Access Free BIRLS Military History Records Online

When researching family history, military records can provide invaluable insights into an ancestor’s service, personal details, and historical context. One exciting development in genealogical research is the release of the Beneficiary Identification Records Locator Subsystem (BIRLS) database, made freely accessible thanks to Reclaim The Records.

Who is Reclaim The Records?

Reclaim The Records is a non-profit organization dedicated to obtaining and releasing genealogical and historical records that have been restricted or difficult to access. By using Freedom of Information laws, they fight for transparency, ensuring that these valuable records are available for researchers and the general public at no cost. Their work has led to the public release of numerous databases, including birth, marriage, and death indexes, as well as military records like BIRLS.

What is BIRLS?

The BIRLS (Beneficiary Identification Records Locator Subsystem) Death File is a database originally maintained by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It contains over 18 million records of deceased American veterans who received VA benefits. This database is a treasure trove for family historians seeking information about ancestors who served in the U.S. military.

What Information Can Be Found in BIRLS?

BIRLS records can provide genealogists with essential information about their military ancestors, including:

Full Name
Date of Birth
Date of Death
Branch of Service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard)
Enlistment and Discharge Dates
Service Number (in some cases)

How Can Family Historians Use BIRLS?

Family historians can use BIRLS to:

Confirm an ancestor’s military service.
Identify service periods to locate additional military records, such as pension applications and service files.
Cross-reference enlistment and discharge dates with historical events.
Discover previously unknown military connections in their family tree.

Additional Military Records to Explore

While BIRLS provides key details, researchers should also explore other military records for a fuller picture, including:

Service Records – Held by the National Archives, these detail training, assignments, promotions, and more.
Pension Files – Often contain personal letters, affidavits, and family details.
Draft Registration Cards – Provide physical descriptions and next-of-kin information.
Grave Registration and Headstone Applications – Can confirm burial locations and military honors.
Unit Histories and Muster Rolls – Offer insights into an ancestor’s military experience.

How to Access BIRLS

Thanks to Reclaim The Records, the BIRLS Death File is now freely available online. Researchers can explore it at BIRLS.org.

Final Thoughts

If you have military ancestors, records like BIRLS can be a gateway to uncovering their service history and personal stories. Thanks to the efforts of Reclaim The Records, genealogists now have greater access to this essential database, helping to honor and preserve the legacy of those who served.

Need more help? Visit Loganalogy.com‘s Research Specialist page! I offer guidance to streamline your research, provide expert tips, and help you build a family tree that future generations will cherish.

“Search the BIRLS Database – over 18 million records about deceased US veterans, from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, now online and FREE from Reclaim The Records.” Over 18 million records about deceased US veterans. September 13, 2018. Accessed February 18, 2025. https://www.birls.org/?_ga=2.93582621.1435023336.1739853052-1851639642.1738727536.

Records, Reclaim The. “Reclaim The Records: Public Data for Public Use.” Reclaim The Records. May 18, 1889. Accessed February 18, 2025. https://www.reclaimtherecords.org/.

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