World War II Prisoners of War Data File, December 7, 1941 to November 19, 1946

The World War II Prisoners of War Data File Index holds 143,374 records that begin on December 7, 1941 and continue through November 19, 1946. These records were compiled from the National Archives. Individuals who wish to learn more about the World War II Prisoners of War Data File Index can visit the website for the National Archives .

Information Available In This Collection

The type of data offered in the World War II Prisoners of War Data File Index includes the full name of the prisoner, the related war, unit and rank for military prisoners or a civilian listing for non-military prisoners.

About the National Archives

The records supporting this World War II Prisoners of War Data File Index are held by the National Archives. Individuals who wish to learn more or obtain copies of these records should contact the National Archives using the information below.

National Archives
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, Maryland 20740
866-272-6272

The National Archives is responsible for preserving records from the federal government that are deemed of historic value. These include important documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, which are cared for and displayed at the Washington DC location. The National Archives operates 33 locations nationwide and holds important historical American documents that date back to 1776.

The National Archives also holds a multitude of important military and war records that include records related to the Civil War, Revolutionary War, both World Wars and the Vietnam War. The National Archives also holds millions of historic maps and charts, photographs, moving pictures, audio recordings and posters. The National Archives strives to record America's history and make it accessible to the public both in the form of online records and databases, as well as in person at the National Archives research rooms.

One of the important World War II records collections is the World War II Prisoners of War Data File, which is a detailed list of the Allied civilians and American soldiers and military officers who were internees or prisoners of war. Each entry includes as much information as was available and includes the prisoner's full name, serial number, military branch or civilian status, grade, resident state, parent unit number, unit type, date when capture was reported, theater of war-meaning place of capture, report source, prisoner status, detaining power and camp site where the prisoner was being held. Some prisoners and internees who were held on warships died when the Japanese ship sank, while others died while being transported to Japan from the Philippines, and these are duly noted in the record. Individuals may request copies of these records or download the online database at no cost.

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