Awards and medals are issued when the originals have been lost, destroyed, or rendered unfit for use through no fault of the person to whom they were given. >NPRC has responsibility for providing verification of entitlement for some awards for the Army and Air Force; however, NPRC does not furnish the actual awards. For Air Force awards, NA Form 13059, Transmittal of And/Or Entitlement to Awards is prepared and forwarded to the Air Force Personnel Command for issuance of the awards. Army awards requests are created on line and submitted electronically to the U.S. Army Tank Automotive and Armament Command for issuance of the awards.
Individuals who were discharged under other than honorable conditions are not entitled to any medals earned during the less than honorable period of service.
An other than honorable discharge may be characterized as Bad Conduct Discharge, Dishonorable Discharge, Undesirable Discharge, or Under Other than Honorable Conditions Discharge. For medals issuance purposes, a General Under Honorable Conditions Discharge will be processed in the same manner as an Honorable Discharge.
When a veteran had only one period of service and the entire period is other than honorable, no medals will be issued. Respond using the pattern paragraph Medals-Entitlement & Eligibility for Issuance-Medals Request for Under Other than Honorable Conditions. Provide a list of awards earned for purchase from civilian dealers.
If a veteran had more than one period of service, and at least one period resulted in an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge, he may be issued only the medals earned during the honorable period(s) and a list of the medals earned during the less than honorable period provided.
The Department of the Air Force is responsible for servicing requests for awards earned by members of the AAC or AAF who served prior to July 1, 1948.
When requested, copies of any information pertaining to awards and commendations should be furnished. Normally, four copies of the NA Form 13059 are prepared and dispatched as follows:
The National Personnel Records Center does not process requests for replacement of certificates of decoration. Most requests can be satisfied with a copy of the award citation, or order. If a requester insists on having a certificate of decoration replaced, refer the inquiry and the record to HQ Air Force Personnel Center, Attn: HQ AFPC/DPPPRA, 550 C Street West, Suite 12, Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4712. Congressional inquiries are referred to HQ Air Force Personnel Center, Attn: HQ AFPC/DSXI, 550 C Street West, Suite 45, Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4747.
If the original certificate is found in the record, it should be sent to the veteran or the NOK.
If the veteran requests his awards be listed on his separation document, a DD Form 215, Correction to DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Release or Discharge from Active Duty, should be prepared.
DETERMINING ENTITLEMENT TO AF, AAC and AAF MEDALS:
If the veteran/NOK has requested “medals,” the following service record documents should be used to identify those medals to which the individual was entitled:
Report of Separation
AF Form 7, Airman’s Military Record
AF Form 11, Officer’s Military Record
AF Form 1712, Uniform Military Personnel Record
Service record book, orders citation, etc.
An excellent source for information about Air Force unit awards is available at the following website:
http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/awards/
When the service record was lost in the fire and a computer search fails to identify a B or R file, ask the requester to submit a copy of the separation document. If the requester does not have a copy, check the VA Index for possible VA claim number. If positive, run BIRLS and procure the separation document. Complete NA Form 13059 upon receipt of the separation document.
If the request is for a specific medal and documentation is not found on in the military personnel record, request a search of the Awards Card File. The cards have been alphabetically consolidated for surnames A through G. Searches involving surnames H through Z must be conducted by the specific medal. The file contains awards for the years 1939 through 1963. Provide the veteran’s name, service number and denote the specific medal veteran is requesting. A list of the medals in the card file is located in NPRC 1865.110. If an entry is found for the veteran, OR will provide a copy of the card or transcribe the award info on NA Form 13105.
NOTE: The majority of the awards found in the card file are personal awards, such as the Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star Medal, etc. However, some unit awards are also included. The unit awards are arranged by the number of the unit, from 1 through 83, such as the 1st medal Group or the 83rd Military Police Group. There are no numbers higher than 83. Some units are listed by alpha, A through W. (e.g. Western Pacific Command). When the request concerns a fire-related record and you have not been able to locate a copy of the separation document, you may submit a request to OR for a search of the Awards Card File.
