Abbreviations Found on Headstones


    Here is a listing of some abbreviations that you will find on headstones. Some you may already know, but there are a lot you have probably never even heard of!

    Please feel free to print this list to take with you to a cemetery so you will have a better understanding of the information our ancestors left behind...



    
    ad patres - "To the fathers", dead or gone away.
    
    anno aetatis suae (A.A.S.) - In the year of her/his age
    
    anno Domini (A.D.) - In the year of our Lord
    
    annos vixit (a.v.) - He/she lived [so many years]
    
    beatae memoriae (B.M.) - Of blessed memory
    
    Dei gratia - By the grace of God
    
    Dei gratias - Thanks be to God
    
    Deo, Optimo, Maximo (D.O.M.) - To God, the Best, the Greatest (motto of the Benedictine order)
    
    Domino, Optimo, Maximo (D.O.M.) - The Lord, the Best, the Greatest.(alternate motto)
    
    Gloria in Excelsis Deo - Glory be to God, the Most High
    
    hic iacet or hic jacet (H.I.) - Here lies (Ancient Latin has no letter "J": the letter was 
    added later)
    
    hic iacet sepultus (H.I.S.) - Here lies buried
    
    hic sepultus (H.S.) - Here is buried
    
    Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum (I.N.R.I.) - Jesus Christ, King of the Jews
    
    in hoc salus (I.H.S.) - There is safety in this. 
    
    in hoc signo spes mea (I.H.S.) - In this sign (the cross of Christ) is my hope
    
    in hoc signos vinces (I.H.S.) - By this sign you will conquer. 
    
    laus Deo - Praise be to God
    
    memento mori - "Remember you must die". 
    
    obiit (ob.) - He/she died
    
    requiescat in pace (R.I.P.) - May he/she rest in peace
    
    requiescant in pace (R.I.P.) - May they rest in peace
    
    requiescit in pace (R.I.P.) - He/she rest in peace
    
    Verbi Dei Minister (V.D.M.) - Minister of the Word of God 
    
    
    Religious:
    
    Angels - Angels mean spirituality and they guard the tomb.
    
    Bible - A single Holy Bible is often found on Christian stones.
    
    Holy Books (2) - on Mormon headstones indicates the Bible and the Book of
    Mormon.
    
    Holy Books (3) - on Mormon Headstones, these indicate The Scripture of the
    Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - the Bible, Book of Mormon, and
    Doctrine & Covenants.
    
    Chalice - Usually used to represent the Sacraments.
    
    Crescent - the deceased was probably a Muslim.
    
    Crown - The soul's achievement and the Glory of life after death.
    
    Cross - the Cross is an emblem of faith. There are many different types of
    crosses and each may mean something different. For a good explanation of the
    various types of crosses, see http://www.alsirat.com/symbols/cross.html, a
    part of The City of the Silent.
    
    Heart (Sacred) - Usually found in Catholic cemeteries, this heart refers to
    the suffering of Christ for our sins.
    
    Menorah - An emblem of Judaism
    
    Star of David or Mogen David - Recognized as the international symbol of
    Judaism.
    
    Mortality:
    
    Arrow - Mortality
    
    Broken Column - This image represents the decay. It usually represents the
    loss of the Family head.
    
    Candle being Snuffed - Loss of life.
    
    Coffin - mortality.
    
    Figure with Dart - Mortality
    
    Grim Reaper - Death personified.
    
    Hourglass - Time has run out.
    
    Scythe - An instrument of the harvest, death cuts us down.
    
    Skull and or Skull/ Crossed Bones - Death.
    
    Spade or Crossed Spade and Shovel - Death
    
    Trade and Occupation: (emblems that MIGHT indicate a person's occupation in
    life)
    
    Barber Bowl (for bleeding) & Razor.
    
    Butcher - an axe, steel knife and cleaver.
    
    Farmer: - Coulter (type of hoe), flail (threshing implement), swingletree
    (rod for beating flax), stalk of corn.
    
    Gardener - Rake & Spade.
    
    Mason - Wedge & Level
    
    Mariner: - Anchor, Sextant & Cross Staff.
    
