New York, U.S., Abstracts of National Guard Service in WWI, 1917-1919

These records are abstracts of the service of officers and enlisted men in units of the New York National Guard who were mustered into the regular U.S. Army during World War I. The records were created pursuant to Chapter 75 of the Laws of 1919, which directed the Adjutant General to compile, collect, and preserve records relating to the wars in which the state participated.

The record for each individual usually provides the following data: name; U.S. Army serial number; date and place of commission or enlistment in state service; date of appearance for duty; dates of muster into service (N.Y. and U.S. with rank, company, and regiment); date and rank at time of leaving service; and reason for leaving service (type of discharge or transfer). Following these data are "remarks" which sometimes give details of such additional matters as service overseas, promotions, or conduct during service. At the bottom of the form is space to record: age; height; complexion; color of eyes and hair; birthplace; occupation; residence; marital status; and name of wife, parent, or guardian. These spaces are more often than not blank.

Records are not complete for all units.