Service statement card

In 1919 Congress directed the War Department to compile a summary of each World War I veteran's record and give it to the states. The cards give full name, serial number, race, place of induction, birthplace, units, ranks, engagements, wounds, dates overseas, date of demobilization and any degree of disability.

Washington State used its cards, received in October 1920, to check claims for its own veterans' bonus. Since the 1973 fire destroyed about 80 percent of Army personnel files for men discharged from 1912 to 1960, a state copy can be the best surviving summary of a man's service.