Locating ancestors using U.S. military records has helped thousands of people learn more about the history of their family. Since the formation of our country, there have been military records of every person who has served in the military. These types of records are considered primary genealogy records. Discover who your ancestors are, where they came from, and their stories.
Type of Federal Records
Service Records
Military records holds rich and detailed information, including enlistment date, training, qualifications, rank, stations and assignments, awards and medals, disciplinary actions, discharge, retirement, and more. To find service records, head to the following sites:
Pension Records
Pension records provide the most genealogical data, including marriage certificates, children’s birth certificates, death certificates, length of enlistment, and more. In some cases, a photograph of your ancestor will be included. Head to Civil War Pension Index to view the Civil War and the Spanish-American War.
Search Tips
Although military records may provide key details about your ancestor’s family, they take a bit of strategy to maximize search returns. When doing any sort of genealogy research, it’s best to ask your relatives about your family history. Military stories, war stories, and achievements are typically passed down from generation to generation. After hearing their stories, begin your search of military records though the online tools we mentioned above or through a genealogy specialist at Heritage Consulting.
Professional Genealogy Research by Heritage Consulting
We look forward to helping you find success in expanding your pedigree, and we relish the challenge. We have at our fingertips millions of printed and microfilmed records, as well as numerous subscription websites for researching outside the scope of the Family History Library. Contact Heritage Consulting today at 877-537-2000.