Military Records are a Godsend... Part 1

So, in my previous post Introducing... William Steplight Polite, I stated that I was requesting his military records to get some insight into his military life. Well... they found them. They found his military records. I just have to send off the form and payment for them to make a copy.

Hopefully, this record will help me with some holes I have in my research. Stay tuned for part 2.

Introducing...William (STEPLIGHT) POLITE

So... normally a male ancestor doesn't have  a "maiden" name or an additional last name, but this ancestor is a little different.

William STEPLIGHT POLITE is my maternal grandfather. He was born 27 Mar 1925 in Mckeesport, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. According to family members, he was born to Thomas STEPLIGHT and Elouise "Honey" DRAYTON, but I have yet to confirm that information.

At some point in his life, possibly before he joined the United States Navy, he changed his last name from STEPLIGHT to POLITE. No one can tell me why exactly, so that's what I'm trying to figure out now.

I've already requested his military records to gain some insight into his military life. I am in the process of ordering additional vital records and checking the 1930 census to see if I can find him or his relatives.

Wish me luck!!!