Found a DSS 1 form for my dad... does that mean he was military?

I found this DSS 1 form for my dad and I’m wondering if it means he was in the military. He was buried in Butler, NJ, and I’ve been told it’s a military cemetery. The form has his name, address, a serial number (#2739), and order number (#175). I don’t have much info because I was only 5 when he passed, but I remember my mom getting a US flag at his funeral. Does that confirm he was a veteran? What steps can I take to find out for sure?

Yeah, if your dad was buried in a military cemetery and your mom got a flag, that usually means he was a veteran. You might want to double-check with the VA to be sure.

Teagan said:
Yeah, if your dad was buried in a military cemetery and your mom got a flag, that usually means he was a veteran. You might want to double-check with the VA to be sure.

Good to know! What’s the best way to contact the VA? I’m not sure where to start.

Teagan said:
Yeah, if your dad was buried in a military cemetery and your mom got a flag, that usually means he was a veteran. You might want to double-check with the VA to be sure.

You can call them or go through their website. Ask for a copy of his DD214—it’s like a record of his military service.

Teagan said:
Yeah, if your dad was buried in a military cemetery and your mom got a flag, that usually means he was a veteran. You might want to double-check with the VA to be sure.

What’s a DD214? Never heard of it before.

Teagan said:
Yeah, if your dad was buried in a military cemetery and your mom got a flag, that usually means he was a veteran. You might want to double-check with the VA to be sure.

It’s basically the discharge paperwork that confirms someone’s service. The VA keeps a copy, so they can help you get it.

The DSS 1 form sounds like a burial record. It might not confirm his military status, but paired with other details, it’s worth looking into.

Sage said:
The DSS 1 form sounds like a burial record. It might not confirm his military status, but paired with other details, it’s worth looking into.

Makes sense. I’ll follow up with the VA. Thanks for pointing that out!

If he’s in a military cemetery, he definitely had to be a veteran. That’s one of the requirements for burial there.

Hartley said:
If he’s in a military cemetery, he definitely had to be a veteran. That’s one of the requirements for burial there.

That’s what I thought too. I’ll verify just to be sure. Appreciate the input!

Try getting his death certificate if you don’t already have it. It might have clues about his military status.

MegWhitgal said:
Try getting his death certificate if you don’t already have it. It might have clues about his military status.

Good idea! I’m waiting on a copy now. Hopefully, it’ll clear things up.

If you don’t find much info from the VA, maybe check with a local veterans service organization (VSO). They’re super helpful with this stuff.

Renny said:
If you don’t find much info from the VA, maybe check with a local veterans service organization (VSO). They’re super helpful with this stuff.

Oh, I didn’t think of that! Thanks for the tip—I’ll look into VSOs.