Military Replacement Medals Bring Honors Back
By JPnMO on
As a very proud daughter of a WWII veteran, I was deeply saddened when I learned that all of his military medals had been lost. With several moves to different states and 6 curious children, it was bound to happen.
Genealogy is one of my hobbies and I thoroughly love finding items that belonged to my ancestors, no matter how big or small or whether it's worth a dime. The sentimental value is all that matters. That's why I was so upset when I realized that the medals had been lost. My father was my hero, my own Superman. He never asked for awards or recognition. He felt that he owed his country, not the other way around, so though I know he was proud of his medals, they probably meant more to me than they did to him.
I already had a lot of experience in tracking down genealogy records, but wasn't sure I could do the same with military medals. I contacted the government agency that handles such things, but they weren't sure they could even find his record, due to a fire years ago that destroyed most of the records being held in St. Louis. All I could do was give as much information as I had and then hope.
Weeks later, I received a phone call from someone at the agency. She not only had the medals I requested, but had found his military records, which I had previously been told were destroyed. I was ecstatic, to say the least.
A few days later, I received a package and my hands trembled as I opened it.Inside were all the medals my father had earned, includinga Bronze Star. I thought there had been a mistake, since my father had never mentioned the Bronze Star. I checked his records that I had just received and yes indeed, he was awarded a Bronze Star. Unfortunately, I'll never know why he got it.
For anyone who would like to obtain replacement medals for a loved one who served their country, go to:
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/replacement-medals.html
If your loved one is still living, they must request their own.The medals are available to those who served any branch of service between 1945 and 1991. There is no cost to you. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.
What a wonderful keepsake and an exceptional remembrance of your father - I located info on the Bronze Star as well as other Medals in your collection here: http://www.americal.org/awards/achv-svc.htm - Your dad had a great deal to be very proud of not only in a daughter who ensured his Medals came home again, but also in the exceptional gift of service he gave to his country and countrymen - thank you for this info you have helped many others as well - congrats!!
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That is great! And THANK YOU for being in a military family. I know you didn't have a choice but your unselfishness in supporting your dad is honorable. From my Army Vet husband and I to you and your family - THANK YOU! I need to check this out. My husband's ex sold a letter and medal he got from Colin Powell in Desert Storm. She also sold some of his other medals. I will go check this out and try to get some replacements for him. This will be great if they can do it. I'd prefer official medals over replicas. :)
I'm so glad you got all of your dad's medals replaced and I'm going to keep this website handy, thanks for such a great review and bringing this to our attention.