Holocaust and World War II Victims Tracing 

Searches Begin at the St. Louis Area Chapter Contact Michael Braeuninger at (314) 516.2737

More than 60 years after the end of World War II, the pain of family separation still weighs heavily in many hearts. The Nazi regime tore families apart as it conscripted millions of men, women and children into forced labor or shipped them to concentration camps. Throughout Europe, millions of families were affected by the long nightmare. Ever since, survivors have endured the anguish of not knowing the fate of loved ones.

The American Red Cross can help. Using the extensive resource of the International Red Cross Movement, we may be able to help determine the fate of victims of Nazi persecution and bring you the solace of knowing— after years of uncertainty — what happened to your loved ones. We can also assist in securing documentation of forced labor or internment in a concentration camp, which is required when survivors submit claims for reparations or pensions from the German government.

Each year, thousands of people turn to the Red Cross to request an international search for unforgotten family members. There is no charge for this service. Because of the complexity of the search and the enormous volume of requests being received, efforts may take a year or more. In about half of all cases some information is found, such as documentary confirmation of death or deportation. Almost miraculously, nearly 1,000 tracing requests have led to joyous reunions with loved ones located after half a century of separation.

Whatever the results, your St. Louis Area Chapter caseworker will keep you informed of progress being made. Your search will be treated with the respect and compassion it deserves.

Recently, additional war-era records have become available through Red Cross societies worldwide, Magen David Adom in Israel, and hundreds of archives and museums. Someone may be looking for you! If you submitted an inquiry before September 1990 about family missing during World War II in Europe or the former Soviet Union, please resubmit your tracing inquiry at the St. Louis Area Chapter.

All Red Cross programs are made possible by the voluntary services and financial support of the American people. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to find the information that will bring resolution to each case and peace of mind to the waiting inquirer.