How to Obtain Army Grave Markers

Military headstones can be placed in civilian cemeteries with permission from the cemetery director.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides deceased service members with a free Army headstone or grave marker. Only veterans discharged under honorable conditions are eligible. A headstone, according to the VA, is an upright stone engraved with the soldier's information. A grave marker is a flat granite, marble or bronze plaque containing the deceased soldier's information. Both Army headstones and Army grave markers are ordered through the VA using VA Form 40-1330.

Things You'll Need

• VA Form 40-1330
• Department of Defense Form 214

Instructions

1. Locate the veteran's Department of Defense Form 214. The DD-214 is the Army's official separation document and must be used to verify the veteran's discharge status. The VA will not authorize a free Army grave marker without a discharge document. If you cannot locate the veteran's DD-214, apply to receive one through the National Archives and let them know you need it for burial benefits.

2. Download and complete VA Form 40-1330. Include the deceased veteran's name, Social Security number (if known) and the dates of his or her birth and death. Include the name and address of the cemetery to which the Army grave marker will be delivered, and indicate whether you wish to have a religious emblem added to the marker. Use the instruction sheet on the VA Form 40-1330 to select the code that represents your desired religious symbol.

3. Mail or fax your application and supporting documents to the VA. The VA's application mailing address is: Memorial Programs Service (41A1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Road, Quantico, Virginia 22134-3903. The fax number for Army grave marker applications is 800-455-7143.

Tips & Warnings

• If the service member died after November 1, 1990, said veteran is entitled to a headstone or marker even if he or she already has a civilian one; service members in currently unmarked graves who died at any time are also entitled to an Army headstone or grave marker.

• Call the VA's Applicant Assistance hotline at 800-697-6947 if you have difficulty completing the form.

References

• Department of Veterans Affairs: VA Form 40-1330
• Department of Veterans Affairs: Headstones and Markers - General Information
• Department of Veterans Affairs: Eligibility for a Headstone or Marker

Resources

• National Archives: Other Methods to Obtain Military Service Records