Genealogist's Military Records Field Manual eBook

Fall in! Honor your ancestors’ service by researching military records. This eBook guide will show you how to research military ancestors using records from the Civil War, World War I, the Vietnam War and other significant conflicts throughout US history. Inside, you’ll find tips for using genealogy websites to find and use draft registration records, service records and more.The Genealogist’s Military Records Field Manual eBook features:

• Comprehensive guides to researching ancestors who fought in specific military conflicts, including the Civil War, World War I and the Vietnam War
• Detailed step-by-steps and sample records to help you read and interpret military records, including draft registration cards and musters
• Key genealogy websites and resources for finding military records, plus links to additional articles that will aid your search

Excerpt: Sample Tips

Here are some tips you’ll find in the Genealogist’s Military Records Field Manual eBook:

1. Get a Fold3 free trial. Subscription site Fold3 has some of the best military records, and you’ll need to pony up some money to view them. However, the site offers a seven-day free trial that will allow you to get in the site and see what kinds of records it offers. Also look out for discounts and extended free trial periods, particularly around holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
2. Look to state archives. Individual states may hold regimental histories, rosters, soldiers’ diaries and other types of records, so don’t overlook state archives.
3. Research military history and maps. Battlefield maps and historical accounts of the battles your ancestor’s unit participated in can help you trace exactly where he was during those conflicts, plus understand the broader context of the war. Look for these documents within the holdings of the Library of Congress, the National Parks Service and websites dedicated to the history of the relevant conflict.

Contents of the Genealogist’s Military Records Field Manual eBook:

Going into Service: Launch an offensive to discover your family’s military history—but first, arm yourself with our guide to records and resources.

Website Guide: Fold 3Battle Sites: Explore Civil War genealogy records and history at these top nine online destinations.

Going ‘Over There’: Trace the Great War’s development with this timeline.

Gold Stars: Find your ancestors’ Great War service records, casualty records and more with the help of these top 10 websites for WWI research.

Service Women: Discover the experiences of your female ancestors who nursed soldiers and served on the home front during World War I.

In the Trenches: The WWI centennial is the perfect time to dig into these online resources for US troops in the Great War.

Researching Vietnam War Veterans: Ken Burns’ gripping new documentary provides a personal look at the Vietnam War. Here’s how you can start learning more about the experience of your relatives who served.

Document Detective: How to use military records

• Military Headstone Applications
• Civil War Muster Cards
• WWI Registration Cards
• WWII Registration Cards

Records Workbooks

• Military Service Records
• Draft Records

The Genealogist’s Military Records Field Manual eBook (66 pages) comes in PDF format and can be printed out or viewed on your tablet, laptop or desktop computer for easy reference while working with your family memories.

Portions of this eBook were originally published in Family Tree Magazine.