US World War I & II Records Cheat Sheet: Discovering 20th Century Soldiers

If you’re tracing the brave men and women in your family who served during World War I or World War II, you’re in the right place! These twentieth-century conflicts generated a vast range of military and civilian documents—many of which survive to this day in archives, libraries, and online databases. With so many record types out there, knowing where to start can be a challenge. This cheat sheet cuts through the confusion by showing you the core collections, how to interpret them, and how to find those hidden gems that reveal a deeper story of service and sacrifice. Armed with the tips here, you’ll be ready to uncover new details about your ancestors’ wartime experiences and honor their legacy for generations to come. Introduction World War I Records Key Federal Records (WWI) State and Local Records (WWI) World War I Record Key Federal Records (WWII) State and Local Records (WWII) Online and Offline Repositories (Summary) Federal Repositories Major Online Databases Interpretation Guide: Reading Military Records Non-Military Sources to Track Soldiers Resource List View Less