My name is Phil Merritt (USA LTC (RET)). I would appreciate any assistance you may provide in my attempt to obtain military History information on two deceased family members from the same family and Dale County. The remaining family members have no knowledge of their military service.

I have been working with US Government and Military History organizations to obtain the information but they need more information then just First and Last names. The people I am referring to are my Grandfather (Claude Patterson) his brothers, one name is Cletus who served in WWI and his son (my uncle) Maurice Patterson. (Maurice may have been a nickname).

Claude Patterson and his brothers served during WWI, Not sure where or what they did except my grandfather was very proud of document he had in his house. His wife’s name was Velma M. Patterson. They are both buried in the cemetery just north of Ozark and West of the main Highway. I know in the late 1930’s early 40’s they lived near the cemetery that is just inside the Ozark Gate of Fort Rucker. When the US Government purchased that land to expand Camp Rucker they moved to Newton and later to a house just outside the center of Ozark. That house no longer exists.

My Uncle Maurice Patterson served and was wounded as a Aerial Gunner on a B17 during WWII. He was the only son to live to adult-hood. He had three sisters one of which was my mother (Myrtle A. Patterson). My Uncle passed away many years ago and I have no knowledge of his family members.

I have information from my father’s military service in the USAF. I know he and my uncle Maurice where friends and joined the Army Air Corps about the same time. (October 1942) My parents are buried in Arguta, Al.

My father had once told me that there was a register in the county courthouse that recorded the names and dates of service for those who served during both World War’s.
What I need are any combination of: Date’s and Location of enlistments, Service Number’s, units assigned and Dates and places of Birth.

If there is doubt to the authenticity of my request please provide the address and phone number of the office that requires the verification. I will reply promptly.

Thank you