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== Step 1. Identify an Ancestor You Wish to Find in Military Records == | == Step 1. Identify an Ancestor You Wish to Find in Military Records == | ||
See also ''[https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/lessons/basic-u-s-military-records-with-tiff Basic US Military Records] ''in the FamilySearch Learning Center. | |||
Begin your research with family and [[Identify What You Know#Gather_Family_Information|home sources]]. You may already know of ancestors who were in the military. You may find evidence that an ancestor served in the military from family traditions, [[US Military Types of Military Records#Census_Records|census records]], [[United States Naturalization and Citizenship|naturalization records]], [[US Military Types of Military Records#Biographies|biographies]], [[US Military Types of Military Records#Cemetery_Records|cemetery records]], or records of [[US Military Types of Military Records#Veterans_and_Lineage_Society_Records|veterans organizations]]. | Begin your research with family and [[Identify What You Know#Gather_Family_Information|home sources]]. You may already know of ancestors who were in the military. You may find evidence that an ancestor served in the military from family traditions, [[US Military Types of Military Records#Census_Records|census records]], [[United States Naturalization and Citizenship|naturalization records]], [[US Military Types of Military Records#Biographies|biographies]], [[US Military Types of Military Records#Cemetery_Records|cemetery records]], or records of [[US Military Types of Military Records#Veterans_and_Lineage_Society_Records|veterans organizations]]. | ||
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*Enlisted in the regular U.S. military forces during wartime or peacetime. | *Enlisted in the regular U.S. military forces during wartime or peacetime. | ||
*Served in a local [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Militia#United_States militia] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Guard_(United_States) National Guard] unit that was mustered for federal service during an emergency. | *Served in a local [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Militia#United_States militia] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Guard_(United_States) National Guard] unit that was mustered for federal service during an emergency. | ||
*Enrolled for the [[US Military Types of Military Records#Draft_or_Conscription_Records|drafts]] for the Civil War, World War I, or a subsequent war and later enlisted or was drafted. | *Enrolled for the [[US Military Types of Military Records#Draft_or_Conscription_Records|drafts]] for the Civil War, World War I, or a subsequent war and later enlisted or was drafted (inducted). | ||
If you do not know if your ancestor served in the military, the year of birth may indicate the possibility. Most people who were in the military were between 18 and 30 years of age. Use the war chronology below to see if your ancestor could have served during wartime. | If you do not know if your ancestor served in the military, the year of birth may indicate the possibility. Most people who were in the military were between 18 and 30 years of age. Use the war chronology below to see if your ancestor could have served during wartime. | ||
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*[[Mexican War, 1846 to 1848|Mexican War, 1846 to 1848]] | *[[Mexican War, 1846 to 1848|Mexican War, 1846 to 1848]] | ||
*[[United States Civil War, 1861 to 1865|Civil War, 1861 to 1865]] | *[[United States Civil War, 1861 to 1865|Civil War, 1861 to 1865]] | ||
*[[United States Indian Wars, | *[[United States Indian Wars, 1780s-1890s|Indian Wars, 1780s to 1890s]] | ||
*[[Spanish-American War, 1898|Spanish-American War, 1898]] | *[[Spanish-American War, 1898|Spanish-American War, 1898]] | ||
*[[Philippine Insurrection, 1899 to 1902|Philippine Insurrection, 1899 to 1902]] | *[[Philippine Insurrection, 1899 to 1902|Philippine Insurrection, 1899 to 1902]] | ||
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*[[United States Korean War 1950 to 1953|Korean War 1950 to 1953]] | *[[United States Korean War 1950 to 1953|Korean War 1950 to 1953]] | ||
*[[United States Vietnam War 1964 to 1972|Vietnam War 1964 to 1972]] | *[[United States Vietnam War 1964 to 1972|Vietnam War 1964 to 1972]] | ||
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People who did not serve during a war may have served during peacetime. During the colonial period, most able-bodied men between the ages of 16 and 60 were expected to participate in a local [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Militia#United_States militia] unit. These units were organized either by town, county, or province. The militia’s main role was local defense. | People who did not serve during a war may have served during peacetime. During the colonial period, most able-bodied men between the ages of 16 and 60 were expected to participate in a local [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Militia#United_States militia] unit. These units were organized either by town, county, or province. The militia’s main role was local defense. | ||
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*'''''Regiment.''''' Many service records are arranged by the military unit, such as regiment. Regiments and companies were often composed of people from the same community or county. Knowing the regiment can sometimes help you determine where an individual was from. | *'''''Regiment.''''' Many service records are arranged by the military unit, such as regiment. Regiments and companies were often composed of people from the same community or county. Knowing the regiment can sometimes help you determine where an individual was from. | ||
