How to Search for the Military Record of an Ancestor

Sometimes you can find military information at an ancestor's grave.

Thanks to the Internet, it is easier than ever to find the military records of an ancestor. These records can be used for genealogy searches, or just to learn a little bit about family history. Military records can also be used to purchase medals or other items that the ancestor had earned but are now lost. Whatever your reasons for finding military records of an ancestor, all it takes is a few simple web searches.

Instructions

Military Records

1. Go to ancestry.com. Hover the mouse over the "Search" box on the top bar of the homepage. Click "Military."

2. Enter as much information about the ancestor as possible. Click "Search."

3. Click on one of the categories on the left side of the military search page to narrow down search results. This is useful if initial search brings up too many results.

Census Search

1. Go to ancestry.com. Hover the mouse over the "Search" box. Click on "Census & Voter Lists."

2. Type in as much information about the ancestor as possible. Click "Search."

3. Click on a category on the right side of the census search page to narrow down search results. A census search can help locate information on what military branch the ancestor served and when.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit your local historical society or library to find information about local ancestors. The Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness organization will locate information for you if you do not live where the ancestor lived. The ancestor's discharge papers, if found, will have everything you want to know.

• Ancestry.com is not a free service. You must join the site to see all the information available. The site does have a 14-day free trial.

References

• Ancestry.com: Census and Voter Lists
• Ancestry.com: Military Records

Resources

• Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness