There are so many collections in the US about military service history. The question is: Where do I begin? The list below is not exhaustive but provides links to some of the central resources and a few others we've found that offer great access to a wealth of detail.
Please bear in mind that items in collections are almost always under copyright, so cannot be downloaded and used in your story without permission. You can usually purchase high-resolution images and obtain permission to use them in your story.
The National Archives – Revolutionary War to 1912
The National Archives holds Federal military service records from the Revolutionary War to 1912 in the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C.
The Archives has a large number of online databases that may help you research your story.
National Military Personnel Records Center (NPRC) – World War 2 to present
The National Military Personnel Records Center is the repository of millions of military personnel, health, and medical records of discharged and deceased veterans of all services during the 20th century. Unfortunately, this is currently closed due to COVID-19 but under normal operations, you must download and complete Standard Form 180 and return it to National Personnel Records Center, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63138.
Keep your eye on this site as thing return to normal after COVID-19.
State Militia
All details of service regarding State Militia can be accessed at a state-level and the National Archives keeps a list of contacts.
A guide to finding military records
For those embarking on researching military service in your family, the Your Guide to Finding Ancestors in U.S. Military Records is a private site that provides some useful starting assistance about where to go and how to look.
Veterans History Project
The Veterans History Project was created by US congress in 2000 to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. It includes an extensive online database which can be searched by war, force, or individual's name.
One of the most useful links on the site seems to be the 'Ask a Librarian' button which takes you to a form at the Library of Congress where you can ask a direct question of library staff.
Generally a site well worth exploring.
The American War Library
The American War Library has been in operation since 1988 and calls itself, "The World's Oldest and Largest On-line Military, Veteran, and Military Family Registry Over 101 million Military Listings from Pre-Revolutionary War to the Present". What a great resource!
Vietnam War POW/MIA List
This POW/MIA List includes the US personnel who have been accounted for (including POW returnees and POW escapees) and all personnel whose remains have been recovered and identified since the end of the war. It also includes US personnel who are still unaccounted for.
Unofficial US Air Force E-mail Locator
If you are trying to get in touch with an Air Force serviceman, this unofficial site contains more than 34,000 names and you can also post your address if you have served.
Shipmate search – World War Two
This search site run by American Merchant Marine at War is a great general research site, but also contains a page where you can post questions if you are looking for details of a relative or friend who served on any ship related to US service.
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