Virgin Islands, World War II Draft Registration Cards - FamilySearch Historical Records

What Is in This Collection?
This collection consists of an index and images of draft registration cards of men who registered during World War II with the exception of the fourth registration during the years 1940 to 1945. This collection is part of National Archives Record Group 147, Records of the Selective Service System, 1940. Images courtesy of Ancestry.com. The event place is the residence of the registrant. Images provided by Ancestry.com.

After the United States entered World War II, a new Selective Service Act required that all men between the ages of 18 and 64 register for the draft. The draft registration covered males ages 45 to 64. The local draft board of the Selective Service System conducted the registration. The original registration cards were later sent to the regional branch of the National Archives responsible for receiving records from that state.

This draft registration, called the Fourth Registration, or Old Man’s Registration, was held on April 27, 1942. The purpose of this registration was to collect information on industrial capacity and skills of men who were born between April 27, 1877 and February 16, 1897 (ages 45 to 64). This draft registration was not intended to be used for military service but to provide a complete inventory of manpower resources in the United States that could be utilized for national service during World War II.

Information on the cards was supplied by the individual but recorded by a registrar. While there was a chance of a recording error, each individual signed his card to attest that the information was correct.

World War II Registration Dates

 * First Registration October 16, 1940: males ages 21 to 35 "within the continental United States"
 * Second Registration July 1, 1941: males "who had reached 21 sine the first registration"
 * Third Registration February 16, 1942: between the ages of 20 and 45 "who had not previously registered"
 * Fourth Registration April 27, 1942: between the ages of 45 and 65 "not eligible for military service" This registration is not included in this collection.
 * Fifth Registration June 30, 1942: between the ages of 18 and 20
 * Sixth Registration December 10-31, 1942: "those who reached the age of 18 after November 12, 1942"
 * Additional Registration between November 16 and December 31, 1943: "citizens living abroad between the ages of 18 and 45"

Collection Content
These records may contain the following information:


 * Name
 * Date of birth
 * Place of birth
 * Height
 * State
 * Complexion
 * Hair color
 * Eye color


 * Race
 * Event type
 * Date of registration
 * Place of residence
 * Place of employment or business
 * Name and relationship of contact
 * Image number

How Do I Search This Collection?

 * Your Ancestor’s name
 * Other identifying information such as their residence, age, names of other family members and relationships.

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * arefully evaluate each piece of information given. Download a copy of the record, or extract the genealogical information needed.
 * Compile the entries for other individuals who have the same surname. This is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual.
 * Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have been also belonged to the National Guard.
 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for alias names, nicknames and abbreviated names.
 * Try alternative search methods such as only filling in the surname search box (or the given name search box)

Record Finder

 * Consult the U.S. Virgin Islands Record Finder to search other records

Related Collection

 * NARA Classification Records for Virgin Islands, 10.16.1940-3.31.1947

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.