Military medals serve as tangible symbols of honor, valor, and sacrifice, representing the bravery and dedication of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. But regardless of whether you are a veteran seeking to claim medals earned during your service or a family member seeking to honor a loved one’s military legacy, navigating the process of applying for military medals can sometimes be complex and daunting.
In this guide, I ll walk you through the step-by-step process of applying for US military medals, including tips and resources to help you successfully navigate the application process. From determining eligibility and gathering required documentation to submitting the application and following up on its status, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure a smooth and successful experience.
Any individual who has served in the United States Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, is eligible to apply for US military medals. Additionally, certain family members of deceased veterans or veterans unable to apply themselves may also be eligible to apply on their behalf. You can also request a replacement medal.
Generally, veterans themselves or their next of kin, such as surviving spouses, children, or parents, are the ones who typically apply for military medals. However, specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on the type of medal and the circumstances of the service member.
Receiving recognition for one’s military service through the award of a military medal is a significant honor, not only for the individual veteran but also for their family and loved ones. As we have mentioned, though, the process can seem a little daunting at fist. So here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a US military medal.
The first thing you will need to do is collect the veteran’s full name, date of birth, service number or Social Security number, branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), and dates of service (start and end dates).
You should try to obtain any available documentation related to the veteran’s military service, such as discharge papers (DD Form 214), military orders, awards citations, and other official records. The National Archives can help you request military service records online. This website also allows you to check the status of your request. Just remember that recent records won’t be online.
The next step is to research the specific eligibility criteria for the military medal you wish to apply for. Eligibility may vary depending on factors such as the veteran’s branch of service, length of service, and the nature of their service (e.g., combat versus non-combat).
For example, the US Army has a thorough list of all service, campaign medals, and foreign awards that include detailed eligibility criteria.
You will need to ensure that the veteran meets all eligibility requirements before proceeding with the application.
Visit the official website of the branch of service or the Department of Defense to locate and download the appropriate application form for the desired military medal.
Each branch typically has its own designated form for requesting medals and awards, so be sure to use the correct form. Here’s a list of the different forces:
