to enlarge.

By Adam Allington, KWMU

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kwmu/local-kwmu-853961.mp3

St. Louis – In 1973, a five-alarm fire at the National Personnel Records Center in the St. Louis suburb of Overland destroyed the service records of some 17 million soldiers and airmen.

In addition to providing a written record of some of the most significant events in modern American history, service records are essential for veterans claiming government benefits.

KWMU's Adam Allington has the story.


(All photos courtesy NPRC.)
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