US Army Serial Numbers



sn-examplesAmericans have been in numerous wars over the decades but it was not until February 12, 1918, that there was the introduction of US Army serial numbers (SNs). Before that date the main method of identification of soldiers was by the ‘roster rolls’ or ‘muster rolls’, the listing of soldiers during a specific time period.

The first service numbers to be issued in February 1918 were only to Army enlisted personnel. Other military branches (Navy, Marines) were still small enough not needing serial numbers. The first Army personnel issued the first number was Master Sergeant Arthur Crean. Imagine that was your ancestor and you have just learned that bit of information. After WW I in 1920, the Army introduced the first “service number prefix” which was intended to be a letter placed in front of the service number to provide additional information about the veteran. Also in 1920 was when Army officers received serial numbers, with the letter “O”, the first being issued to General John J. Pershing.

By 1942 those prefix letters were discontinued, just numbers used. New sets of numbers were used, mostly for those drafted during WW II. Other changes would come about over the next few years but by July 1, 1969, service numbers were declared discontinued. Instead, military personnel were identified by their social security number.

See below the first couple of numbers / letters and what they referred to identification of a soldier. These numbers were also placed on the ‘dog tags’ – metal tags worn by all soldiers. Another good source for additional information is this link on Army serial numbers.

sn-dog-tags

Look at the First Number or Letter

Some prefixes were used in World War I. However, the following system began shortly before World War II.

The first character gives us a lot of information.

  • 1 = Enlisted in the Army (in other words, volunteered rather than drafted)
  • 2 = Federally recognized National Guard
  • 3 = Drafted
  • 4 = Drafted
  • O (that’s the letter O, not a zero) = Male commissioned officers
  • W = Male Warrant officers
  • T = Flight officers (Army Air Force)
  • L = Commissioned officers of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC)
  • V = WAC Warrant officers
  • A = WAC enlisted women
  • R = Hospital dietitians
  • M = Physical therapy aides

Look at the Second Number

When you have an 8-digit serial number, the second number shows the Service Command. This narrows down where the person enlisted or was drafted. If you have a serial number for a member of the WAC, look at the number after the letter prefix.

      *1 = Connecticut Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

  • 2 = Delaware, New Jersey, New York
  • 3 = Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia
  • 4 = Alabama, Florida, Georgia Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
  • 5 = Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia
  • 6 = Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin
  • 7 = Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
  • 8 = Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
  • 9 = Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington
  • 0 = When the first number is 3, the zero means he was drafted outside the U.S. (301 indicates Panama; 302 indicates Puerto Rico)

See if you can locate your ancestors’ serial number or their ‘dog tags’.

Photos: Collection of a soldier’s ID and a ‘dog tag’.

Related FamilyTree.com Blogs:

US Army Heritage and Education Center

US Army Wives 1865-1900

Military Pension Records

< Return To Blog We are creating collage to honor our grandfather who served in WWI. We located a site that can reproduce a original WWI era Dog Tag. Although, we have 99% of the information that would have been on the tag its the service number that a problem as we have no idea what it was. Was told that there is a way to get that information using a government site but have no idea what it is. Does anyone know it or whether it can be done? The Gunny
Rich Carter 5/12/16


Such a great idea and exciting adventure for all of you. I would recommend you visit the link below to the National Archives at St. Louis. I hope this help if you need more information you could always visit, https://www.cyndislist.com/, Cydi's List. https://www.archives.gov/st-louis
FamilyTree.com 5/12/16


But a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw outstanding design.
Mayra Jurich 5/12/16


Glad you are pleased.
alice 5/12/16


I was very happy to search out this internet-site.I wanted to thanks on your time for this glorious learn!! I undoubtedly having fun with every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you weblog post.
Hairstyles 5/12/16


Glad it is fun and helpful for you. My blogs come out usually on odd dates-15, 17, 19, etc with an occasional even date. you never know what could be next. Happy New Year.
alice 5/12/16


I can't find my discharge -April 1948 and would like to know my serial number --RA 122---
Julius Goldfinger 5/12/16


Go to the online site for military records housed in St. Louis, Mo. Site is below. https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/military-personnel Scroll down and you will see St Louis, Mo office. Contact them. They might have some of your records. It varies what was saved from the 1973 fire. I asked and got some 40 pages of records on my father -- a 30-year veteran and on another individual, they only had one document but it provided what I needed. Provide them with all info, places you were stationed, names, birth, marriage, etc to assist them in locating the correct records. Years ago it was free to request and get copies, but the may have changed now. Good luck.
alice 5/12/16




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