POW Medal for AF/AAC/AAF: Applications should be submitted on DD Form 2510, Prisoner of War Medal Application/Information. However, other forms of correspondence are acceptable if all of the required information has been provided and proper authorization is received. The Department of the Air Force is responsible for determining eligibility for and issuance of the medal. The veteran/NOK must provide the complete name, service number, date and place of birth, branch of service, dates confined as POW, and the unit of assignment when captured. Additional information that may be helpful is place of imprisonment and disposition after release or escape. The request, with all enclosures and NA Form 13059, should be forwarded to Randolph AFB, Attn: DPPPRA, along with copies of the following:
Separation document or equivalent
FAR showing POW dates
Any evidence in the service record which pertains to POW status (e.g. telegrams,
casualty reports, etc.)
IF UNABLE TO DETERMINE ENTITLEMENT TO MEDALS (AF/AAC/AAF):
This Center has limited authority concerning the determination of eligibility for awards. NPRC 1865.110 contains a list of awards for which NPRC cannot determine eligibility. AF Regulation 900-48, Awards, Ceremonies and Honors contains information about these awards, in addition to DoD Manual 1348.33M.
Forward the request, all records of search actions, and loan and transfer the record to the following:
If former member of the AF Reserve:
Headquarters
Air Reserve Personnel Center
Attn: DSMR
Denver, CO 80280
If a former member of the Regular Air Force:
Headquarters
Air Force Personnel Center
Attn: DPPPRA, Suite 12
Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4714
If a former member of the Army Air Corps/Army Air force, prior to July 1, 1948:
Headquarters
Air Force Personnel Center
Attn: DPPPRA, Suite 12
Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4714
If the requester is seeking an Aeronautical Badge (i.e. Pilot, Navigator/Observer, Flight Surgeon, Flight Nurse, Air Crew Member, or Parachutist), loan and transfer the record, including all records of search actions to: Headquarters, USAF/XOOTW, Washington, DC 20330-5054.
REFERENCES:
Air Force Pamphlet, AFP 900-2, Unit Decorations, Awards and Campaign Participation Credits
On November 4, 1998, the function of processing Army replacement medals and certain certificates was transferred to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). The Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) establishes guidelines and responsibility in regard to processing requests from veterans for replacement of Army medals and certain certificates. The MOA also stipulates that NPRC will not make Army award determinations. They will be forwarded to the Department of the Army, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, ATTN: TAPC-PDO-PA, 200 Stovall Street, Alexandria, VA 22332-0471. Specific instructions for forwarding requests to U.S. Army Human Resources Command are outlined below.
Purple Heart determinations: Send a copy of the request, and PHOTOCOPIES of as many of the following documents as are available, to U.S. Army Human Resources Command:
DO NOT send Purple Heart requests to U.S. Army Human Resources Command without documentation. If nothing is available pertaining to wounds received in action, request additional documentation from the veteran before forwarding.
Medal of Honor (MOH) requests: If there is documentation, either in the record or submitted by the requestor, to show Medal of Honor was recommended or awarded, send a copy of the request and photocopies of the documentation to U.S. Army Human Resources Command. Notify requester of referral. If a separation document shows an individual was awarded the Medal of Honor,forward request to U.S. Army Human Resources Command and notify requester of referral. Do not attempt to verify any other awards; U.S. Army Human Resources Command will handle the entire case. If there is no documentation available, do not send to U.S. Army Human Resources Command. Use the pattern paragraph set up for MOH requests.
Brigadier General 07 and above requests: If the General himself is writing, send request to U.S. Army Human Resources Command and notify requester. If the General is deceased, NPRC will handle the request like a routine medals case.
For all other determinations, send a copy of the request and photocopies of all pertinent documentation to U.S. Army Human Resources Command and notify requester of referral. At a minimum, ALWAYS SEND a copy of the request, and - if available - photocopies of 214 (or equivalent) and Form 20 (or equivalent). Attach a cover letter specifying what is needed.
In addition to Army award determinations, U.S. Army Human Resources Command is also responsible for:
In these cases, send a copy of the request and any pertinent documentation, always including the 214 and Form 20 when available, and notify the requester that the request has been forwarded. If there is no documentation available for the specific medal requested, you might need to use the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) paragraph to respond to the requester.
