Because we continue to receive numerous inquiries regarding the personnel, aircraft, missions and losses, we decided to offer a Missing Aircrew Report (MACR) service, along with guidance on where other specific material might be researched.

WHAT IS AN MACR ?

For those with missing relatives, the most comprehensive document pertaining to their loss appears in the form of a Missing Aircrew Report (MACR). When we say "comprehensive" some reports are only one page, whilst others contain up to twenty or so attachments.

The most difficult part is aligning the historical details and serial number of the loss with the correct MACR number. With more than 20,000 MACRs available on microfilm, searching for the correct one can take months, years, or even be unsuccessful. The reasons are complex, but include the fact that the 5th Air Force lost many records in-theatre. Whilst you can purchase MACRs from the U.S military, we can offer a much quicker turnaround service and have them emailed or delivered within days, not months. The delay by the present US military is due to no other reason than they do not possess the extensive cross-referencing system which we have developed over 30 years. In addition to the MACR, we can also usually provide the nickname of the aircraft, and its present crash location if known (many have been discovered since WW2).

We charge the same fee as U.S military records, ie USD $25, to recover costs. We also hold a limited number of 13th Air Force MACRs as well. If you want to purchase one from the US military instead of Aerothentic, please use the relevant addresses below. All our MACRs have been retrieved from microfiche holdings. As such, the quality of the print can vary. Some are perfectly clear, others illegible, whilst most fall in between.

OTHER 5TH AIR FORCE HISTORICAL RECORDS

NATIONAL ARCHIVES TWO - COLLEGE PARK
8601 Adelphi Road, Room 2600
College park, MD 20740
Tel: 301-753-7250
National Archives Information Tel: 301-457-7190

This facility contains most Individual Pilot Victory Reports, Group Mission Summary Reports, and Squadron Level Mission Summary Reports for each mission. These are the best information records for each individual squadron, they report who flew the missions, who was lost, and sometimes even the code letters of A/C each pilot flew, who scored what type victories and most mission small details. Each Squadron Summary Report is accompanied by a Squadron Form-34 Report, which provides airplane information for each mission, e.g., pilot, a/c serial number, pilot call signs, mission aborts, losses and reasons / remarks.

HQ, AFHRA / ISA - AIR FORCE HISTORICAL RESEARCH AGENCY
600 Chennault Circle
Maxwell AFB, Alabama 36112-6424

All the WW II MACRs are available on microfilm (negative format, white letters on black page) by number, by date, by unit / group involved. The report itself is not on this film, only the report number, etc. The report itself is located in the NATIONAL ARCHIVES - TWO (as above). Fifth Air Force Monthly Diaries (historical) for individual Groups and Squadrons and even attached Units are also available on microfilm (negative format, white letters on black page) 16mm x 50-ft. reels for $35 per reel (there are about 2000 pages per reel).

Each diary for the month has an operational section giving mission details for the Group or Squadron or other unit. Much of the personnel records are located here, including, when assigned / relieved, decorations awarded, and detached service assignments. U.S. Army Personnel serial numbers often appear, as well as rank, command assignments, etc. The mission details are often very sketchy and vague. The NATIONAL ARCHIVES - TWO Mission Summary Reports are more informative.

DEPT. OF THE AIR FORCE - AIR FORCE HISTORY SUPPORT OFFICE AFHSQ / HQ
300 McChord St., Box 94
Bolling AFB, DC 20332-1111

This office mainly acts as a directory for researchers of various kinds and purposes: next-of-kin, looking for information about a relative's loss, service in the military, etc., killed-in-action, personnel buried overseas, personnel service records' locations - where, what is, and how to obtain it.

U.S. AIR FORCE MUSEUM / MUA - RESEARCH DIVISION
2601 E. St.
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7609
Tel: 937-255-4644, ext. 734.

This museum has a limited number of 5th and 13th Air Force records and photographs. Not a lot, but what is there is good. Submit your requests and perhaps they can help.

NATIONAL AIR & SPACE MUSEUM / ARCHIVES DIVISION
Smithsonian Institute
Washington, DC 20560-0310/0322
Tel: 202-357-1300
Archive Div. Tel: 202-357-3133

The NASM. is the depository of all official WW2 USAAF photography files / collections. They do not make copies of photographs themselves. They give you a choice of private photographic firms that will make you copies at their rates. The pick is up to you as to whom to choose to do your work. The photos are identified by number. NASM. may or may not provide such numbers if they can. All you can do is submit your request.

USAF SAFETY RECORDS CENTER
This Records Center used to be located at Norton AFB, California. They have recently moved their location to Randolph AFB in Texas. They hold some records for non-combat losses.