The above iconic image is from the Civil War. But clear up to today, it’s the same: In war, young men die. (Col. Blake, M*A*S*H, “and rule #2, doctors can’t change rule #1.”)
Many, if not most, of us have ancestors that participated in a war. Have you searched out all you’d like to know about a certain conflict?
World War I lasted from 28 Jul 1914 to 11 Nov 1918; the U.S. entered the war on 6 Apr 1917
World War II lasted from 1 Sep 1939 to 2 Sep 1945; the U.S. entered the war on 7 Dec 1941
There are literally dozens of resources for you to learn about your ancestor’s service. You might start with this book (less than $5 via Amazon):
Fold3 is the premier collection of Military Records. This is a subscription website but they periodically do offer specials. From this website you can find information and links to records on these conflicts:
- Revolutionary War
- Civil War
- War of 1812
- Mexican & Early Indian Wars
- World War I
- World War II
- Korean War
- Vietnam War
- International Records
YouTube has hundreds of “war documentaries” and thousands of books have been written about these “American conflicts.”
Bottom line, if you want to know more, go find out. The resources are out there.
Charles, it is also a little known secret that in spite of the fire in the 1970’s at NARA in KC, MANY records were not lost and many more have been restored and are still being restored. Genealogist’s should alway ask NARA for the WWI and WWII records of their ancestor from NARA. You never know what you will get.
I also got a copy of my dad’s records from our county courthouse, they were asked to have them recorded when they got home.
Nope. The book is $34 on Amazon, darn it.