A story has its own truth conditions
A remembered story may preserve humor, fear, solidarity or a detail that formal records omit. Its value does not depend on turning it into a precise operational report. The first question is what kind of source it is.
Record the route to the voice
Note who supplied the account, when it was recorded, whether the speaker was quoting a document and what permission covers publication. Provenance is part of the story’s meaning and its ethical handling.
Corroborate without erasing
A log or official history may confirm a date while leaving the personal account intact as experience. When they disagree, publish the disagreement or keep the detail private until it can be handled responsibly.
Source note. This page separates documented history, archival observation and editorial explanation. Where a source does not establish a detail, the detail is left open.