    Merchant - Scales, some type of sign.
    
    Minister - Bible
    
    Shoemaker - Leather cutter's Knife, Nippers, Sole cutter & Awl
    
    Smith - Crown, Hammer & Anvil
    
    Teacher - Open Book.
    
    Weaver - Loom, Shuttle & Stretchers.
    
    Wright - (a worker skilled in the manufacture especially of wooden
    objects --usually used in combination   - Compasses
    
    Resurrection, Eternal Life, Immortality:
    
    Angel, Flying or Trumpeting - Rebirth; Resurrection.
    
    Bird or Bird Flying - Eternal life, Resurrection.
    
    Cross: - The Cross means resurrection to many Christians.
    
    Dove, Flying - Resurrection.
    
    Flame, Light, Lamp or Torch: - Immortality of the Spirit, Resurrection.
    
    Garland or Wreath - Symbol of saintliness and glory, Victory in death.
    
    Horns -- The Resurrection
    
    Ivy - Immortality
    
    Rooster- Awakening; Resurrection.
    
    Star - Death could not overpower the Light of the Spirit which still shines
    in the darkness.
    
    Sun - A symbol of light and warmth, renewed life and life everlasting.
    
    Trumpeters -- Harbingers of the Resurrection
    
    Urn - Immortality (The storing of the vital organs was of extreme importance
    to the ancient Egyptians who believed that life would be restored through
    the vital organs placed in the urn).
    
    Animals:
    
    Birds - Eternal life or resurrection.
    
    Butterfly - Short-life.
    
    Dog - Implies a good master worthy of love.
    
    Dove - Seen in both Christian and Jewish cemeteries, the dove means
    innocence and/ or peace.
    
    Lamb - Usually marks the grave of a child and means Innocence.
    
    Lion - The Lion's eternal watch guards the tomb and stands for Courage.
    
    Rooster - Awakening; Resurrection.
    
    
    
    Plants:
    
    Fruits -- Eternal plenty as in the fruit of life.
    
    Full-Blown Rose - The deceased died in the prime of life
    
    Ivy -- Ivy stands for friendship and also immortality.
    
    Laurel -- A symbol of worldly accomplishment and heroism.
    
    Lily - The virgins' flower and also the symbol of innocence and purity.
    
    Morning Glory - Signifies the beginning of Life
    
    Oak., Oak Leaves and Acorn - Oak leaves on tombs can stand for power,
    authority or victory. Often seen on Military tombs.
    
    Palm Branch - Signifies Victory and Rejoicing
    
    Poppy - Eternal Sleep.
    
    Roses - Roses signify completion and the brevity of earthly existence.
    
    Rosemary - Rosemary is for remembrance. Thistles can also stand for
    remembrance.
    
    Thistle - Deceased was of Scottish descent.
    
    Tree or Trees
    
    A Tree stands for life.
    
    A Tree Sprouting stands for life everlasting.
    
    Tree Trunk stands for the brevity of life.
    
    Stones shaped liked Tree Stumps usually signify that the deceased was a
    member of The Woodmen of the World
    
    Weeping Willow Tree - Perpetual Mourning; Grief.
    
    Wheat Strands or Sheaves - The divine harvest.
    
    Miscellaneous:
    
    Broken Ring -- The family circle has been severed.
    
    Cherub - Cherubs are angelic and signify innocence.
    
    Crossed Swords - Military person of high rank.
    
    Hands:
    
    Hands in cemeteries are usually in one of the following four positions;
    clasping, praying, pointing, and blessing.
    
    Hand, Pointing Up - Pathway to heaven.
    
    Hands, Clasped - Farewells or the bond of marriage
    
    Hands, Praying - Asking God for Eternal life.
    
    Hands, Blessing - Blessing of those left behind.
    
    Harp - Praise to the God.
    
    Heart - Love. Stylized hearts stand for the affection of the living for the
    dead. Two joined hearts on a stone mark a marriage,
    
    Rod or Staff - Comfort for the bereaved.
    
