In the case of Eugene Perz, my Great Uncle, I would like to extend my gratitude to the AFHRA (Air Force historical Research Agency) as well as the St. Louis National Archives.  With the records I have obtained from these two organizations, I have been able to solidify many facts about my great uncle’s service history.

AFHRA

The AFHRA has an online searchable index of thousands of records within their holdings, many available by request.  When I began, I did not have the DD-214 in this case, but I did have the name of his Unit, which was initially formed as The First Mapping Group (also found to read as 1st Mapping Group). They were later reorganized as the 1st Photographic Group, The 1st Photographic Charting Squadron, then 1st Photo Reconnaissance Squadron VH (Very Heavy).

Eugene was classified as a Flight Engineer as well as a Mechanic.  He was a crew chief for B-17s, B-24s and B-29s. Within the record sets I obtained from the AFHRA, I found Eugene W. Perz listed in multiple rosters throughout the units history.   This is significant because every roster within the unit history includes the date and location of the roster and most also include the unit operations at that given time.

The main record set I’ve used in Eugene’s research to establish the chronological history is the AFHRA Reel No. A0861.  It obtains the groups history, month to month starting in 1941.