Get a FREE Guide To Getting Started with U.S. World War I Records

The United States entered World War I on April 6, 1917. During America’s involvement in the conflict, more than 4.7 million men and women served in the regular United States armed forces, approximately 2.8 million of them overseas. By the war’s end in November 1918, 53,402 American soldiers had been killed in action and 63,114 had died from disease or other causes.

Do you know where your ancestor lived in 1917? Is there a family story that he or she served? Which branch of the service were they involved with? If you have a male ancestor born between 1872 and 1900 and living in the U.S. in 1917/1918, they more than likely registered for the draft. Take the next step and consult the surviving draft and service records.

American Ancestors Getting Started with US World War I Records 2023

American Ancestors/New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) is America’s founding genealogical organization and the most respected name in family history. Established in 1845, We are the nation’s leading comprehensive resource for family history research and the largest Society of its kind in the world. We provide expert family history services through our staff, original scholarship, data-rich website, educational opportunities, and research center to help family historians of all levels explore their past and understand their families’ unique place in history.

We are a member-based nonprofit corporation dedicated to advancing the study of family history in America and beyond, by educating, inspiring, and connecting people through our scholarship, collections, and expertise.