    Stars and Stripes Around Eagle -- Eternal vigilance and liberty. Often seen
    on military markers.
    
    Urn with Flame -- Undying remembrance
    
    
    
    
    Initials of Fraternal Organizations:
    
    AOH- Ancient Order of Hibernians
    
    BPOE- Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks
    
    CAR- Children of the American Revolution
    
    DAR- Daughters of the American Revolution
    
    FOE- Fraternal Order of Eagles
    
    FOP- Fraternal Order of Police
    
    F&AM- Free and Accepted Masons
    
    GAR- Grand Army of the Republic
    
    I.O.R.M.- Improved Order of Red Men
    
    IOF- Independant Order of Foresters
    
    IOOF- Independant Order of Odd Fellows
    
    IOJD- International Order of Job's Daughters
    
    J.O.A.M.- Junior Order of American Mechanics
    
    J.O.U.A.M.- Junior Order of United American Mechanics
    
    K.of C.- Knights of Columbus
    
    K.of P.- Knights of Pythias
    
    KT- Knights Templar
    
    LOM- Loyal Order of Moose
    
    M.W.A. Modern Woodmen of America
    
    N.O.W. Neighbors of Woodcraft
    
    RA- Royal Academy
    
    RA- Royal Arcanum
    
    R.A.M.- Royal Arch Masons
    
    *R.N.A. Royal Neighbors of America
    
    SAR- Sons of the American Revolution
    
    S.F.W.C. Supreme Forest Woodmen Circle
    
    U.S.A.- United States Army
    
    U.S.A.F.- United States Air Force
    
    U.S.M.C.- United States Marine Corp
    
    U.S.N.- United States Navy
    
    YMCA- Young Men's Christian Association
    
    YWCA- Young Women's Christian Association
    
    W.C. Woodmen Circle
    
    W.O.W. Woodmen of the World
    
    W.O.W. Women of Woodcraft
    
    
    FRATERNAL ACRONYMS:
    
    AAONMS Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Masonic) ("The
    Shriners")
    
    AASR Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (Masonic)
    
    ABA American Benefit Association
    
    AF&AM Ancient Free and Accepted Masons
    
    AMD Allied Masonic Degree
    
    AMORC Ancient and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis(Rosicrucians)
    
    AMOS Ancient Mystic Order of Samaritans (see IOOF)
    
    AOF Ancient Order Of Foresters
    
    AOH Ancient Order Of Hibernians
    
    AOKMC Ancient Order Of Knights of Mystic Chain
    
    AOUW Ancient Order Of United Workmen
    
    ALOH American Legion of Honor
    
    APA American Protective Association
    
    AUM Ancient Order of Mysteries (MASONS)
    
    AUSA Association of the United States Army
    
    AUV Association of Union Veterans
    
    BARE Benefit Association Of Railway Employees
    
    BAY Brotherhood of American Yeomen
    
    BKA Benevolent Knights Association
    
    BKofM Black Knights of Molders
    
    BPOE Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
    
    BPOEW Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World
    
    BofRTM Brotherhood of Rail Road Track Men
    
    BLE Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers
    
    BLF&E Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen & Engineers
    
    BRT Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen
    
    CBL Catholic Benevolent Legion
    
    CD of A Catholic Daughters of America
    
    CKofA Catholic Knights of America
    
    CMBA Catholic Mutual Benefit Association
    
    COOF Catholic Order of Foresters
    
    CTAS Catholic Total Abstinence Society
    
    CBKA Commandery Benevolent Knights Association
    
    CCTAS Crusaders-Catholic Total Abstinence Society
    
    DAC Daughters of the American Colonists
    
    DAR (NSDAR) National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
    
    DAV Disabled American Veterans
    
    D of A Daughters of America
    
    DoL Daughters of Liberty
    
    DAN Daughters of the Nile (Masonic)
    
    DOKK Dramatic Order Knights of Khorassan (Knights of Pythias)
    
