Is there any way to request the physical medals and awards you have earned after you get out?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 03:29:10 -0400

I know a few Soldiers that have ETS'd and are now in IRR who have not been given any of the awards on their record. One went out and purchased all of the ribbons from the PX before his final board, but doesn't have the medals.

My understanding and personal experience is that you should be issued your first award of every new award at no cost. Replacing them or extras is on you.

If I was aware I would have directed them to their supply before they got out. Are they going to have to pay out of pocket or is there a channel to request them?

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2021 4:43 AM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 04:43:33 -0400

One that is IRR should be able to contact G1 if orders have been cut and recorded I would not see why G1 or G4 would not provide the medal. One that is out of the service would likely have to purchase the medal. Awards will be on the DD214 or NGB22. Medals are always awarded with the orders. If one did not get presented with the orders they would be in their military record/201 file. Always advisable to keep personal duplicate of your file. Depending on the award/medal the G1 office will usually mail the award to the military persons last recorded address. Good luck

Response by MAJ Samuel Weber made Apr 29 at 2021 6:33 AM

MAJ Samuel Weber — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 06:33:16 -0400

If you have left the service and have a DD214 or NGB22, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troops Support located in Pennsylvania will send you a one time replacement for your medals. I would contac them for program information and they can walk you through the process. https://www.dla.mil/TroopSupport/ClothingandTextiles.aspx

Defense Logistics Agency TroopSupport ClothingandTextiles

Official website of the Defense Logistics Agency

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2021 8:50 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 08:50:40 -0400

archives.gov national archives can do it as well

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 29 at 2021 10:24 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 10:24:38 -0400

Replacing Military Medals
Medals awarded while in active service are issued by the individual military services if requested by Veterans or their next of kin. Requests for replacement medals, decorations, and awards should be directed to the 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 awards and forwards requests and verification to appropriate services.

Requests for replacement medals should be submitted on Standard Form 180, “Request Pertaining to Military Records,” which may be obtained at VA offices or the Internet at http://www.va.gov/vaforms/. Forms, addresses, and other information on requesting medals can be found on the Military Personnel Records section of NPRC’s Website at http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel. For questions, call Military Personnel Records at [login to see] , or e-mail questions to: [login to see] .

When requesting medals, type or clearly print the Veteran’s full name, include the Veteran’s branch of service, service number or Social Security number, and provide the Veteran’s exact orapproximate dates of military service. The request must contain the signature of the Veteran or next of kin if the Veteran is deceased. If available, include a copy of the discharge or separation document, WDAGO Form 53-55 or DD Form 214.

If discharge or separation documents are lost, Veterans or the next of kin of deceased Veterans may obtain duplicate copies through the eBenefits portal (http://www.ebenefits.va.gov) or by completing forms found on the Internet at http://www.archives.gov/research/index.html and mailing or faxing them to the NPRC.

Alternatively, write the National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records, One Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138- 1002. Specify that a duplicate separation document is needed. The Veteran’s full name should be printed or typed so that it can be read clearly, but the request must also contain the signature of the Veteran or the signature of the next of kin, if the Veteran is deceased. Include the Veteran’s branch of service, service number or Social Security number, and exact or approximate dates and years of service. Use Standard Form 180, “Request Pertaining To Military Records.” It is not necessary to request a duplicate copy of a Veteran’s discharge or separation papers solely for the purpose of filing a claim for VA benefits. If complete information about the Veteran’s service is furnished on the application, VA will obtain verification of service.

https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/benefits_chap15.asp#:~:text=Medals%20awarded%20while%20in%20active,in%20which%20the%20Veteran%20served.

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Response by SPC Brian Mason made Apr 29 at 2021 3:49 PM

SPC Brian Mason — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 15:49:48 -0400

I had a Shadow box made before I left Drum and I'd kept all my medals and official paper work so I didn't have an issue. As long as you have a DD214 or the NG equivalent those should provide proof. I believe there's another DD form that lists your awards, date, etc. but don't know the specific one.
If you haven't already scan all your important info, military especially, onto a separate external HD.