How to Request Official Military Medal Replacements

Which government agencies are authorized to issue official military medal replacements?

The authority to issue official military medals rests with the Department of Defense, specifically through the individual service branches and the National Archives.

• Army medals are processed by the U.S. Army Human Resources Command for active and reserve personnel.
• Navy awards are handled by the Navy Personnel Command, which oversees decorations for sailors and Marines.
• Air Force decorations are managed by the Air Force Personnel Center, which verifies eligibility for airmen.
• Coast Guard honors are issued by the Coast Guard Personnel Service Center, maintaining distinct records for their veterans.

What documentation is required to verify eligibility for a replacement medal?

Verification relies primarily on the veteran's military personnel file, which must confirm that the award was officially earned and never previously issued. You should provide the veteran's full name, social security number, and branch of service to assist archivists in locating the correct file. For instance, if a veteran earned a Purple Heart, the request must cite the specific incident or medical record that supports the award's eligibility if it does not appear on the original discharge paperwork.

A notable nuance involves medals that were never formally recorded in the service file. If the documentation is missing, you must provide secondary evidence, such as eyewitness statements, award certificates, or unit history reports. Without these supporting documents, the government cannot verify the claim, and the request will be denied regardless of family testimony.

Are there specific time limitations or deadlines for requesting a reissue of a service award?

No, there are no expiration dates for requesting these awards. Veterans or their next of kin may submit a request at any point, even decades after the service ended. The National Personnel Records Center processes these requests in the order they are received, regardless of how much time has passed.

Does the government charge a fee for the replacement of official military decorations?

The government does not charge a fee for the initial replacement of military medals. A lot of people assume that because the process takes months to complete, they can pay an expedited service fee to skip the line, but the government does not offer any "fast-track" options for purchase. Every request undergoes the same rigorous verification process to maintain the integrity of the awards. If you encounter a website claiming to offer "official government expedited processing" for a fee, you are likely dealing with a private vendor selling unauthorized replicas.

Can a family member request a medal on behalf of a deceased veteran?

Yes, the next of kin is authorized to request medals for a deceased veteran. You must provide a copy of the veteran's death certificate along with your request to establish your relationship. This allows the government to release the medals directly to the surviving spouse, child, or parent.

What is the difference in legal status between an official government-issued replacement and a commercial replica?

Official replacements are considered government property and legitimate military honors, whereas replicas are merely private merchandise with no legal standing.

Use these distinctions to determine if an item has historical value or if it is simply a display piece for personal use.

How can individuals track the status of a pending medal replacement request?

You can track a pending request by contacting the specific service branch or the National Personnel Records Center through their established inquiry systems.

• Request number is the unique identifier assigned to your paperwork that you should keep for all follow-up correspondence.
• Status website portals, such as the eVetRecs system, allow you to check if your file is currently under review.
• Phone inquiries can be made to the customer service lines if your request has been pending for more than 180 days.
• Written updates are occasionally sent via mail if the records center requires additional information to complete the verification process.

Are all types of military awards, including campaign ribbons and unit citations, eligible for official replacement?

Most military decorations, including campaign ribbons and unit citations, are eligible for replacement if the records confirm the veteran's participation in the qualifying event. For example, a veteran who served in the Vietnam War can receive the Vietnam Service Medal and any associated campaign stars if their service dates align with the designated combat zones. These awards are treated with the same administrative care as high-level decorations like the Silver Star.

However, a significant exception exists for certain foreign awards or non-military decorations that the government does not have the authority to reissue. If a foreign government presented a medal to a U.S. service member, the Department of Defense generally cannot replace it because they do not hold the manufacturing rights or the original records for those specific items. In such instances, families must contact the issuing country's embassy to inquire about replacement procedures.