Researching Individuals in WW1 Records
Start Your Research
You may first want to search the WW1 Draft registration cards for basic information on individuals (see Draft cards section below). Nearly all men between the ages of 18-45 registered during the years the draft was implemented, about 23% of the U.S. population.
If you are interested in researching military service records, this article will provide you with a good overview of military records at the National Archives.
Records of Military Agencies Relating to African Americans from the Post-World War I Period to the Korean War , Reference Information Paper
Blacks in the Military, resources compiled by NARA's Archives Library Information Center (ALIC)
Background
The WWI draft registration cards consist of approximately 24,000,000 cards of men who registered for the draft, about 23% of the population in 1918. The cards are arranged by state. Not all of the men who registered for the draft actually served in the military, and not all who served in the military registered for the draft.
The WWI Selective Service System was in place from May, 1917 to May, 1919. There were 3 registrations:
- June 5, 1917 -- all men ages 21-31
- June 5, 1918 -- those who attained age 21 after June 5, 1917
- Sept. 12, 1918 -- all men ages 18-45
What Can You Find in the Cards?
While the 10-12 questions varied slightly between the 3 registrations, information one can find there generally includes:
- full name
- date and place of birth
- race
- citizenship status
- occupation and place of employment
- personal description
- nearest relative (last two versions)
- signature
The draft cards contain no information about an individual's military service. They are not service cards. Learn more about the draft registration cards
View Registration Cards Online
World War I Draft Registration Cards, digitized on the FamilySearch website (free)
World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, digitized on the Ancestry.com website (free on NARA computers, otherwise by subscription)
Additional Resources
International Researchers "Jazzed" about Southeast Region's WWI Draft Registration Cards, NARA news item
Selected World War I Draft Registration Cards of the Famous, Infamous, and Interesting, from the National Archives at Atlanta
- Records Relating to the Meuse-Argonne Offensive
- List of Series Relating to World War I at the National Archives at St. Louis
- They Answered the Call, Military Service in the United States Army During World War I, 1917-1919 , an article in Prologue magazine, Fall 1998
- An Overview of Records at the National Archives Relating to Military Service
- Where to Find Military Service and Pension Records at NARA
- Military Reference Reports
- General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934 (See also descriptive pamphlet for Microfilm T-288)
- 20th-Century Veterans' Service Records Safe, Secure-and Available, an article in Prologue Magazine about the National Personnel Records Center
How to Order Records
- Leavenworth Soldiers Home, Leavenworth, Kansas, ca. 1885 - ca. 1933, Sample Case Files of Veterans Temporarily at the Branch
- Leavenworth Soldiers Home, Leavenworth, Kansas, ca. 1885 - ca. 1933, Sample Case Files of Veterans
- Sawtelle Disabled Veterans Home Case Files, Los Angeles, 1888-1933
See also our main WW1 topics page
What are people asking on History Hub about Genealogy Records?
- Forum Post: RE: Looking for Naturalization Records
- Forum Post: RE: My paternal grandfather reported he naturalized in Pennsylvania. How do I find that information?
- Forum Post: RE: How do I find my great grandfather's naturalization papers?
- Forum Post: RE: My paternal grandfather reported he naturalized in Pennsylvania. How do I find that information?
- Forum Post: RE: Great Grandparents
What are people asking on History Hub about World War I records?
- RE: Understanding the numbering system of US Army groups
- RE: Looking for any info on my great grandfather whom I never met but feel a strong bond to (favorite ancestor) Delmont Kramer He was from Iowa county ridgeway Wisconsin and served as navy reserve in World war 1 . It would be extra great to see a pictur
- WWI Index Card Information n Rank/Unit line
- RE: I'm looking to find my family origins. It's difficult to track because I was adopted and my natural mother was also adopted. I do have some family information, but not much.
- RE: minformationy uncle Allen William Duffy was KIA June 7 1944 he was 401st glider infantry regiment 101st airborne div. hes buried in Normandy American cemetery .I would like to know any info on his birthdate when he enlisted. he was from Akron Ohio i