Routine requests handled by NPRC: NPRC verifies entitlement to Army awards, and then the U.S. Army Tank Automotive and Armament Command in Philadelphia processes the 'order' and ships awards to requesters. Requests are submitted to Philadelphia via the Army Awards Web Interface. Requests will be honored from the original recipient of the award, or if deceased, from his or her primary next of kin in the following order: Surviving spouse, eldest child, father or mother, eldest sibling, or eldest grandchild. The types of medals awarded to Army members fall into the following categories: Military decorations, unit awards, foreign decorations and service awards, service medals, badges and appurtenances. If a customer wants to contact the U.S. Army Tank Automotive and Armament Command in Philadelphia, you may give the following address. Do not give out the phone number.
U.S. Army Tank Automotive and Armament Command
IMMC, Soldier System Team
P.O. Box 57997
Philadelphia, PA 19911-7997
ARMY AWARDS WEB INTERFACE:
Effective October 7, 2002, the Army awards web application replaced DA Form 1577, Authorization for Issuance of Awards, as the way requests are submitted to Philadelphia for processing. Specific instructions may be found at the following links:
How to Create an Award Request
How to Correct an Award Request
How to Delete an Award Request
How to Check the Status of a Request
How to use the 'Medals Information' Link
AUXILIARY SOURCES OF INFORMATION (Mostly Army, but some other branches):
Organizational Records - clinical records, morning reports, rosters, etc.
General Orders for Vietnam-Era Awards - Requests for a search of the Vietnam-Era Award General Orders (GO) will be recorded daily and transmitted weekly via FAX to U.S. Army Human Resources Command Awards Branch. VIP and congressional cases may be telephoned in to U.S. Army Human Resources Command. NOTE: These orders are filed by division or Major Command and the year; therefore, that information is very important when making a request to U.S. Army Human Resources Command. Check OMPF/discharge for unit and refer to DA PAM 672-3.
CD-ROM listing of Gulf War Veterans (Desert Storm/Desert Shield) - A CD-Rom is available which provides the dates veterans served in Southwest Asia during Desert Storm and Desert Shield.
Prisoner of War Books WWI, WWII, and Korea - Books are in alpha order and include service number and rank.
Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, and Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients - We have fairly comprehensive Silver Star and Distinguished Service Cross lists for each war, from WW2 through Vietnam, plus WW1 Army Air Corps (AAC) recipients of the DSC. The lists are alphabetical, but most (see exceptions below) do not contain service numbers. They contain only general order number, year, and headquarters that published the order.
These lists, plus some other awards-related information, are in two separate loose-leaf books, both in the Team 5C area, Room 2077. The smaller, black book pertains only to members of the AAC/Army Air Forces (AAF), and then the Air Force. It contains DSC recipients during WW1, WW2 and Korea, and it DOES include service numbers for WW2 and Korea. This book also contains AAC/AAF and USAF members who received the
Casualty Listing of WWII and Korean service members - An alpha listing which is useful for Purple Heart verification. Contains all branches of service.
General Order Books WWI - Book of veterans that served during World War I, listed by unit.
Purple Heart Policies for WWII - Policy binder for award of Purple Heart during World War II.
General Orders for various awards during the 1950s – Microfiche index book of units listing fiche location of Recommendations for Awards, General Orders showing veteran is entitled to the Purple Heart and other awards during the 1950s.
Microfiche Index and General Order awards for WWII and Korea – Fiche index that shows what microfiche to check to find a General Order number for awards, by division and year, during World War II and Korea.
Precedent Files WWI - Precedent files of specific award cases of rulings made for World War I.
Microfiche of Korean POW Listings – Microfiche listing of Korea POW’s in alpha order.
WWI Card Files and Orders – Alpha card file of Army veterans who were entitled to the Silver Star, Purple Heart and Campaign Stars during World War I. Does not show campaign stars; however, some show locations of service.
