How to Replace Army Medals
A long-standing military tradition is the awarding of medals to veterans. These medals range from awards like the Purple Heart (awarded for injuries sustained in battle); the Bronze Star and Silver Star (awarded for especially heroic actions); and ribbons awarded for participating in a military campaign. If a veteran or current military member loses their medals, the Army will replace them, usually free of charge.
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Instructions
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Determine which medals need to be replaced, and if you fit the requirements to be able to replace them. If the medals aren't for you, but for a relative, the veteran needs to be a blood relative--no in-laws, uncles, aunts, or cousins.
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Fill out form SF180, and mail it to this address:
National Personnel Records Center
Medals Section (NRPMA-M)
9700 Page Avenue
St Louis MO 63132-5100You can download this form from the National Archives website, from the National Personnel Records Center, the Department of Defense, your local Veterans Administration office, or from veterans service organizations such as the VFW.
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You can also contact the office of your local congressional representative or one of your state's senators to forward your request to the Department of the Army.
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Wait for your request to be processed and your medals to be shipped to you. If you go through your representative or senator's office, the wait is typically about 90 days. If you go through the NPRC, you might need to wait as long as two years to get the medals.
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