Disciplinary Actions

Collection Information

These records document the trials and chastisement of soldiers who have not adhered to the military's code of conduct, whether it be in treatment of the enemy or desertion. Records of military disciplinary actions range from reprimands to courts martial to execution.


Military disciplinary action records often include personal information, vital statistics, and an understanding of that soldier's military circumstances.

Soldiers usually live under strict rules of conduct, which when broken lead to swift and severe consequences. Records of military disciplinary actions range from reprimands to courts martial to execution. If your ancestor was involved in a disciplinary action, you will find details and explanations here.

Often, the disciplinary mentions are mixed in with other records, as is the case with muster rolls and the U.S. Military and Naval Academy Registers. Also included are Confederate Applications for Presidential Pardons, 1865-1867.

Sample Images

Search Tips

  • The best way to find a military record is to enter as much information as you can into your search. The more you tell us about your ancestor, the easier it will be to find good matches about him or her.
  • In your searching, remember to allow for name spelling variations and that sometimes records only used one or more initials for the given names.
  • Since each collection includes different information, it is valuable to search collections that apply to your ancestor individually. Once you see the results for some individuals you can see what terms might be useful in the Keyword field to refine your search.
  • With some record collections, the description provides instruction for how to receive additional information.
  • Once you find a matching military record, save it to your family tree – that way you can provide evidence to back up the info in your family tree, easily share your discovery with your family, and quickly find the historical record again later.