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The United States entered World War II on December 8, 1941. During America’s involvement in the conflict, more than 12 million men and women served in the regular United States armed forces, with approximately 8.7 million of them overseas. By war’s end on September 2, 1945, more than 291,000 soldiers had been killed in action and over 200,000 died from disease, accidental death, or other causes.
Do you know where your ancestor lived between 1940 and 1946? 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 1877 and 1925 and living in the U.S. between 1940 and 1946, they more than likely registered for the draft. Take the next step and consult the surviving draft and service records.
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.