    DOLLUS Dames of the Loyal Legion of the United States
    
    DUV Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War
    
    ECV E Clampus Vitus
    
    EAU Equitable Aid Union
    
    EBA Emerald Beneficial Association
    
    FAM Free and Accepted Masons
    
    F&AM Free and Accepted Masons
    
    FCB Knights of Pythias
    
    FLT Independent Order of Odd Fellows
    
    FOE Fraternal Order of Eagles
    
    FOAST Fraternal Order of Alaska State Troopers
    
    FOF Fraternal Order of Firefighters
    
    FOP Fraternal Order of Police
    
    GALSTPTR German American Legion of St. Peter
    
    GAR Grand Army of the Republic
    
    GLAUM Grand Lodge Ancient Order of Mysteries- Masonic Order
    
    GLDS Grand Lodge Daughters of Scotia
    
    GUOOF Grand United Order of Odd Fellows
    
    HZ Haro Zaro
    
    IBBH International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths and Helpers
    
    ICBU Irish Catholic Benevolent Union
    
    IHSV Red Cross of Constantine
    
    IOA International Order of Alhambra
    
    IODE Independent Order, Daughters of the Empire
    
    IOGT International Order of Good Templars
    
    IOH Improved Order of Heptasophs
    
    IOHH International Order of Hoo-Hoo
    
    IOI Independent Order of Immaculates
    
    IOKP Independent Order of Knights of Pythias
    
    IOOF Independent Order of Odd Fellows
    
    IOOF-PM Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Past Master
    
    ISH Independent Sons of Honor
    
    IOStL Independent Order of St. Luke
    
    IOF Independent Order of Foresters
    
    IORM Improved Order of Redmen (Sons of Liberty)
    
    IOR Independent Order of Rechabites
    
    IOV International Order of Vikings
    
    IUOM Independent United Order of Mechanics
    
    IWW Industrial Workers of the World
    
    IOF Independent Order of Foresters
    
    IOOF Independent Order of Odd Fellows
    
    IOJD Independent Order of Job's Daughters
    
    IORG International Order of Rainbow Girls (Masonic)
    
    ISDA Italian Sons and Daughters of America
    
    JOAM Junior Order of American Mechanics
    
    JOUAM Junior Order of United American Mechanics
    
    JAOUW Junior Order-Ancient Order of United Workmen
    
    JOUAM Junior Order-Order of United American Mechanics
    
    KC Knights of Columbus
    
    KGC Knights of the Golden Chain
    
    KGC Knights of the Golden Circle
    
    KGE Knights of the Golden Eagle
    
    KGL Knight Grand Legion
    
    KLH Knights and Ladies of Honor
    
    KM Knights Militant (See KKK)
    
    KofC Knights of Columbus
    
    KofFM Knights of Father Matthew
    
    KFM Knights of Father Matthew
    
    KofH Knights of Honor
    
    KOL Knights of Labor
    
    KofL Knights of Loyola
    
    KM Knights of Malta (Masonic)
    
    KMC Knights of the Mystic Chain
    
    KOTM Knights of the Macabees
    
    KPC Knights of Peter Claver
    
    KofTM Knights of the Macabees
    
    KP Knights of Pythias
    
    KofP Knights of Pythias
    
    KSC Knights of St. Columbkille
    
    KG Knights of St. George
    
    KSTG Knights of St. George
    
    KSTI Knights of St. Ignatius
    
    KofSJ Knights of St. John
    
    KSTJ Knights of St. Joseph
    
    KSL Knights of St. Lawrence
    
    KSTM Knights of St. Martin
    
    KofSTP Knights of St. Patrick
    
    KSTP Knights of St. Paul
    
    KSTP Knights of St. Peter
    
    KSTT Knights of St. Thomas
    
    KofSTW Knights of St. Wenceslas
    
    KT Knights of Tabor
    
    KofT Knights of Tabor
    
    KT Knights Templars (Masonic)
    