In most cases, you can learn the unit from sources at the | In most cases, you can learn the unit from sources at the FamilySearch Library, such as [[US Military Types of Military Records#Service_Records|service]] and [[US Military Types of Military Records#Pension_Records|pension]] indexes, [[US Military Types of Military Records#Unit_Histories|regimental or unit histories]], [[United States History#Local_Histories|county histories]], or [[US Military Types of Military Records#Cemetery_Records|tombstone inscriptions]]. [[Identify What You Know#Gather_Family_Information|Home sources]], such as photographs, [[US Military Types of Military Records#Enlistment_and_Discharge_Records.|discharge papers]], [[US Military Types of Military Records#Pension_Records|pension records]], or records of membership in a [[US Military Types of Military Records#Veterans_and_Lineage_Society_Records|veteran organization]], may also provide clues. | ||
== Step 2. Decide What You Want to Learn == | == Step 2. Decide What You Want to Learn == | ||
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Several factors can affect your choice of which records to search. These Wiki pages can help you evaluate which specific military record would be most helpful. If you know the unit, it is usually best to begin with pension files, since they usually have the most information on the soldier’s family. If you do not know your ancestor’s military unit, you may need to first identify the ancestor in service records. | Several factors can affect your choice of which records to search. These Wiki pages can help you evaluate which specific military record would be most helpful. If you know the unit, it is usually best to begin with pension files, since they usually have the most information on the soldier’s family. If you do not know your ancestor’s military unit, you may need to first identify the ancestor in service records. | ||
See [[US Military Types of Military Records|Types of Military Records]] to learn about the various military records used for family history research. The '''[[US Military Record | See [[US Military Types of Military Records|Types of Military Records]] to learn about the various military records used for family history research. The '''[[US Military Record Finder|Record Finder]]''' can also help you decide which records to search. | ||
See also [[Finding a World War II (1939-1945) Veteran's Records]] for an example of various records that might be available about military veterans. | See also [[Finding a World War II (1939-1945) Veteran's Records]] for an example of various records that might be available about military veterans. | ||
== Step 4. Find and Search the Record == | == Step 4. Find and Search the Record == | ||
===Online Military Records=== | |||
Many United States military records are online and should be searched first. The [[United States Online Genealogy Records]] page lists online indexes and images for most wars and military service in the United States before 1950. | |||
*'''[[United States Online Genealogy Records]]''' | |||
===Original Records at Repositories=== | |||
This step describes the major archives that have U.S. military records. When one of these institutions is referred to elsewhere in this set of Wiki pages, return to this step for the address. | This step describes the major archives that have U.S. military records. When one of these institutions is referred to elsewhere in this set of Wiki pages, return to this step for the address. | ||
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*U.S. Navy enlisted personnel, 1798 to 1885, and officers, 1798 to 1902 | *U.S. Navy enlisted personnel, 1798 to 1885, and officers, 1798 to 1902 | ||
*U.S. Marine Corps enlisted personnel, 1789 to 1904, and some officers, 1789 to 1895 | *U.S. Marine Corps enlisted personnel, 1789 to 1904, and some officers, 1789 to 1895 | ||
*U.S. Coast Guard predecessor agencies, 1791 to 1919 (Revenue Cutter Service, Life-Saving Service, and Lighthouse Service) | *U.S. Coast Guard predecessor agencies, 1791 to 1919 (Revenue Cutter Service, Life-Saving Service, and Lighthouse Service) | ||
*See also Debbie Mieszala.''Courage on the Seas: Records of the United States Life-Saving Service.'' NGS Magazine 34 #2 (April-June 2008): 23-27. | |||
*Confederate (Civil War) service records and other records relating to Confederate armed forces, 1861 to 1865 | *Confederate (Civil War) service records and other records relating to Confederate armed forces, 1861 to 1865 | ||
*Veterans’ pension files and claims, 1775 to 1916 (except for Confederates), and bounty land files, 1775 to 1855 | *Veterans’ pension files and claims, 1775 to 1916 (except for Confederates), and bounty land files, 1775 to 1855 | ||
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Some helpful guides to National Archives military records are listed below: | Some helpful guides to National Archives military records are listed below: | ||
*''[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/44420788&referer=brief_results Guide to Genealogical Research in the National Archives. Rev. ed]''. Washington, D.C.: NARA, 2000. ( | *''[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/44420788&referer=brief_results Guide to Genealogical Research in the National Archives. Rev. ed]''. Washington, D.C.: NARA, 2000. (FS Library book 973 A3usn 1985; fiche 6051414.) Contains specific chapters on federal military records that discuss regular, volunteer, and naval and Marine service records as well as pension and bounty land records. | ||
*''[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/12811230&referer=brief_results Military Service Records: A Select Catalog of National Archives Microfilm Publications]''. Washington, D.C.: NARA, 1985. ( | *''[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/12811230&referer=brief_results Military Service Records: A Select Catalog of National Archives Microfilm Publications]''. Washington, D.C.: NARA, 1985. (FS Library book 973 A3nms; film 1320868 item 4.) Provides brief descriptions of microfilmed military records and a roll by roll listing of their contents. | ||
