How to Order Military Medals for a Veteran: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are wondering how to order military medals for a veteran, the answer is simple, but the process can take a minute. Start by submitting a Standard Form 180 (SF-180) to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) along with proof of service. Medals can be requested by the veteran directly, or by next of kin for deceased veterans. Processing typically takes 60–90 days.

If you're trying to figure out how to order military medals for a veteran—whether for yourself, a living family member, or a loved one who has passed—the process is more straightforward than most people expect. The U.S. government allows veterans and their families to request earned medals through official channels, often at no cost.

How to Order Military Medals for a Veteran

For a living veteran, here's how to order military medals for a veteran step by step:

Step 1: Gather service records

You'll need basic information about the veteran's military service, including full name, branch of service, service number or Social Security number, and dates of active duty.

Step 2: Complete Standard Form 180 (SF-180)

The SF-180 is the official request form for military service records and medals. Download it from the National Archives website at archives.gov. Fill it out carefully—errors can delay processing.

Step 3: Submit your request

Send the completed SF-180 to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri. You can submit by mail, fax, or online through the National Archives' eVetRecs system. The online system is generally faster.

Step 4: Wait for processing

Standard processing takes approximately 60–90 days. If the veteran needs medals urgently—for a ceremony, for example—note that on your request and provide supporting documentation.

Step 5: Receive and verify

Once received, check that all awarded medals are accounted for. If anything is missing, you can follow up directly with the NPRC.

Tip: Veterans can also purchase replacement medals from vendors like USAMM if they need them faster.

How to Order Military Medals for a Veteran Who is Deceased

If you're a family member, understanding how to get replacement medals for deceased veterans follows a similar process—with one key difference: you'll need to establish your relationship to the veteran.

Here's how to order military medals for a veteran who has passed away:

Step 1: Establish next-of-kin status

Only the next of kin can request medals on behalf of a deceased veteran. The order of precedence is: surviving spouse, eldest child, parent, sibling, and other next of kin. You may be asked to provide documentation proving your relationship.

Step 2: Complete the SF-180

Fill out the same SF-180 form, noting that the request is being made on behalf of a deceased veteran. Include the veteran's full name, branch, service dates, and date of death.

Step 3: Include supporting documents

Attach a copy of the veteran's death certificate and any available discharge papers (such as a DD-214 form). These documents help verify eligibility and speed up processing.

Step 4: Submit to the NPRC

Mail or submit your request online via eVetRecs. For deceased veterans whose records were affected by the 1973 NPRC fire—which destroyed millions of Army and Air Force records—additional documentation may be required.

Tip: Veterans can also purchase replacement medals from vendors like USAMM if they need them faster. Going through USAMM is likely the easiest way to answer the question, "How to get replacement medals for deceased veterans?"

Honor the Service, Preserve the Legacy

Knowing how to order military medals for a veteran is one of the most meaningful ways to recognize a service member's sacrifice. The process is free through the federal government, straightforward, and open to both living veterans and the families of those who have passed.

Start your request today since now that you know how to get replacement medals for veterans by visiting archives.gov, or calling NPRC at 1-314-801-0800 for assistance.