How to Get Replacement Military Medals?
Having a collection of military medals can be a source of pride and recognition for many veterans and their families. However, sometimes, those medals can get lost, damaged, or stolen, leaving the individual feeling stripped of their hard-earned awards. In such situations, getting replacement military medals becomes a priority. But what are the steps to get those replacement medals?
Contents
Step 1: Determine the Eligibility
Not all military personnel are entitled to replacement medals. There are specific guidelines set forth by the military branches for awarding and replacing medals. Here are the key eligibility criteria for replacement medals:
• Was the medal originally awarded properly?
• Is the personnel record complete and accurate, including the medal citations?
• Has the individual died, been declared missing in action (MIA), killed in action (KIA), captured (POW), or been missing for more than three months?
If the answer to these questions is "yes", the next step is to get in touch with the responsible military authority. Different branches have their own regulations and procedures for replacement medal requests.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Before making an application for replacement medals, it’s essential to collect the necessary documents. You will need to provide these documents to the responsible authority:
• Discharge paperwork: If you no longer have your original medals, you may have attached copies of your medals with your discharge paperwork.
• Medal citation(s): You’ll need the original citation or copies of the citation that goes with the medal you are requesting.
• Memorandum of Commendation: This document supports the awarding of certain medals and must be filed with the medal citation.
Make sure you safeguard your original copies of these documents for future reference.
Step 3: Contact the Responsible Authority
Each branch of the military has an administrative organization or personnel department, responsible for processing medal award requests. Contact them according to your branch of service:
• US Armed Forces:
- US Army: Department of the Army Human Resources Command, Medal Branch
- US Navy: BuPers (Bureau of Naval Personnel), Awards Branch
- US Air Force: Air Force Personnel Center, Records and Identification Section
- US Marine Corps: Headquarters Marine Corps, Compensation and Benefits Division, Human Resources Branch
• US Coast Guard: Public Affairs Office, Public Library and Research Center - National Archives (for pre-1900 medals)
Once in touch with the responsible authority, ask about the specific forms and procedures required for replacing missing medals.
Step 4: Apply for Replacement Medals
Follow these steps to submit your medal replacement request:
• Complete the required form or application: You’ll find the form on the government website or obtain it directly from the responsible authority. The form may include multiple parts, including:
- Medal authorization form: To obtain specific medal(s) listed by the individual
- Request for Replacement medal form: To obtain new medals for medals already submitted
• Attach Required Documents: Submit copies or originals of the necessary paperwork (discharge paperwork, medal citation, Memorandum of Commendation).
• Pay for reproductions: In most cases, you’ll need to pay for the cost of reproducing new medals. This can usually be done through the National Archives or other approved manufacturers.
• Allow Additional Time: Replacement medals take time to produce, usually 2-5 months.
Beware of Scammers
Unfortunately, scammers claiming to offer medal replacement services have been known to solicit personal information or financial obligations from unsuspecting veterans or their families. Be aware of these red flags:
• Unrealistically fast processing times
• Demands for upfront fees
• Unsolicited, unsolicited phone calls
If you suspect fraudulent activities, report them to local authorities and keep records of your communications for future reference.
Conclusion
Replacing missing military medals requires patience, documentation, and the right information. By following these steps:
- Determine your eligibility
- Gather the required documents
- Contact the responsible authority
- Apply for the replacement medals
You should be able to secure those replacement medals, giving back to you a part of your military legacy.
For a comprehensive guide, look up the specific guidelines, regulations, and application instructions on the government websites.
Remember to keep a complete and accurate record of your medal citations and any relevant document copies for future reference, ensuring that your medals never get lost (again).
