Infantrymen of Co. “I” await the word to advance in pursuit of retreating Japanese forces during World War II. This photo was taken at Stepping Stone Island on the Vella Lavella Island Front, Southwest Pacific. (13 Sep 43) Signal Corps Photo: 161-43-4081 (Schuman), Wikimedia Commons
We are excited to announce a new database today! United States: World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946. This database contains 9,038,855 records and names documenting men and women who enlisted in the United States Army during the years surrounding World War II. The records include members of the Army as well as the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC). These records were originally created by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and shared with American Ancestors through FamilySearch.
The database consists of standalone records and does not include images, volumes, or page references.
According to NARA, this series contains records for approximately nine million men and women who enlisted in the United States Army between roughly 1938 and 1946. While the collection is not complete and does not include Navy or Marine Corps personnel, it represents the majority of Army enlistments during the World War II era.
NARA notes that a comparison of a random sample of electronic records with the original microfilmed punch cards found relatively few errors in names and serial numbers. As the nation’s archives, NARA preserves records in their original form and does not alter or correct information contained in accessioned records, even when inaccuracies are identified.
These records can provide valuable information about an individual’s military service, residence at the time of enlistment, birth year, and Army serial number, making them a useful resource for family historians researching relatives who served during World War II. Researchers interested in learning more about the records may consult NARA’s documentation regarding the World War II Army Enlistment Records and related frequently asked questions. The collection is also searchable through FamilySearch as United States, World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938–1946.
This collection was originally created by the National Archives and Records Administration in 2002. This database is presented in partnership with Family Search
And most importantly, this database was made possible with the help of our long-time volunteer, Sam Sturgis! We greatly appreciate all of his hard work on this project!
Please note: This database is available to all American Ancestors members, including Guest Members, at no cost. Consider membership.