National Guard Records

National Guard Records are a valuable resource for military historians, genealogists, and anyone interested in learning about the service and sacrifices of National Guard members. These records document the service of men and women who served in the National Guard, from the time of the militia’s creation in the 17th century to the present day.

The Importance of National Guard Records

National Guard Records hold immense historical value. They can provide a wealth of information, including personal details about the servicemen and women, as well as information about their military service, such as enlistment and discharge dates, units served in, and any awards or citations received.

Researchers, historians, and genealogists often use National Guard Records to trace the military service of ancestors, study military units and their histories, or to uncover the stories of individual soldiers. These records also serve to honor and remember the brave individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving their country and protecting its citizens.

Types of National Guard Records

There are several types of National Guard Records that researchers and genealogists may encounter. Some of the most common include:

– Service Records: These records provide a detailed account of a National Guard member’s military service. They typically include enlistment and discharge dates, military units served in, rank, and any awards or citations received.

– Pension Records: Pension records document the financial benefits provided to retired National Guard members or their surviving family members. These records can offer insights into a soldier’s service and may include information about their military service, as well as personal details such as their age, occupation, and family members.

– Unit Histories: Unit histories chronicle the activities and accomplishments of individual National Guard units. They can provide valuable information about the missions, battles, and other operations in which a unit participated, as well as details about the unit’s leadership and structure.

– Rosters and Muster Rolls: These documents list the names of National Guard members who served in a particular unit during a specific time period. Rosters and muster rolls can help researchers identify the units in which their ancestors served and provide a starting point for further research into their military service.

– Personnel Files: Personnel files contain detailed information about individual National Guard members, such as their date and place of birth, physical description, education, and civilian occupation. These files may also include photographs, letters, and other personal documents.

Locating National Guard Records

National Guard Records can be found in various repositories and archives, both physical and online. Some of the most prominent sources for accessing these records include:

– National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): NARA is the primary repository for federal military records, including National Guard Records. The National Archives holds a vast collection of records pertaining to the National Guard, including service records, pension records, and unit histories. Researchers can access these records by visiting the National Archives in person or submitting a request for copies of records.

– State Archives and Libraries: Each state has its own archives and libraries, which may house National Guard Records specific to that state. These repositories often hold records such as service records, pension records, unit histories, and rosters for National Guard units that served within the state.

– Online Resources: Several websites provide access to digitalized National Guard Records or indexes to help researchers locate records of interest. Some of the most popular online resources for accessing National Guard Records include Ancestry.com, Fold3.com, and FamilySearch.org.

Accessing National Guard Records

Accessing National Guard Records can sometimes be a complicated and time-consuming process. The specific procedures for accessing these records may vary depending on the repository holding the records and the type of record being requested. However, there are a few general steps that researchers can take to obtain access to National Guard Records:

1) Identify the repository holding the records.
2) Determine what records you need.
3) Submit a request for records.
4) Pay any associated fees.
5) Wait for your records.

In Conclusion

National Guard Records are an essential resource for researchers and genealogists interested in learning about the military service of National Guard members. These records provide a wealth of information about the personal and military histories of the men and women who have served in the National Guard. By understanding the different types of National Guard Records, where to find them, and how to access them, researchers can uncover the stories of individual soldiers and gain a deeper understanding of the role of the National Guard in American history.