Individual Deceased Personnel Files (IDPFs) are an invaluable resource for genealogists researching ancestors who served in the U.S. military and died in service. These files contain detailed information about the circumstances of a service member's death, burial, and often, correspondence with the family. Commonly in terms of genealogical research, IDPFs refer to records for deaths occurring during World War II. Death records for World War I are commonly known as "burial files."
Individual Deceased Personnel Files Contents

Individual Deceased Personnel Files (IDFS) typically include:
- Death notification and casualty reports
- Correspondence with next of kin
- Burial information and grave location
- Personal effects inventory
- Medical and autopsy reports
- Photographs of gravesites (if applicable)
The information in these files can provide insights into the military service and death of an ancestor, as well as offer clues about their family relationships and posthumous honors.
Identify the Service Member
To request an IDPF, specific information about the deceased service member is required. Gather as much of the following details as possible:
- Full name
- Service number (if known)
- Branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.)
- Date of death
- Unit or regiment
- Any known details about their death (e.g., battle, location)
This information will help ensure that receiving the correct file.
Locate Where to Request the IDPF
IDPFs are held by different organizations depending on the branch of service and the era in which the service member died:
- World War II to Korean War: These files are often available through the Army Human Resources Command or the National Archives.
- Vietnam War: For Army personnel, these are held by the U.S. Army Human Resources Command.
- Earlier Wars (e.g., World War I): Files may be held at the National Archives.
Contact Information
- US Army Human Resources Command (HRC): The U.S. Army Human Resources Command is the custodian of Individual Deceased Personnel Files (IDPFs) from World War II to the present. To request an IDPF, email usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.foia@army.mil or via postal mail to: Department of the Army US Army Human Resources Command ATTN: AHRC-FOIA 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Department 107 Fort Knox KY 40122-5743
- National Archives: IDPFs can be requested through their research rooms or online.
Make sure to check the specific organization’s website for the most current request procedures.
Submit a Request
When submitting a request, include all the gathered information about the service member. If possible, use the request forms provided by the relevant organization. Some organizations may require proof of relationship or additional documentation, so be prepared to provide those if asked.
Here’s a general template for a request:
[Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]
[Organization Name]
[Address]
Subject: Request for Individual Deceased Personnel File (IDPF) for [Service Member’s Name]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am requesting the Individual Deceased Personnel File for [Full Name of Service Member], who served in the [Branch of Service] and died on [Date of Death]. Below is the information I have gathered:
- Full Name: [Service Member’s Name]
- Service Number: [Service Number]
- Branch of Service: [Branch of Service]
- Date of Death: [Date of Death]
- Unit/Regiment: [Unit/Regiment]
- Circumstances of Death: [Brief Description, if known]
I am conducting genealogical research as a [relationship to the deceased, if applicable]. I would appreciate any assistance you can provide in locating this file.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Name]
Analyze the IDPF
Once received, review the IDPF carefully. Pay close attention to:
- Dates and Locations: These can help track an ancestor’s military service and movements.
- Correspondence: Letters between the military and next of kin can reveal family relationships and sentiments at the time.
- Burial Information: This can lead to additional records, such as cemetery listings, headstone applications, or even photographs.
Cross-Reference with Other Records
The information in an IDPF can be corroborated and expanded upon with other records, such as:
- Service records and discharge papers
- Census records and obituaries
- Military pension files
- Grave registration cards
Cross-referencing these records can build a more complete picture of an ancestor’s life and service.
See also
Explore more about How to research Individual Deceased Personnel Files (IDPFs)
- Individual Deceased Personnel Files, 1939–1953- National Archives and Records Administration (currently contains only 7,000 out of 330,000 files online)
- National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) - National Archives and Records Administration
- Request Military Service Records - National Archives and Records Administration
- U.S. Army Human Resources Command
- Freedom of Information and Privacy Act Requests - U.S. Army Human Resources Command