Why "Pathfinder" ? Pathfinder was a name coined in the 19th century by James Fenimore Cooper for the 18th century character in his "Leatherstocking Tales".  The Pathfinder was a "trail blazer", a Ranger, or a "Courier de bois".  In the 20th Century the name Pathfinder was adopted by the Royal Air Force to designate the target-marking aircraft and crewmen whose job it was to lead all other elements of a mission by "lighting the target"--thus showing the way.  Later in WW2 this name was adopted by British and American paratroopers whose job it was to land in advance of massive Airborne assaults and guide in the following aircraft using lights and radar homing devices. The pilots and crews of Troop Carrier Command, who delivered the Pathfinder-paratroopers, were also known as Pathfinders. For the past 25 years I have done what is commonly refered to as "micro-history" on  Pathfinders,  the Airmen and Paratroopers whose job it was to lead the way during Airborne operations in WWII.  It is through finding their history and finding the people who made up that unique organization that I have honed my skills in military-genealogical reserarch.  Now in  21st century cyber-speak, 'pathfinder' has come to be defined as a guide or index to resource data and information on a particular topic.  For years I have been known as "the pathfinder guy" so it seemed logical to carry that identification into this new 'web' medium. The winged torch was the insignia developed for these specialized troops--and it is indicative of what I do--help people find their way through the maze of World War II military history. ABOUT US My name is Dave Berry. My passion is reconnecting people with their military history…be it their own history, or that of a father, husband, grandfather, uncle, brother or friend. People come to me with questions, and I use over thirty years of military research experience to find the answers and information they want. In fact, my clients are often surprised by how MUCH information I can provide! Over the years I have connected lost crew mates, foxhole buddies, familes and friends and finders-of-lost-items with their original owners.  I have explained the significance of medals and ribbons seen in photographs, or found in a cigar box, so that the viewer understands what they represent.  I have answered simple questions which take less than an hour, and I have undertaken historical research projects which have generated thousands of pages of documentation and taken several months to accomplish.  No search is too big or too small. All you need to get started on your search is to send me an Email telling me what, or who, you want to find. Dave Berry (left) receives honorarium from Commander of CILHI in  recognition of his research detailing a WW2 MIA in Belgium, September 2003