US Pilots files at NARA : looking for local support at Washington DC

[gilles collaveri]

Good morning all,

I am looking for somebody in Washington that could give a help to have a look at the files of US pilots at NARA (we look for the following : cases Not Tried, RG 549, Entry A1-2239. Boxes 85, 122, 150, 175, 200, 227 & 254).

This is to support a young French historian who is doing a wonderful job about the fates of pilots who were killed after bailing out.

it is obviously not easy for her to go to the US, and Covid crises did not help: any person living in Washington DC area that could give some help will be very much thanked.

Alternatively, any tip to get a copy of these file will be welcome (is sending a mail directly to NARA feasible ?)

Thanks a lot for your help.

GC

[Larry deZeng]

Bonjour Gilles,

I think you will have a hard time finding someone to do this pro bono (gratis), but there are fee-for-service researchers accredited to NARA that you can hire. The fee is generally between $55.00 to $70.00 U.S. per hour of research. As you stated, your project is to go through 7 boxes of RG 549, locate a few files, copy those files and transmit the digital copies to France. I would estimate that's about 6 to 8 hours of research time.

If this is acceptable, let me know and I will send you a name with contact information for a very experienced World War II aviation researcher.

Larry deZ.

[gilles collaveri]

Thanks a lot for your answer, Larry

I have transmitted your words to this lady right away and I shall you know the feedback promptly.

Kind regards

GC

[SCohen]

The National Archives in College Park is currently closed due to COVID

[Larry deZeng]

SCohen,

You know, I thought so, too, but several days ago I looked all over the NARA home page, information page, news page, etc., but I could find no mention of the College Park facility being shut down. From all appearances, it looks like they are open and doing business, including the research room on the second floor. Did I miss something?

L. deZ.

[SCohen]

This page gives the info. It’s tied to the Number COVID cases In Prince George County MD.

https://www.archives.gov/college-park

[Larry deZeng]

Sure enough. I just skimmed right over the top of it a few days ago and didn't see it. THANKS.

National Archives at College Park, MD Closed
The research room at the National Archives in College Park, MD is closed due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Prince George's County. Once public health conditions improve and we are able to reopen the research room we will update our website with additional information.

L.

[Alex Smart]

Hello Gilles,
With all the experts that visit this forum regularly it may be easier to give the names of the airmen that are of interest. The answers may well be forthcoming here without the NARA expence