Posted on Jun 20, 2021
How should I create a memorial display for a deceased veteran’s family?
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One of the Marines I served with in Vietnam passed away roughly 30 years ago. A family member of the deceased Marine is wanting to put together a memorial display / shadow box of his medals / ribbons, etc. I have a copy of his DD214 and personal service record book. In reviewing the awards list in his DD214/SRB I’m aware of a couple of awards that were authorized subsequent to his passing. Q: should I just work off of his DD214 or attempt an update to reflect t the additional awards? The deceased Marine is someone I really looked up to and I’ve been in touch with his family for quite some time. Thanks for your thoughts and recommendations.
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
I don't think there's a Memorial police.
I have my shadow box and from what that company told me is they mirror what you'd see on a soldier's chest regarding name plate, awards, badges, rank, etc. No one needs to see the DD214 nor the award certificates. I have mine in another binder and each is in a plastic sleeve; the official DD paperwork for it and the fancy embossed award paper.
The military is about order and structure and I'm sure having the shadow box look like that would be preferable.
I have my shadow box and from what that company told me is they mirror what you'd see on a soldier's chest regarding name plate, awards, badges, rank, etc. No one needs to see the DD214 nor the award certificates. I have mine in another binder and each is in a plastic sleeve; the official DD paperwork for it and the fancy embossed award paper.
The military is about order and structure and I'm sure having the shadow box look like that would be preferable.
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Sgt Ken Crouse
Thanks for your feedback. Although I'm not worrying about the "Memorial police" (great term!), I know the family wants to get it right. As a unit (the Marine Security Guard Detachment serving at the American Embassy in Saigon at the time of its evacuation in 1975) we're still pretty close in many ways. The family member who will end up with it even traveled with other members of the detachment back to Saigon in 2015 for a return trip to mark 40-years and to dedicate a memorial plaque for our KIA's that is now on the grounds of the former embassy / now US Consulate. I traveled from California to Texas for her wedding a few years ago and our Marines kind of form part of their family unit - the offbeat uncles that all families have :-) I just would hate to have someone else take a look at the shadow box / memorial down the road and think there are awards shown which her father wasn't entitled. Again, thanks for the comment - greatly appreciated.
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Check to see if he has a DD215 that includes the awards. After I got out, I received a DD215 with an award I didn’t know about. If he does not have one already, you can gather documentation about these new awards and apply for a DD215. His heirs may have to make the actual request, but you can do the legwork for them. The military may not want to make changes since the awards were authorized posthumously (rather than awarded), but it doesn’t cost anything except time to pursue it. The family might not get sent the actual awards, so you or the family will have to buy them.
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Sgt Ken Crouse
Thanks. Yes, the family intends to purchase the medals / ribbons. I forget where I picked up mine, but recall the firm did a nice job. Much appreciated.
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If there is any documentation you should include it. Things like service stripes, just go off the 214. Service awards…depends on which ones. Go off the criteria and documents you have. So if he has a CAR from the RVN, you’d have the Vietnam Service Medal. Campaign stars correspond to campaigns and his participation in them. Little trickier
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Sgt Ken Crouse
Thanks. Operation Frequent Wind qualifies for a campaign Star - I know as I have one. Pretty clear cut as he received a Navy Achievement Medal for his actions and that was issued within a relatively short time of the operation .. really appreciate the feedback..
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