Military Order of Foreign Wars

About the Military Order of Foreign Wars of the United States

The Military Order of Foreign Wars of the United States (MOFWUS) is a patriotic and hereditary organization founded in 1894 by commissioned officers who served in overseas conflicts involving the United States. The Order was established to honor military service abroad, preserve the history and traditions of America’s foreign wars, and promote patriotism, national defense, and public service.

The Military Order of Foreign Wars of the United States represents commissioned officers of the United States Armed Forces who served honorably in foreign wars, expeditions, or overseas conflicts, as well as their eligible descendants. Membership reflects a lineage of leadership, service abroad, and commitment to the defense of the nation.

What the Order Does

• Honors U.S. military officers who served in overseas conflicts
• Preserves the history and traditions of America’s foreign wars
• Promotes patriotism, national defense, and civic responsibility
• Supports educational programs, scholarships, and commemorative initiatives
• Encourages fellowship among members through national and state activities

Where the Order Operates

MOFWUS operates through a national General Society and constituent state commanderies throughout the United States. Members participate in local, state, and national meetings, ceremonies, and patriotic events recognizing military service and national heritage.

Member Eligibility Requirements

Membership in the Military Order of Foreign Wars of the United States is available through hereditary and companion membership classifications, each with specific eligibility requirements administered by the Order.

Hereditary Membership

• Applicants must be a male descendant of a commissioned officer of the United States Armed Forces who served honorably in a qualifying foreign war, expedition, or overseas conflict.
• The qualifying ancestor must have held a commissioned rank in the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or their historical predecessors.
• Service must have occurred during a conflict recognized by the Order as qualifying foreign service.
• Applicants must submit acceptable genealogical documentation proving direct lineal descent.
• Candidates must be judged to be of good moral character and meet all Order requirements.

Companion Membership

• Companion membership is available to commissioned officers who have personally served honorably in a qualifying foreign war or overseas military operation.
• Applicants must provide documentation verifying commissioned service and qualifying foreign deployment.
• Companion members are entitled to participation privileges as defined by the Order.

How Membership Is Structured

Membership is administered through state commanderies, which review applications, verify service or genealogical documentation, and oversee local activities. Members may participate in national and state meetings, commemorative ceremonies, educational initiatives, and the governance of the Order.