The Admiral Nimitz Foundation and the Nimitz Education and Research Center have created a new genealogical lineage society to honor the sixteen million men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces during World War II.
According to the society website, the Admiral Nimitz Foundation is nonprofit organization that aims to “preserve, interpret and teach the great history of World War II in the Pacific, that we may honor all those who, through leadership, exemplified by the character and service of Fleet Admiral Nimitz, courage, skill and sacrifice, won through to victory; and that future generations of Americans may be enlightened and inspired by their story.” The Foundation also manages the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas.
World War II Veterans from all U.S. Armed Forces Qualify
For the purposes of this society, veteran means any person who served in the United States Army, United States Army Corps/Air Force, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Coast Guard and United States Merchant Marine, and who was awarded the World War II Victory Medal (which was limited to those who were Honorably discharged. Eligible veterans must have served any time between 7 December 1941 and 31 December 1946.
The society will allow descendants to establish genealogical proof of descent from a qualifying veteran, and thus help preserve the legacies of those who sacrificed for the United States during this time. A public database of military records will be created to assist historians and others researching the events and people of WWII.
Membership Categories of The Society of the Sons and Daughters of World War II Veterans
Membership in the society is less strict than in many other lineage societies, in that various categories of membership include relatives and friends, as well as the Lineal category for those who can show lineal descent through either birth or adoption.
The Collateral category is open to individuals claiming a collateral family relationship, which consists of proof of descent for the applicant and the qualifying veteran from a common ancestor. The Memorial category is open to friends of a WWII veteran. Charter Membership is awarded to any basic member who joins between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2020 and who supports the society by a gift of at least $100 to the Charter Fund.
Application Fees
A one-time certification fee of $125 is asked for the first or primary applicant. To encourage family memberships, individuals closely related to the primary applicant (brothers, sisters, and lineal descendants such as children, grandchildren, etc.) may join for a reduced fee of $25 if applications are submitted together.
Each member receives a numbered and dated certificate with his or her name, membership category, membership number and the name of the World War II Veteran. The member’s name, along with the name, photo, and service description of the WWII Veteran will be listed in the searchable database on the society’s website.
Proving Ancestry from a World War II Veteran
Applicants for all three categories of membership will need to provide proof of the military service for the qualifying veteran. Potential Lineal members must also provide proof of direct linear relationship. Such proofs include birth, marriage, and death certificates to show descent through the generations. Collateral membership applicants need similar documentation showing descent for the applicant and the qualifying veteran from a common ancestor.
More detailed information on how to meet these requirements, plus links to sources for obtaining service records, is provided on the society’s website.
Those interested in U.S. lineage societies may wish to consider joining others, such as the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, Daughters of the American Revolution, or the National Society United States Daughters of 1812.
Katharine Garstka - Katharine Garstka specializes in genealogical research and in historical and genealogical writing.
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