    KWM Knights of Wise Men
    
    KGE Knights of Golden Eagle
    
    KHC Knights of Holy Cross
    
    KKK Knights of Klu-Klux Klan
    
    KOTM Knights of Macabees
    
    KSF Knights of Sherwood Forest
    
    LAOH Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians
    
    LDG Independent Order of Foresters
    
    LGAR Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic
    
    LKofA Loyal Knights of America
    
    LOL Loyal Order Orange Lodge (The Orange Order){Orange Men}
    
    LOM Legion of the MOOSE
    
    LOOM Loyal Order of the MOOSE
    
    LOVUS Legion of Valor of the United States
    
    MBS Mutual Benefit Society
    
    MOLLUS Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States
    
    MOOSE Loyal Order of the Moose
    
    MOPH Military Order of the Purple Heart
    
    MOVPER Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Mystic Realm (Grotto)
    (Masonic)
    
    MRA Royal Arcanum
    
    MCL Marine Corps League
    
    MWA Modern Woodmen of America
    
    NCOA Non-Commissioned Officers Association (Military Society)
    
    NEOP New England Order of Protection
    
    NOK New Order Knights (see KKK)
    
    NL Navy League
    
    NSDAR National Society Daughters of American Revolution
    
    NSSUP National Society Sons of Utah Pioneers
    
    NU National Union
    
    OofA Order of Amaranth (Masonic)
    
    OCF Order of Chosen Friends
    
    OofUF Order of United Friends
    
    OGC Order of the Golden Cross
    
    ODHS Des Schwestern Verbandes (Sisters of the Federation
    
    OES Order of the Eastern Star
    
    OSC Order of Scottish Clans (St. Andrew's Societies)
    
    OUAM Order of United American Mechanics
    
    PFofA Patriotic Friends of America
    
    PH The Order of Patrons of Husbandry (The Grange)
    
    PM Patriarchs Militant (Independent Order of Odd Fellows)
    
    POSA Patriotic Order of the Sons of America
    
    RA Royal Academy
    
    RA Royal Arcanum
    
    RAM Royal Arch Masons
    
    RC Republican Club
    
    RMOKHSJ The Religious and Military Order of Knights of the Holy Sepulchre of
    Jerusalem
    
    RSGF Royal Society of Good Fellows
    
    RSM Royal and Select Masons
    
    ROJ Royal Order of Jesters (Masonic)
    
    RSTV Rite of St. Vaclara
    
    RSTV Rite of St. Vita
    
    RK Roman Knights
    
    RTT Royal Templars of Temperance
    
    SAR Sisters of the American Revolution
    
    SAR Sons of the American Revolution
    
    SBCL Saint Bonifazius Catholic Union
    
    SBL Society B. Lafayette
    
    SCV Sons of the Confederate Veterans
    
    SofE Sons of England
    
    SMAA Scandinavian Mutual Aid Association
    
    SNA-AUM Shrine of North America
    
    SR Scottish Rite (Masonic Order)
    
    SofSt.G Sons of St. George
    
    ST Sons of Temperance
    
    ST.G SoNY St. George's Society of New York
    
    SUVCW Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
    
    SV Sons of Veterans of the United States of America
    
    TCL Tall Ceders of Lebanon (Masonic)
    
    TH Temple of Honor and Temperance-Independent Order of Odd Fellows
    
    TPLF Temple of Honor and Temperance, IOOF
    
    TROA The Retired Officer's Association
    
    UAOD United Ancient Order of Druids
    
    UCV United Confederate Veterans
    
    UDC United Daughters of the Confederacy
    
    UFL Union Fraternal League
    
    UFM United Friends of Michigan
    
    UOPF United Order of Pilgrim Fathers
    
    VFW Veterans of Foreign Wars
    
    WKSC White Knights of the Southern Cross (See KKK)
    
    WOW Woodmen of the World
    
    YMCA Young Men's Christian Association
    
    YWCA Young Women's Christian Association
    
    
    
    
    Initials after ancestors' names may provide useful information. The
    following list includes initials you may come across when reading old wills
    or other documents.
     
    
    a.a.s. died in the year of his/her age (anno aetitis suae) ( 86 y/o died in
    year 86)
    
    d.s.p. died without issue (decessit sine prole legitima)
    
    d.s.p.l. died without legitimate issue (decessit sine prole mascula
    supersita)
    
    d.s.p.m.s. died without surviving male issue (decessit sine prole mascula
    supersita)
    
    d.s.p.s died without surviving issue (decessit sine prole supersita)
    
    d.unm died unmarried
    
    d.v.p. died in the lifetime of his father (decessit vita patris)
    
    d.v.m. died in the lifetime of his mother (decessit vita matris)
    
