How to Replace a Military Medal

Military medals may be replaced if lost or damaged.

Military medals are prized possessions and are often passed down through the family. Despite their importance, medals can be lost or damaged. However, the National Archives can replace military medals. Veterans or family members of veterans can write to the branches of the armed services requesting replacements.

Instructions

1. Draft a letter directed to the military branch you or the veteran related to you served in. Explain who you are in the first section of the letter. If you are a veteran writing the letter, list your rank, dates of service, discharge date and any other pertinent information. If you are writing this request on behalf of a veteran, include the information about the veteran and describe your relationship to him (wife, son, daughter, for example).

2. Send your letter to the appropriate address.

   Army and Air Force:
   National Personnel Records Center
   9700 Page Avenue
   St. Louis, MO 63132-5100

   Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard:
   Navy Personnel Command
   Liaison Office Room 5409
   9700 Page Avenue
   St. Louis, MO 63132-5100

3. Contact the appropriate military branch if there are problems with your request (such as if your request was somehow denied or if you received the wrong medals).

   Army:
   Commander, U.S. Army Human Resources, Command
   Attn: TAPC-PDO-PA
   200 Stovall Street
   Alexandria, VA 22332-0474

   Air Force:
   Headquarters Air Force Personnel Center
   AFPC/DPPPR
   550 C Street West, Suite 12
   Randolph AFB, TX, 78150-4715

   Navy:
   Chief of Naval Operations
   OPNAV 09B33
   Awards & Special Projects
   Washington, DC 20350-2000

   Marine Corps:
   Commandant of the Marine Corps
   Military Awards Branch (MMMA)
   3280 Russell Road
   Quantico, VA 22134-5100

   Coast Guard:
   Commandant U.S. Coast Guard
   Medals and Awards Branch (PMP-4)
   Washington, DC 20593-0001

Tips & Warnings

• According to archives.gov, there is generally no charge to replace medals. As to when you will receive your replacement medals, each request varies depending on the medals and the service branch.

References

• The National Archives: Military Awards and Decorations
• JCS Group: US Military Medals And Decorations