As always you can simply stop by our office and we can help you order your military replacement medals and records.
Military Awards and Decorations:
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 website at: http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/public/awards-and-decorations.html#army 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 SF-180 then provide as much information as possible and send the form to the appropriate address from the following tables: please include your military service number, your Social Security Number, a copy of your separation papers (DD-214 or WDAGO 53-55), your complete mailing address and daytime phone number. 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.
As always we are able to assist you with this process and would encourage you to contact our office.
Cold War Recognition Certificate: 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.
Military Records and Discharges (DD-214):
A copy of your military records can be obtained by coming into our office and submitting the following: (Your request must contain certain basic information for us to locate your service records)
- The veteran’s complete name used while in service
- Service number
- Social security number
- Branch of service
- Dates of service
- Date and place of birth (especially if the service number is not known).
If you suspect your records may have been involved in the 1973 fire, also include:
- Place of discharge
- Last unit of assignment
- Place of entry into the service, if known.
All requests must be signed and dated by the veteran or next-of-kin. If you received a bonus for military service in time of war, we can usually recover your separation papers in a few days from the state that you entered the service from.
Where to send my request:
You can mail or fax your signed and dated request to the National Archives’ National Personnel Record Center (NPRC). Most, but not all records, are stored at the NPRC. Be sure to use the address specified by eVetRecs or the instructions on the SF-180.
NPRC Mailing Address:
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
1 Archives Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63138
NPRC Phone: (314) 801-0800
NPRC Fax Number: (314) 801-9195
Or go to the National Archive Website
Response Time:
The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) normally responds to requests for Separation Documents (such as DD Form 214) in ten (10) working days or less. However, requests that involve reconstruction efforts due to the 1973 fire or older records which require extensive search efforts may take much longer (such as requests for your complete OMPF). You will receive a response in writing by U.S. Mail.
As always we are able to assist you with this process and would encourage you to contact our office.