Research

Scope and Content Note

The series consists of 16mm negative microfilm of card files that were apparently part of the process to award bonus payments to New Yorkers for military service in the United States armed forces during World War I. Initially, eligibility for bonuses applied to any person who served honorably in military service from April 6, 1917 through November 11, 1918 and resided in New York at the time of service. The amount of the bonus was based on the number of months served (at $10 for every month of service), but no bonus could exceed $150. These records do not show the amount of individual bonuses awarded. Some applications were disallowed and are so marked on the cards. Neither the original cards nor the applications for bonuses are extant.

The cards usually contain the following information: index number (Soundex code); claim number; name; serial number; residence; date of enlistment or induction; date of discharge; and date reported for active duty. The cards are usually stamped "Army" or "Navy" and some carry remarks (e.g., "no active military service," "officer," or "investigate"). Most information is typescript, although there are some manuscript entries.