Korean War Draft Cards Now on Fold3

No April Fool here! A few months ago, Fold3 began posting US draft registration cards from the Korean War era. These offer a unique window into our US male ancestors' lives in the middle of the 20th century.

So far, only cards from the states of Wyoming and Alaska have been put on Fold3, with more cards to be added during this year. Remember: a draft card is only a record of a man's registration with the local draft board--not proof of any military service.

I'm delighted to see all the detail on these cards: Full name, birth date (not just age), birth place, "someone who will always know your address" (FAN club), occupation, employer, industry, exact place of employment. Also marital status and specifically whether living with wife, separated, divorced, or widower--and whether this man is a father. On the back are physical details of height, eye/hair color etc. I already found someone in my husband's family who was, I was surprised to discover, living in Wyoming and had to register!

To learn more about this Fold3 database, see here. 

NOTE: Even though Fold3 is a subscription site, many US public libraries offer remote access with a library card. I get into Fold3 through my Connecticut State Library card. Check whether your library has Fold3 access and happy ancestor hunting!