War profoundly shaped the lives of our ancestors, leaving behind stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. If you have family members who served in World War I or II, researching their experiences can provide a deeper understanding of your family’s past and a way to honor their service.
Whether your ancestors were soldiers, nurses, factory workers, or civilians, wartime records can reveal incredible details about their contributions. This guide will walk you through how to research World War I and II ancestors, where to find military records, and meaningful ways to commemorate their legacy.
1. Understanding Military Service in WWI & WWII
Before diving into research, it’s helpful to understand how and where your ancestors may have served.
World War I (1914-1918)
- The U.S. entered the war in April 1917.
- Many young men were drafted via the Selective Service Act (ages 21-30 in 1917, expanded to 18-45 in 1918).
- Women served as nurses, clerks, and volunteers.
- Many immigrants joined the war effort to gain U.S. citizenship.
World War II (1939-1945)
- The U.S. joined the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941).
- Over 16 million Americans served in the military.
- The draft expanded to include men ages 18-64.
- Women played a major role in military support through the WAC (Women’s Army Corps) and WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service).
👉 Tip: If your ancestor was born between 1872-1900, check WWI draft records. If they were born between 1910-1927, they may have been drafted for WWII.
2. Where to Find World War I & II Military Records
Many valuable military records are available online or in archives. Here’s where to look:
A. Draft, Enlistment & Service Records
These records often include name, birth date, residence, occupation, and physical description.
📌 Where to Search:
- WWI Draft Registration Cards (1917-1918) – National Archives | Ancestry
- WWII Draft Registration (“Old Man’s Draft”) – National Archives
- U.S. Army Enlistment Records (WWII, 1938-1946) – National Archives
📌 Research Tip: If your ancestor was not drafted, check local newspapers for volunteer enlistments.
B. Service & Unit Records
If your ancestor served, their service records may include assignments, promotions, medals, and injuries.
📌 Where to Search:
- National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) – Request WWII service records (http://www.archives.gov/veterans)
- Fold3 Military Archives (www.fold3.com) – Access digitized military documents.
- U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force Unit Histories – Available at The Army Historical Foundation.
📌 Important Note: Many WWII service records were destroyed in a 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center. If your ancestor’s record was lost, try unit histories, pension files, or newspaper archives.
C. Pension, Veterans & Burial Records
Many veterans applied for pensions and benefits, leaving behind valuable records.
📌 Where to Search:
- WWI & WWII Pension Applications – National Archives
- Veterans Administration (VA) Records – Request through VA.gov
- Find A Grave & American Battle Monuments Commission (WWI & WWII Burials) – FindAGrave | ABMC
📌 Research Tip: Military headstones often list rank, service branch, and war served—use these clues to dig deeper.
3. Researching War Experience Beyond Military Records
Military records tell part of the story, but there are many other sources that can bring your ancestor’s wartime experience to life.
A. Newspapers & Obituaries
Local newspapers published enlistment notices, letters from soldiers, and obituaries with wartime details.
📌 Where to Search:
- Chronicling America (Historic U.S. Newspapers) – chroniclingamerica.loc.gov
- Newspapers.com – Paid subscription but excellent for obituaries.
📌 Research Tip: Search for “Letters from the Front”—many small-town newspapers published letters sent home from soldiers.
B. Oral Histories & Interviews
If your ancestor was a veteran, they may have shared their story in an oral history project.
📌 Where to Search:
- The Library of Congress Veterans History Project (http://www.loc.gov/vets) – Recorded interviews from veterans.
- StoryCorps Military Voices (www.storycorps.org) – Preserves soldiers’ firsthand accounts.
📌 Tip: If your family still has a living WWII veteran, record their story now before it’s lost to time.
C. Home Front & Civilian Contributions
Not all ancestors served in uniform—many contributed from home.
📌 Where to Research:
- War Ration Books (WWII) – Check family archives or National Archives
- Red Cross & USO Records – Women who served in these groups often have historical records.
- Factory & War Industry Workers – Search for Rosie the Riveter stories and local industry archives.
4. Honoring & Commemorating Your WWII & WWI Ancestors
Once you’ve uncovered your ancestor’s story, consider ways to honor and share their legacy.
A. Create a Military Tribute Album
Gather photos, letters, medals, and service records into a scrapbook or digital book.
📌 Resources for Creating Military History Books:
- Shutterfly (shutterfly.com) – Custom printed albums.
- Canva (canva.com) – Digital scrapbook templates.
B. Visit a Battlefield or Memorial
Many World War I & II battle sites and cemeteries offer guided tours and historical records.
📌 Memorials & Battlefields:
- Normandy American Cemetery (WWII D-Day Landing Sites, France) – www.abmc.gov
- World War I Museum (Kansas City, MO) – www.theworldwar.org
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial – http://www.nps.gov/valr
C. Share Their Story with Future Generations
- Post on Find A Grave or Fold3 Memorials.
- Share your research in family reunions.
- Submit your ancestor’s name to veterans’ honor rolls.
Final Thoughts: Bringing Wartime Stories to Life
Researching your WWI and WWII ancestors is a journey into their courage, sacrifice, and resilience. By exploring military records, letters, newspapers, and personal accounts, you can piece together their experiences and ensure their legacy is never forgotten.
Have you discovered a WWI or WWII ancestor in your family? Share your story in the comments!
Additional Resources for Military Genealogy
📜 Military Research Tools: National Archives | Fold3
🎖 Veterans’ Oral Histories: Library of Congress
📖 Genealogy Learning: FamilySearch
Start your research today and honor the past through family history!
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