![]() Therefore, if dog tags are lost, it is important to know where and how to get replacement dog tags. With the information contained on a dog tag, it triggers a multitude of processes that start once the deceased service member is identified. Information like blood type and other medical information can be ascertained by simply identifying the wounded service member.ĭog tags can also be used by casualty affairs personnel to help them process the remains of service member. They enable medical and mortuary affairs teams to identify wounded or dead service personnel and process them accordingly.ĭog tags can help medical personnel treat the wounded by providing critical identifiable information about the patient. As such, the veteran's date of separation (separation is defined as discharge, retirement or death in service) will affect how the request is processed.Dog tags serve a sad, but necessary function in the U.S. Records with a discharge date less than 62 years ago are non-archival and are maintained under the Federal Records Center program. Non-archival records are subject to access restrictions. Separation from service is defined as discharge, retirement or death in service based on a rolling date. (To calculate this, take the current year and subtract 62.) Records with a discharge date 62 (or more) years ago are archival and are open to the public. OMPFs are accessioned into the National Archives, and become archival, 62 years after the service member's separation from the military. The Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) is used to verify awards to which a veteran may be entitled. How the type of record (archival or non-archival) affects NOK requests for medals: If you do not meet the definition of NOK, you are considered a member of the general public. For the Army, the NOK is defined as: the surviving spouse, eldest child, father or mother, eldest sibling or eldest grandchild.For the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps & Coast Guard, the NOK is defined as: the un-remarried widow or widower, son, daughter, father, mother, brother or sister.Important Information for the Next-of-Kin (NOK): ![]() Where to write in case of a problem or an appeal Where to write for medals, and where medals are mailed from If the service member separated less than 62 years ago, the public may request such information from the OMPF via the Freedom of Information Act ( see Access to OMPFs by the General Public). Click here for details.įor the General Public: if the service member separated from military service 62 (or more) years ago, the public may purchase a copy of the veteran's Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) to determine the awards due and obtain the medals from a commercial source. This includes family members with the signed authorization of the veteran.įor the Next-of-Kin: the process (and cost) for replacement medals requests differs among the service branches and is dependent upon who is requesting the medal, particularly if the request involves an archival record. ![]() How Do I Request Military Awards and Decorations?įor the Veteran: in general, the military services will work replacement medal requests for the veteran at no cost. Use the addresses listed below, and mail your request accordingly. However, for cases involving Air Force and Army personnel (click here for exceptions), the NPRC will verify the awards to which a veteran is entitled and forward the request along with the records verification to the appropriate service department for issuance of the medals. Requests for the issuance or replacement of military service medals, decorations and awards should be directed to the specific branch of the military in which the veteran served. The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) does not issue service medals that is a function of each military service department. ![]() How Do I Request Military Awards and Decorations?.
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