from NARA:
It's
really nice to obtain a photographic image of someone you are
researching.
For pre-1960 military personnel, try the National
Archives, Still Picture Branch.
The more information you have, the
better. Name, Branch of Service, Military Grade (even if only officer
or enlisted), Dates of Service (even if only by year), Military Organization (ie, 29th Infantry, USS Baltimore).
They
can be contacted at: stillpix@nara.gov,
phone 301-837-0561 or
by mail at:
National
Archives and Records Administration
Special
Media Archives Services Division (RDSS)
8601
Adelphi Road
College
Park, MD 20740-6001
It
takes about three weeks to get a response. If they have something,
they send you a photocopy of the image, including the caption naming
the individual(s).
If you want an actual photo, you have to contract
with a commercial provider who reproduces it and ships it to you.
Total cost around $20. to $25.
My
experience has shown that only around one in fifty names are found.
Don't bother if the name is John Johnson.