    Et al and others (et alia)
    
    Inst present month (instans)
    
    Liber book or volume
    
    Nepos grandson
    
    Nunc Nuncapative will, an oral will, written by a witness
    
    Ob he/she died (obit)
    
    Rel. or Relict widow or widower (relicta/relictus)
    
    Res. or Residue widow or widower
    
    Sic so or thus, exact copy as written
    
    Testes witnesses
    
    Ult late (ultimo)
    
    Ux or vs wife (uxor)
    
    Viz namely (videlicet) 
    
    
    
    AB Able Seaman 
    
    Adjt Adjutant 
    
    Adj-Gen Adjutant-General 
    
    AF Admiral of the Fleet 
    
    AG Adjutant-General 
    
    AHC Army Hospital Corps 
    
    AIF Australian Imperial Forces 
    
    ANZAC Austrailian and New Zealand Army Corps 
    
    AO Army Order 
    
    AOC Army Ordnance Corps 
    
    AOD Army Ordanance Department 
    
    APM Assistant Provost-Marshal 
    
    APO Army Post Office 
    
    ASC Army Service Corps 
    
    AVD Army Veterinary Department 
    
    Bde Brigade 
    
    BEF British Expeditionary Force 
    
    Bn Battalion 
    
    Brig Brigadier 
    
    Brig-Gen Brigadier-General 
    
    BSC Bengal Staff Corps 
    
    Capt Captain 
    
    CF Chaplain to the Forces 
    
    C in C Commander in Chief 
    
    CO Commanding Officer 
    
    Col Colonel 
    
    Com Commander 
    
    Comdr Commander 
    
    Coy Company 
    
    Cpl Corporal 
    
    CS Colour Sergeant 
    
    CSM Company Sergeant Major 
    
    DCM Distinguished Conduct Medal 
    
    DFC Distinguished Flying Cross 
    
    DFM Distinguished Flying Medal 
    
    div Division 
    
    DL Deputy Lieutenant 
    
    DLI Durham Light Infantry 
    
    DSC Distinguished Service Cross 
    
    DSM Distinguished Service Medal 
    
    DSO Distinguished Service Order 
    
    EEF Egyptian Expeditionary Force 
    
    FM Field Marshal 
    
    GHQ General Headquarters 
    
    GOC General Officer Commanding 
    
    GS General Staff 
    
    gn Gunner 
    
    HAC Honourable Artillery Company 
    
    HG Horse Guards 
    
    HLI Highland Light Infantry 
    
    HMAS His Majesty`s Australian Ship 
    
    HMCS His Majesy`s Canadian Ship 
    
    HMS His Majesty`s Ship 
    
    IA Indian Army 
    
    ID Intelligence Department 
    
    ISO Imperial Service Order 
    
    IY Imperial Yeomanry 
    
    KOSB King`s Own Scottish Borderers 
    
    KORL King`s Own Royal Lancashire/Lancaster Regiment 
    
    KOYLI King`s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry 
    
    KRRC King`s Royal Rifle Corps 
    
    LD Light Dragoons 
    
    LI Light Infantry 
    
    Lr Lancer 
    
    Lt Lieutenant 
    
