It is permissible for veterans and retirees to wear military awards on civilian clothes for gatherings of a military theme. On significant holidays like Veterans Day and Memorial Day, veterans and retirees are encouraged to wear their awards and medals. The choice of either full-size medal or miniature is an individual one.
Note: Retirees and veterans may wear their uniforms in appropriate settings as described in the Department of Defense Instruction 1334.01 "Wearing of the Uniform."
Replacing Medals and Awards
Requests for the issuance or replacement of military service medals, decorations, and awards should be directed to the specific branch of the military in which the veteran served. However, for Air Force (including Army Air Corps) and Army personnel, the National Personnel Records Center will verify the awards to which a veteran is entitled and forward the request with the verification to the appropriate service department for issuance of the medals.
The eVetRecs system is the preferred method for requesting medals and awards. Provide as much information as possible in the comments field. Should you prefer to submit your request using a SF180 then provide as much information as possible and send the form to the appropriate address from the following tables:
|
Army | |
|
Where to write for medals |
National Personnel Records Center |
|
Where medals are mailed from |
U.S. Army TACOM |
|
Where to write in case of a problem |
Commander |
|
Air Force (including Army Air Corps & Army Air Forces) | |
|
Where to write for medals |
National Personnel Records Center |
|
Where medals are mailed from |
Headquarters Air Force Personnel Ctr |
|
Where to write in case of a problem |
Headquarters Air Force Personnel Ctr |
|
Navy | |
|
Where to write for medals |
Navy Personnel Command |
|
Where medals are mailed from |
Navy Personnel Command |
|
Where to write in case of a problem |
Chief of Naval Operations |
|
Marine Corps | |
|
Where to write for medals |
Navy Personnel Command |
|
Where medals are mailed from |
Navy Personnel Command |
|
Where to write in case of a problem |
Commandant of the Marine Corps |
|
Coast Guard | |
|
Where to write for medals |
Navy Personnel Command |
|
Where medals are mailed from |
Navy Personnel Command |
|
Where to write in case of a problem |
Commandant U.S. Coast Guard |
Generally, there is no charge for medal or award replacements. The length of time to receive a response or your medals and awards varies depending upon the branch of service sending the medals.