*Seeley, Charlotte Palmer, comp. ''[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/24698658&referer=brief_results American Women and the U.S. Armed Forces: A Guide to the Records of Military Agencies in the National Archives Relating to American Women]''. Revised by Virginia C. Purdy and Robert Gruber. National Archives and Records Administration, 1992. ( | *Seeley, Charlotte Palmer, comp. ''[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/24698658&referer=brief_results American Women and the U.S. Armed Forces: A Guide to the Records of Military Agencies in the National Archives Relating to American Women]''. Revised by Virginia C. Purdy and Robert Gruber. National Archives and Records Administration, 1992. (FS Library book 973 M2scp.)<br><br> | ||
*Trevor K. Plante. ''Military service records at the National Archives'' Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2009 (Reference information paper ; 109) {{FSC|2283698|item|disp=FS Library 973 J53r 2009}} | |||
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'''''U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center''''' | |||
:[https://ahec.armywarcollege.edu/ U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center] | |||
:950 Soldiers Drive | |||
:Carlisle, PA 17013-5021 | |||
:USAHEC Information Desk: 717-245-3972 | |||
:Research Assistance: 717-245-3949 / 3660<br> | |||
<br> | |||
:The U.S. Army War College Library is a part of the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center: | |||
:122 Forbes Avenue | |||
:Carlisle, PA 17013-5220 | |||
:[https://ahec.armywarcollege.edu/visit.cfm Visiting and contact information] | |||
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'''''National Personnel Records Center.''''' Federal military records for twentieth century service that are not available at the National Archives may be located at the National Personnel Records Center. The address is: | '''''National Personnel Records Center.''''' Federal military records for twentieth century service that are not available at the National Archives may be located at the National Personnel Records Center. The address is: | ||
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:Telephone: 314-538-4141 | :Telephone: 314-538-4141 | ||
The | '''Index to Records'''<br> | ||
*[https://www.birls.org/ BIRLS - Beneficiary Identification Records Locator Subsystem] at US Dept of Veterans Affairs (VA): National Personnel Records Center – index to veterans with files at the VA; includes vital status, service, and beneficiary status | |||
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The website describes facilities and services; upcoming events; and records, including official military personnel files, medical records, morning reports, and unit rosters. It also has blank Standard Form 180, “Request Pertaining to Military Records,” for nongenealogical requests. The center will provide to next of kin or authorized representatives information such as birth date and place, death date and place, and burial place. Most other information, such as age; dates of service; marital status; names, sex, and age of dependents; rank; present and past duty assignments; educational level; decorations and awards; duty status (active, reserve, discharged, retired, deceased); photograph (if available); records of courts-martial; and service number can be made available to anyone under the Freedom of Information Act. | |||
The National Personnel Records Center has records for: | The National Personnel Records Center has records for: | ||
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'''''State and Local Archives.''''' State archives, state adjutant general’s offices, historical societies, courthouses, and libraries may have records of citizens who served in militia and National Guard units. See the '''Archives and Libraries''' state Wiki pages for more information. The following book contains addresses of state adjutant general offices: | '''''State and Local Archives.''''' State archives, state adjutant general’s offices, historical societies, courthouses, and libraries may have records of citizens who served in militia and National Guard units. See the '''Archives and Libraries''' state Wiki pages for more information. The following book contains addresses of state adjutant general offices: | ||
*Johnson, Richard S. '' | *Johnson, Richard S. '' How to Locate Anyone Who Is or Has Been in the Military. 8th ed''. Ft. Sam Houston, Tex.: Military Information Enterprises, 1999. {{FSC|1052697|item|disp=FS Library book 973 M27j1999}} Discusses various methods and addresses to locate and contact present and former members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Reserve. | ||
== Step 5. Use the Information == | == Step 5. Use the Information == | ||
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Eventually it is important to share your findings with others. Certainly share what you find with your family at family reunions and on other occasions. Online databases like Pedigree Resource File, and One World Tree are relatively easy ways to share. You could put up a genealogy Internet site as well. You could also publish a family history book showing what you found. With military records some researchers enjoy participating in re-enactment groups that re-live what life was like for an ancestor or someone in a similar military unit. | Eventually it is important to share your findings with others. Certainly share what you find with your family at family reunions and on other occasions. Online databases like Pedigree Resource File, and One World Tree are relatively easy ways to share. You could put up a genealogy Internet site as well. You could also publish a family history book showing what you found. With military records some researchers enjoy participating in re-enactment groups that re-live what life was like for an ancestor or someone in a similar military unit. | ||
{{U.S. Military}} | {{U.S. Military}} | ||
[[Category:United States Military Records | [[Category:United States Military Records]][[Category:Beginners]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Research Strategies]] | ||
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