Requesting Military Service Medals & Awards

Veterans and their families have the right to honor military service through official medals and awards. Whether lost, never received, or simply needed for display or remembrance, these honors can be requested from the U.S. military at no cost.

Who Can Request Medals?

Veterans or their next of kin (spouse, parent, sibling, or child)
Applies to all branches of service
Must provide proof of service and relationship (if applicable)

What Can Be Requested?

• Service medals, ribbons, badges, and citations earned during active duty
• Replacement medals if originals were lost or never received. Common examples include:
• Purple Heart
• Bronze Star
• Good Conduct Medal
• Campaign & Service Medals
• Unit Awards and Citations

How to Apply:

For Veterans or Next of Kin:

• Complete Standard Form 180 (SF-180)
• require_once(a copy of the veteran’s DD214 (discharge papers)
• Mail to the correct military branch address listed on the form

*Each military branch processes its own medal requests – be sure to send it to the right one!

Online Option:

Submit a request directly through the National Archives eVetRecs system:
Request Medals Online

How Long Does It Take?

6–12 weeks on average, though time may vary by branch and request type.
Replacement medals are typically free of charge.

Additional Resources:

• National Archives: Military Awards and Decorations
• Department of Defense: Military Awards Policy
• Air Force Awards & Decorations
• Army Human Resources Command: Awards Branch