Through The Ancestry Looking Glass

Discovering Military Records of the 1900s: A Journey Through U.S. History

The United States has been involved in numerous conflicts following the Civil War, each with its own rich history and records. Today, we’ll guide you on where to find these invaluable documents.

Let’s also remember the unwavering support on the home front. The men and women who stayed behind played vital roles: organizing drives, working in factories, sewing uniforms, gathering supplies, and more. Their contributions were crucial to the war efforts and should never be forgotten.

World War I

• National WWI Museum and Memorial: This museum has an extensive collection of letters, documents, and photographs from World War I.
• American Battle Monuments Commission: Maintains records of those who served and are buried in overseas military cemeteries.
• National WWI Museum and Memorial: This museum’s online collections database includes letters, documents, and photographs donated by veterans and their families. You can search by name to see if any records related to a particular individual have been digitized2.
• FamilySearch: FamilySearch offers a collection of World War I service records for the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard. This can be a valuable resource for genealogical research.

World War II

• National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): Holds extensive WWII records, including military personnel files, casualty lists, and unit records.
• Fold3: Offers digitized military records, including WWII service records, draft cards, and more.
• National WWI Museum and Memorial: This museum’s online collections database includes letters, documents, and photographs donated by veterans and their families. You can search by name to see if any records related to a particular individual have been digitized2.
• FamilySearch: FamilySearch offers a collection of World War I service records for the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard. This can be a valuable resource for genealogical research.

Korean War

• Center for the Study of the Korean War: Located at the Harry S. Truman Library, this center has a vast collection of documents, photographs, and oral history interviews.
• National Archives: Contains Korean War service records and casualty lists.
• FamilySearch: FamilySearch provides access to Korean War service records, muster rolls, draft records, and more.
• Library of Congress: The Library of Congress has a vast collection of historical documents, including employment records and photographs from the Korean War.

Vietnam War

• National Archives (NARA): NARA has extensive records from the Vietnam War, including personnel files, casualty lists, and records of military agencies.
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund: Provides resources and maintains records for those researching Vietnam War veterans.
• FamilySearch: FamilySearch provides access to Vietnam War service records, muster rolls, draft records, and more. They also offer research strategies and articles to help you get started.
• State Archives and Historical Societies: Many state archives and historical societies have collections of Vietnam War records, including service cards, Gold Star Honor Rolls, and other documents.
• Library of Congress: The Library of Congress has a vast collection of historical documents, including employment records and photographs from the Vietnam War

Modern Conflicts (Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan)

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Provides access to service records and other military documents.
• National Archives: Continues to be a repository for recent military records and personnel files.

These resources should provide a solid foundation for your research across various U.S. military conflicts. If you need more details or assistance, feel free to ask!

Don’t forget the Newspapers!

Newspapers can be a wellspring of information about ancestors who served in the military. Here are some types of military information you might find:

1. Enlistment Announcements: Newspapers often published notices when individuals enlisted in the military, including their name, rank, and sometimes their hometown.
2. Service Records: Articles about soldiers’ promotions, transfers, and commendations can provide details about their military careers.
3. Casualty Reports: Newspapers reported on soldiers who were wounded, missing in action, or killed in action, often including personal details and sometimes photographs.
4. Letters and Diaries: Some newspapers published letters and diary entries from soldiers on the front lines, offering a personal glimpse into their experiences.
5. Homecoming Stories: Stories about soldiers returning home, including reunions with family and friends, can be found in local newspapers.
6. Community Support: Articles about local efforts to support the war effort, such as bond drives, parades, and other patriotic activities, can provide context for your ancestor’s involvement.

These records can help you piece together a more complete picture of your ancestor’s military service and their life during wartime.

Reflecting on a Week of Discovery: Uncovering U.S. Military History

This week has been a journey through time, from the foundations of the United States to our modern conflicts. By researching your ancestors’ stories, you can breathe life into their experiences in ways you might not have imagined. As you delve into the records, remember to meticulously document timelines, sources, and written histories. This not only preserves your findings but honors the bravery of those who fought for our freedoms. Let us continue to cherish their legacy as we carry forward the values of our nation.

Please don’t hesitate to ask if you need additional help researching military records. As you do your detective work, don’t let the brick walls stop you from discovering their stories.

Happy researching, Tania