    Maj Major 
    
    MEF Mediterranean Expeditionary Force 
    
    MGC Machine Gun Corps 
    
    MM Military Medal 
    
    NCO Non-commissioned Officer 
    
    OD Ordinary Seaman 
    
    OS Ordinary Seaman 
    
    PM Provost-Marshal 
    
    QM Quarter-master 
    
    QMG Quartermaster-General 
    
    QMS Quartermaster-Sergeant 
    
    RA Rear Admiral 
    
    RA Royal Artillery 
    
    RAF Royal Air Force 
    
    RAMC Royal Army Medical Corps 
    
    RAOC Royal Army Ordnance Corps 
    
    RAPC Royal Army Pay Corps 
    
    RASC Royal Army Service Corps 
    
    RD Royal Dragoons 
    
    RE Royal Corps of Engineers 
    
    RFA Royal Field Artillery 
    
    RFC Royal Flying Corps 
    
    RGA Royal Garrison Artillery 
    
    Rgt Regiment 
    
    RHA Royal Horse Artillery 
    
    RHG Royal Horse Guards 
    
    RIM Royal Indian Marines 
    
    RM Royal Marines 
    
    RMA Royal Military Academy 
    
    RMA Royal Marine Artillery 
    
    RMC Royal Military College 
    
    RMLI Royal Marine Light Infantry 
    
    RN Royal Navy 
    
    RNAS Royal Naval Air Service 
    
    RNR Royal Naval Reserve 
    
    RNVR Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve 
    
    RSM Regimental Sergeant-Major 
    
    RV Rifle Volunteers 
    
    SAA Small Arms Ammunition 
    
    SAS Special Air Sevice 
    
    SBS Special Boat Service 
    
    SC Staff-office Corps 
    
    SERG Sergeant 
    
    SM Sergeant-Major 
    
    SO Staff Officer 
    
    SQN Squadron 
    
    TA Territorial Army 
    
    TF Territorial Force 
    
    VC Victoria Cross 
    
    WAAC Women`s Army Auxillary Corps 
    
    WRAC Women`s Royal Army Corps 
    
    WAAC Women`s Army Auxillary Corps 
    
    WD War Department 
    
    WRAF Women`s Royal Air Force 
    
    WRNS Women`s Royal Naval Service 
    
    
    
    The medals and awards
    
    PH -- Purple Heart
    
    BSM -- Bronze Star Medal
    
    SSM -- Silver Star Medal
    
    DFC -- Distinguished Flying Cross
    
    AM -- Air Medal
    
    LOM -- Legion of Merit
    
    ACM -- Army Commendation Medal
    
    CSC -- Conspicuous Service Cross
    
    OLC -- preceded by a number-- Oak Leaf Cluster. This follows another award, such as 
    "DFC 2OLC" This means that the person received three Distinguished Flying Crosses. 
    The first is a medal with ribbon, and for subsequent awards of the same type, the Oak 
    Leaf Clusters are pinned on the first.
    
    V -- following another award means for Valor, such as AM-V is Air Medal for Valor.
    
    A -- following another award means for Achievment, such as AM-A for Air Medal for 
    Achievment.
    
