As long as your grandfathers service ended over 60 years ago, his service record is a public record.Also, if you are the next of kin, the 60 year time does not apply, though in this case, 1952 is certainly more than 60 years ago.You can get those records by writing to the National Personnel Records Center at:National Personnel Records CenterMilitary Personnel Records1 Archives DriveSt. Louis, MO 63138I believe they also have an online presence where you can fill out the SF-180, Request for Records, online. But you might need a service number to make that happen, Iu2019m not sure. If in doubt, a letter always works to start the process, but do not expect fast turn-around, you might be looking at up to six months for a response.Also, there was a fire in the early 1970u2019s that caused a loss of records in St. Louis. Not all records were lost, but all that were lost were pre-1970s. If your grandfather falls into that, you might receive a u201csorry, we canu2019t help you, there was a fireu201d letter.