Have you lost military service medals, decorations, or awards that you or a family member earned and need to replace them? Find out how to request for replacements and what forms you will need to fill out.
Medals awarded while in active service will be issued by the appropriate service if requested by veterans or, if deceased, their next of kin.
Medals awarded while in active service are issued by the individual military services if requested by veterans or by the next of kin of deceased veterans. 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 veterans, the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) verifies the awards to which a veteran is entitled and forwards requests and verification to appropriate service department for issuance.
Requesting Replacement Awards ands Medals
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 is preferred 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:
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Army | |
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Where to write for medals |
National Personnel Records Center |
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Where medals are mailed from |
U.S. Army TACOM |
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Where to write in case of a problem |
Commander |
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Air Force (including Army Air Corps & Army Air Forces) | |
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Where to write for medals |
National Personnel Records Center |
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Where medals are mailed from |
Headquarters Air Force Personnel Ctr |
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Where to write in case of a problem |
Headquarters Air Force Personnel Ctr |
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Navy | |
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Where to write for medals |
Navy Personnel Command |
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Where medals are mailed from |
Navy Personnel Command |
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Where to write in case of a problem |
Chief of Naval Operations |
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Marine Corps | |
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Where to write for medals |
Navy Personnel Command |
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Where medals are mailed from |
Navy Personnel Command |
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Where to write in case of a problem |
Commandant of the Marine Corps |
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Coast Guard | |
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Where to write for medals |
Navy Personnel Command |
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Where medals are mailed from |
Navy Personnel Command |
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Where to write in case of a problem |
Commandant U.S. Coast Guard |
COLD H2 Certificate Recognition War
In accordance with section 1084 of the Fiscal Year 1998 National Defense Authorization Act, the Secretary of Defense approved awarding Cold War Recognition Certificates to all members of the armed forces and qualified federal government civilian personnel who faithfully served the United States during the Cold War era, from Sept. 2, 1945, to Dec. 26, 1991.
Who is eligible?
All members of the armed forces and federal government civilian personnel who faithfully served the United States during the Cold War era, Sept. 2, 1945, to Dec. 26, 1991.
This Center will, upon request, provide copies of DD 214's and other separation documents, as appropriate, to authorized requesters. These documents may be used to apply for the Certificate. Complete instructions for obtaining a copy of your DD 214 may be found under How to Request Copies of Military Service Records. However, this center does not have the application form available, nor will we be able to supply the Certificate itself.
For more information concerning the application process visit the Army's Cold War Recognition Certificate webpage.
Related Links:
Wearing of Medals and Awards
