How can you find out what your father did to earn a Bronze Star so you can pass the story on to your kids?

Answer 1

You can contact the Pentagon to get the official order that awarded the metal to your father. Part of the process for awarding a medal is for the recommender to put together a letter explaining the reason(s) why the named individual deserves to receive the award. This is the official version.

Another place to check is with whatever unit he served. Many units maintain museums with histories of all actions the unit has been involved in. They may have detailed records about the action(s) that led to your father's award.

You can also check and see if the unit has any anniversaries or reunions. If it does, you may want to attend one, where you might be able to talk to one of the people who was there and saw the action. If you do find a reunion, take a video camera so you can record it.

Request his Service Record

You can request a copy of his service record from the National Archives. It should include a copy of the citation. Link provided below. However, many WWII service records were destroyed in a warehouse fire in 1971, so you may or may not find that, depending on what letter your last name starts with.

Answer 2

Father was in Central Pacific and New Guinea Campaign during WWII.