By Kyle Martin

A veteran’s medals testify to his service and courage in battle. Veterans give up a lot for their country and those medals serve as a “thank you” of sorts from the United States. The medals also are an important way for family members to remember a veteran. Medals can be lost over time, though, through neglect, theft or fire. The U.S. military keeps a record of the medals, and you can get replacements shipped to the veteran and her family.

Step 1 - Make a records request through the National Personnel Records Center’s website for proof of a veteran’s service. You’ll need a copy of the DD214 separation document and proof of any medals to which the veteran is entitled. Non-veterans or persons who are not next of kin can only obtain information that’s available under the Freedom of Information Act.

Step 2 - Phone your member of Congress to get help replacing lost medals. This can expedite the process and decrease the red tape, but you still must provide the documents you received from the national records center. Medals will be issued to family members of a living veteran if the veteran submits signed authorization. Authorized family members of deceased veterans are: son or daughter, father or mother, widower or a widow who has not remarried, or a brother or sister. They will need to provide a copy of a death certificate in addition to the DD214.

Step 3 - Request the medals through the military branch in which the veteran served. The exception is the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. Send your request to the records center. Clerks there will verify the awards a veteran is entitled to and forward the request.

Step 4 – Talk with a member of the local Veterans Affairs office if you cannot reach anyone else in the government or need help filling out the appropriate forms.