How can I get a replacement for a Marine veteran's stolen blues and medals?

Cheyenne Moon — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:02:39 -0400

Can someone please please help me. My spouse is a marine. I’m sure you guys understand he does not talk about it much due to the things you brave heros experience. But one thing he does speak about and brings him to almost tears is his Blues. Years and years ago they were stolen out of his car when he returned home. (This was a while back) Along with all the medals he earned protecting our country. Is there any way I can get these replaced? As well as the medals? I’m not sure how to even find who to get the information from to ask these questions. I just know if this was able to be accomplished it would help him tremendously. It would mean the world to me if I was able to provide this to him because I know it has brought him so much pain and heartache. Please help me

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2024 5:16 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:16:37 -0400

Unfortunately, there is no way that I know of that will get the uniform and medals replaced at no cost to you, even with a police report. The only way will be to purchase them all over again.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Aug 23 at 2024 5:37 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:37:11 -0400

The VA has this website. They can help replace the medals through the services. Doesn't help with the uniform though.

https://www.archives.gov/veterans/replace-medals

Military Awards and Decorations

The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) does not issue service medals; that is a function of each military service department. 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 cases involving Air Force and Army personnel (click here for exceptions), the NPRC will verify the awards to which a...

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Aug 24 at 2024 6:17 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 06:17:28 -0400

You have got a lot of information on replacing the medals, as for the Uniform, I would suggest that you contact the Marine Corp Association. I'm not a Marine, but Marines have always done a decent job of taking care of their own.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Aug 24 at 2024 4:44 PM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 16:44:10 -0400

I Think I Know How He Must Feel ~ Upon The Receipt Of My DD-214, I Placed My Uniforms,
Fatigues, Dress, Hats, And All Into A Sealed Box And Placed Them In The Storage Area Of The Garage;
And They All Disappeared.But I Still Have My Dog Tags; IN My Pocket With My Keys.
So, Even If My House Burns To The Ground, I STILL Have My Dog Tags~ I NEED Those.~

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Aug 25 at 2024 9:06 AM

MSG Thomas Currie — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 09:06:59 -0400

As LTC Kevin B. already mentioned, the service will issue replacement medals. They aren't very quick, but if you follow the steps they will provide replacement medals.

The uniform would have to be bought. If you can't afford to buy a new uniform you might find some help through one of the veterans organizations in your area.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2024 5:56 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 17:56:21 -0400

While there are channels to get medals replaced, realistically just buying them is probably the way to go. It might not as much as you think if you manage to piece them together from e-bay and such.

As for the blues? Is he going to wear them again? If not, then does it really matter?

A quality shadow box is a good way to go. As we get older there's just less and less things we can hang onto. A whole set of blues that one is never going to wear that were never originally theirs is something to consider if it's really worth it.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Aug 26 at 2024 10:57 AM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 10:57:23 -0400

https://www.archives.gov/veterans/replace-medals.html

Replace Veterans' Medals, Awards, and Decorations

Snippet

Response by SPC Merle Jantz made Aug 29 at 2024 2:30 PM

SPC Merle Jantz — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 14:30:22 -0400

Don't know about the uniform, but my congressman got me a replacement set of medals and badges.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2024 1:26 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 13:26:07 -0400

If you have a Marine Corps Association near by I would try contacting them for information on uniforms and awards.