    Civil War Ranks 
    
    PVT Private
    
    PVT 1CL Private First Class
    
    LT Lieutenant
    
    CPT Captain
    
    1 LT First Lieutenant
    
    MAJ Major
    
    SGT Sergeant
    
    CPL Corporal
    
    COL Colonel
    
    BGEN Brigadier General
    
    BUGL Bugler
    
    DRUM Drummer
    
    HOSP Hosptal Steward
    
    MUS Musician
    
    QM Quartermaster
    
    SURG Surgeon
    
    WAG Wagoner
    
    
    Branch of Service
    
    
    ART Artillery
    
    AC Army Corps
    
    CAV Cavalry
    
    CT Colored Troops
    
    CTART Colored Troops ART
    
    CTCAV Colored Troops CAV
    
    CTHRT Colored Troops HART
    
    CTINF Colored Troops INF
    
    CTLRT Colored Troops LART
    DIV Division
    
    E&M Engineers / Miners
    
    HART Heavy Artillery
    
    HDQ Headquarters
    
    INF Infantry
    
    LART Light Artillery
    
    MC Medical Corps
    
    MAR Marines
    
    MIL Militia
    
    NAVY Navy
    
    SS Sharpshooters
    
    SC Signal Corps
    
    VOL Volunteers
    
    VRC Veteran Reserve
    
    
    Common Rank
    
    1CPL 1st Corporal
    
    1LT 1st Lieutenant
    
    1SGT 1st Sergeant
    
    2CPL 2nd Corporal
    
    2LT 2nd Lieutenant
    
    2SGT 2nd Sergeant
    
    3CPL 3rd Corporal
    
    3SGT 3rd Sergeant
    
    BBG Brevet BGEN
    
    BGEN Brigadier General
    
    BMG Brevet MGEN
    
    COL Colonel
    
    CPL Corporal
    
    CPT Captain
    
    CSGT Commissary SGT
    
    GEN General
    
    LGEN Lieutenant General
    
    LT Lieutenant
    
    LTC Lieutenant Colonel
    
    MAJ Major
    
    MGEN Major General
    
    OSGT Ordinance SGT
    
    PVT Private
    
    QSGT Quartermaster SGT
    
    SGM Sergeant Major
    
    SGT Sergeant
    
    Specialized and Naval Rank
    
    2ENG 2nd Engineer
    
    3ENG 3rd Engineer
    
    4ENG 4th Engineer
    
    AAQM Acting AQM
    
    AQM Assistant QM
    
    ARTF Artificer
    
    ASEA Able Seaman
    
    ASURG Assistant Surgeon
    
    B1C Boy 1st Class
    
    BSM Blacksmith
    
    BTSN Boatswain’s Mate
    
    BUGL Bugler
    
    CFENG Chief Engineer
    
    CHPL Chaplain
    
    CLHR Coal Heaver
    
    CMD Commander
    
    COMD Commodore
    
    COOK Cook
    
    COOP Cooper
    
    CPRM Carpenter’s Mate
    
    CPTR Carpenter
    
    DRUM Drummer
    
    ENS Ensign
    
    FAR Farrier
    
    FGOR Flag Officer
    
    FRMN Fireman
    
    GNMR Gunner’s Mate
    
    HOSP Hospital Steward
    
    LNDS Landsman
    
    LCMD Lieutenant CMD
    
    MSTR Master
    
    MUS Musician
    
    NUR Nurse
    
    OFST Officer’s Steward
    
    OLRS Oiler
    
    OSEA Ordinary Seaman
    
    PANT Painter
    
    PION Pioneer
    
    QM Quartermaster
    
    RADM Rear Admiral
    
    SADR Saddler
    
    SAIL Sailmaker
    
    SMRM Sailmaker’s Mate
    
    SPBY Ship’s Boy
    
    SSWD Ship’s Steward
    
    STKR Stoker
    
    SURG Surgeon
    
    TMST Teamster
    
    VADM Vice Admiral
    
    VSUR Veterinary Surgeon
    
    WAG Wagoner
    
    YOMN Yeoman
    
    YOSGL Yeoman of Signals
    
    
    State and Country
    
    
    AL Alabama
    
    AK Alaska
    
    AZ Arizona
    
    AR Arkansas
    
    CA California
    
    CO Colorado
    
    CT Connecticut
    
    DE Delaware
    
    FL Florida
    
    GA Georgia
    
    IA Iowa
    
    ID Idaho
    
    IL Illinois
    
    IN Indiana
    
    KS Kansas
    
    KY Kentucky
    
    LA Louisiana
    
    MA Massachusetts
    
    MD Maryland
    
    ME Maine
    
    MI Michigan
    
    MN Minnesota
    
    MO Missouri
    
    MS Mississippi
    
    MT Montana
    
    NC North Carolina
    
    ND North Dakota
    
    NE Nebraska
    
    NH New Hampshire
    
    NJ New Jersey
    
    NV Nevada
    
    NY New York
    
    OH Ohio
    
    OK Oklahoma
    
    OR Oregon
    
    PA Pennsylvania
    
    RI Rhode Island
    
    SC South Carolina
    
    SD South Dakota
    
    TN Tennessee
    
    TX Texas
    
    UT Utah
    
    VA Virginia
    
    VT Vermont
    
    WA Washington
    
    WI Wisconsin
    
    WV West Virginia
    
    WY Wyoming
    
    DC District Columbia
    
    US United States
    
    CAN Canada
    
    AUS Australia
    
    MEX Mexico
    
    SA South Africa
    
    GB Great Britain
    
    FR France
    
    IRE Ireland
    


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