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Optional Print Course Material: Research: U.S. WWll Ancestors - Part 1
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
World War II’s D-Day. There are many records that were created during World War I that are similar in World War II. Learn what led to the start of World War II, how the U.S. became involved and the military records available. They did not all burn in the 1973 fire!
This course will move from military records for the Navy, Coast Guard and Marines to civilian jobs including the USO, Merchant Marines and others. You will learn how to research the service of your military ancestors through numerous sources. Through this research you can then write the story of your ancestor’s life. Continue your journey into World War II military records in the Research: U.S. World War II Ancestors-Part 2 course.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION TO WORLD WAR II
Introduction
History of World War II
Theaters of War
African Americans in World War II
Jews and the Holocaust
War Prison and Internment Camps
Communication During World War II
The Home Front
Propaganda
The Draft
MODULE 2
BASICS OF MILITARY RESEARCH
Introduction to Military Research
Start with the Basics
Military Service Records
Serial Numbers
Civilian Records
Military Occupational Specialty
Training Camps
Military Museums and Bases
Military Terms and Slang
MODULE 3
RECORDS CREATED IN THE FIELD
Introduction to Field Records
Records Created at The Company Level
Records Created at The Organizational Level
Other Publications
Missing in Action Soldiers
Prisoners of War
MODULE 4
MILITARY DEATH RECORDS
Introduction to Military Death Records
Graves Registration Service
Newspaper Sources
Individual Deceased Personnel Files
Naval Deaths
Permanent Interment After the War
Records on the Home Front
MODULE 5
COLLEGES, CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES, RED CROSS & UNITED SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
Introduction
High Schools, Colleges, and Universities
Civilian Employees
Civilian Records
Red Cross
United Service Organizations
MODULE 6
NAVY, MERCHANT MARINES AND COAST GUARD
Introduction to Navy, Marine and Coast Guard Records
Merchant Marines
Records
ABBREVIATIONS
BIBLIOGRAPHY