Connecticut State Library with state seal

World War I Military Service Questionnaires Database

Background
In 1919, the Connecticut General Assembly created the Department of War Records in the State Library "whose purpose and duty it shall be to collect, classify, index and install in the library all available material relating to Connecticut participation, public or private, in the World War and thus to establish a permanent and accessible records of its extent and character, such record to be as complete and comprehensive as possible and to cover not only the activities of the state, its subdivisions and agencies but also of Connecticut agencies of the federal government, organizations of private persons and of those individuals who were direct participants in the great struggle, whether as soldiers, sailors, aviators or otherwise."

That same year, the War Records Department sent out the Military Service Record Questionnaires to servicemen and women to document Connecticut participation in the World War. The questionnaires noted that the record, "will be filed as a permanent memorial of the deeds of Connecticut soldiers, sailors and marines in the service of federal, state and allied governments during American participation in the World War."

Scope and Content
State Archives Record Group 12, Series II:24 includes Military Service Questionnaires, 1919-1920. The questionnaires were returned to the War Records Department by veterans and families of deceased veterans and include personal data, statement of war service and the individual's opinion regarding their war service. Some files also include photographs and related correspondence.

Database Information
This database does not include the names of all who served from Connecticut During World War I, only those service members for whom questionnaires were completed and returned. A more complete listing of World War I service personnel is found in: Service Records: Connecticut Men and Women in the Armed Forces of the United States During World War, 1917-1920. Hartford: Office of the Adjutant General, [1941?] [CSL call number HistRef ConnDoc Ad 44 sr].

The database contains the following information: name, residence at the time of enlistment, indication as to Foreign Service and whether one or more photographs are included with questionnaire, and box number.

Because this database serves as an index to a distinct archival collection, CSL staff will not add names for which there is no service questionnaire. However, we appreciate receiving recommendations to correct transcript errors or places of pre-service residence and will correct and update the database as necessary while maintaining the integrity of the information shown on the original survey forms. To propose such corrections, contact CSL.isref@ct.gov.

Ordering Photocopies
To obtain a photocopy of the original questionnaire, contact the History and Genealogy Unit. There is a base charge of $3.00 per order plus 25 cents per page for black and white copies or $1.00 per page for color copies plus postage charges if applicable.

Last Name
First Name
Residence