If you’re a guy aged 12 or older and can trace your family tree back to someone who served honorably in the Confederate armed forces, congratulations—you’ve got a golden ticket! Whether that connection is direct (like your great-great-grandpa) or through a more winding branch (think great-great-uncle), you’re eligible.

We love a good story, but we’ll need some paperwork to back it up. Submit an application form along with a detailed genealogy outlining your relationship to the veteran, plus proof of his service. State archives are treasure troves for military records, and many former Confederate states have pension records that can help. Just remember, finding a name that matches isn’t enough—you’ve got to connect the dots genealogically.

Genealogy can feel like a maze, but don’t worry—we’ve got a network of genealogists ready to assist you in tracing your ancestor’s Confederate service.