World War II Draft Registration  

The U.S. officially entered World War II on 8 December 1941 following an attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Just about a year before that, in October 1940, President Roosevelt had signed into law the first peacetime selective service draft in U.S. history, due to rising world conflicts. This was the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, also known as the "Burke-Wadsworth Selective Training and Service Act ", enacted September 16, 1940, and was the first peacetime conscription in United States history.

First Registration:

16 October 1940 For all men 21 to 36 years of age. Includes serial numbers 1 through 1000.

Second Registration

1 July 1941 For all men who turned 21 since 16 October 1940.

Third Registration

14-16 February 1942 For all men who were 20 before 31 December 1941 and not older than 45 by 16 February 1942.

Fourth Registration

25-27 April 1942 For all men who turned 45 on or before 16 February 1942 and not older than 65 on or before 27 April 1942 The Fourth Registration, often referred to as the "old man's registration", and registered men who born on or between 28 April 1877 and 16 February 1897 - men who were between 45 and 64 years old - and who were not already in the military.

Information available on the draft cards includes: Name of registrant Age Birth date Birthplace Residence Employer information Name and address of person who would always know the registrant's whereabouts Physical description of registrant (race, height, weight, eye and hair colors, complexion) Additional information such as mailing address (if different from residence address), serial number, order number, and board registration information may also be available.

Fifth Registration

30 June 1942 For all men born after 1 January 1922 and before 30 June 1924.

Sixth Registration

30 June 1942 For all men born after 1 January 1922 and before 30 June 1924.

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WWII Index ~~