Lt. "Dick" Durkee

I was watching something on the History Channel a few days ago...I think it was called "Shootout" or something.
Anyway, it was an episode about the Battle of the Bulge and the name "Dick" Durkee came up about 4 times...

One of my grandfather's brothers was named Richard and served in Europe during the second world war (as did many of his brothers)...but he never talked about is service to anyone.

So I'm thinking...maybe it was him? Is there any way I can find out? Any online directories of veterans and details of their service?

The Lt. Durkee in the show was noted for heroism during a bayonet charge against a German machine gun nest..so it would be so cool to find out if it was really "MY" Richard Durkee.

I'm assuming that's him in your avatar. Type 'military service records' in to google and see what comes up. Those will generally give you the results you need.

Quote :

Mr. Durkee, born in Hornell, N.Y., was a Golden Gloves middleweight boxing champion in 1938 and 1939, and later played semiprofessional baseball. After his military service, he graduated from the University of Maryland and became an insurance-claims adjuster.

His second wife, Sigrid Lohner Durkee, whom he married in 1954, died in 1981. A son from his second marriage, Lawrence Durkee, died in 1981.

Survivors include two children from his first marriage; three children from his second marriage; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Source: Seattle Times

Also says he was a member of the 551st Parachute Infantry Battalion, if that helps.

edit: Nevermind, I figured it out!

Here's a little search in enlistment records for a "Richard Durkee"

http://aad.archives.gov/aad/display-partial-records.jsp?f=3475&mtch=6&q=richard+durkee&cat=WR26&dt=893&tf=F&bc=,sl,sd

Jarhead999 76 65 wrote:

I'm assuming that's him in your avatar. Type 'military service records' in to google and see what comes up. Those will generally give you the results you need.

No sir, the man in my avatar is my grandpa on my mom's side...

Ernest Green (Grandpa on my mom's side):
Enlisted in USAF
Went to Airbase Defense school and became an MP...later serving on the presidential Honor Guard. (Stationed at George AFB)
Joined because his professor at culinary school told him he looked to young to be hired by any restaurant...so the military was his way of "growing up".
((Through '40s and '50s))

Robert Durkee (Grandpa on my dad's side):
Enlisted in US-Army
Lead the supply chain following Patton on his move across Europe
Fell off the boat on his way to Europe and was never comfortable will water ever since.
((Served throughout WWII...passed away 2 years ago))


Google? Lol...tried that before making making this thread...hmm...is there any way to request his 214's?

Wow shootout havn't seen that in awhile not on as much as it used to be. That is pretty cool if you are related and it talked about him.

Oooh thanks for all the info. I'll have to cross-check it against my Grandma..
The problem is that my Grandpa was actually adopted...so Idunno much about the family before him. Cool cool. Thanks guys!

Heh, my grandma's family name is/was Green before she was married.. Small world

You're welcome

@Durkee
Sorry, I should have been more specific. I meant you should type that in and use one of those databases that have service records in them