Compiled Military Service Records

The National Archives holds compiled military service records for service in the United States Army: regular forces raised by the Federal Government (officers who served before 30 June 1917 and enlisted men who served before 31 October 1912), the Confederate armed forces (officers and enlisted men, 1861-1865), and volunteer service in the wars from the Revolutionary War through the Philippine Insurrection, 1775-1902.

For background on the National Archives holdings relating to military service, see An Overview of Records at the National Archives Relating to Military Service.

Sample images

These show the kind of record this reproduction contains. They are examples only and are not your record.

A Mexican-American War compiled military service record.

Example: A Mexican-American War compiled military service record (PDF)

A Regular Army enlisted compiled military service record.

Example: A Regular Army enlisted compiled military service record (PDF)

A Union Civil War compiled military service record. Sergeant William L. Lamborn, Company F, 117th Regiment Illinois Infantry. The card abstracts the regiment’s returns between December 1862 and July 1865, entry by entry, and notes that the name also appears as Lambern, Lamburn and Lambert. The image is the first page only; the link below it opens the complete file.

The complete 4-page Union Civil War compiled military service record (PDF)