VERIFYING ENTITLEMENT TO MEDALS (Army: non-fire-related cases)
Review separation document, as well as the following as necessary:
DA Form 20, Enlisted Qualification Record
DA Form 66, Officer Qualification Record
DA Form 24, Service Record
ORB, Officer Record Brief
DA Form 2-1, Personnel Qualification Record, Part II
It is not necessary to review the entire OMPF when the requester asks for "all medals" and does not specify particular medals.
If specific medal(s) is/are requested, review above suggested documents for verification. If documentation is not found, review the entire OMPF for general orders, citation, etc. to substantiate the requester’s entitlement to the desired medal(s).
If evidence is not found in the service record, search appropriate auxiliary sources. If these sources do not produce results, furnish negative reply to the requester. Suggest the requester submit copies of any supporting documentation in their possession.
An excellent source for information about Army awards is available at the following web site:
If the requester again requests the medals, but provides no or inadequate documentation, refer the case to U.S. Army Human Resources Command. If there is evidence in the OMPF that the case has already been reviewed and the award disapproved, send the requester a DD Form 149, Application for Correction of Military or Naval Records under the Provisions of Title 10, US Code Sec. 1552.
VERIFYING ENTITLEMENT TO MEDALS (Army: fire-related cases)
In most cases, separation documents provided by the veteran, will be all the necessary verification needed to process replacement medals requests. The following are the basic medals, NOT automatic medals, for each war or conflict:
Korea
- Good Conduct Medal (for enlistedpersonnel)
- National Defense Service Medal – Honorable active service between June 27, 1950 through July 27, 1954
- Korea Service Medal (if served in Korea between June 27, 1950, and July 27, 1954)
- United Nations Service Medal (if served in Korea on behalf of the United Nations between June 27, 1950, and July 27, 1954)
World War II
- WWII Victory Medal- Honorable service between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946
- Honorable Service Lapel Button (Ruptured Duck) - Honorable service between September 8, 1939, and December 31, 1946
- Bronze Star Medal (based on the award of the CIB or CMB between December 7, 1941 and September 2, 1945, or for Defense of Philippines between December 7, 1941, and May 10, 1942)
- American Campaign Medal – Service within the American Theater between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, and meets additional criteria
- American Defense Service Medal – Service between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941
- European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal (if served in the appropriate theater between December 7, 1941, and November 8, 1945)
- Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (if served in the appropriate theater between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946)
- Women’s Army Corps Service Medal – Service in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps between July 10, 1942, and August 31, 1943, or in the Women’s Army Corps between September 1, 1943, and September 2, 1945.
World War I
- WWI Victory Medal – Service between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918, OR with the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in European Russia from November 12, 1918 to August 5, 1919, OR with AEF in Siberia from November 23, 1918, to April 1, 1920.
- WWI Victory Button (Bronze) – Same requirements as WWI Victory Medal.
- WWI Victory Button (Silver) – In addition to the requirements for WWI Victory Button (Bronze), must have been wounded in action or killed in action. Verification of a “wound chevron” would entitle the veteran to a silver Victory Button.
- Army of Occupation of Germany Medal – Service in Germany or Austria-Hungary between November 12, 1918, and July 11, 1923.
Pre-World War I – In 1981, the Army, as well as the other military services, discontinued manufacture of pre-World War I service medals.
Certificates
Certificates are issued for decorations only. No certificate will be issued to the veteran without an order.
- List of Army Decorations with Certificates:
Medal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Medal
Silver Star
Legion of Merit
Distinguished Flying Cross
Soldier’s Medal
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
- Good Conduct Medal (for first award only earned on or after January 1, 1981, and for retirement on or after January 1, 1981)
Citations
Citations are normally issued in an original only at the time of the award. If found in the OMPF provide a photocopy upon request.
Purple Heart
Requests for the Purple Heart not supported by documentation (other than while POW) are returned to the requester with instructions to provide medical records, assigned unit, and date of injury. It is NOT the responsibility of NPRC to procure medical records on fire-related cases to substantiate entitlement to the Purple Heart. Upon receipt of documentation from the requester, NPRC will check organizational/auxiliary records sources for evidence to support request, and forward packet to PRESCOM, Awards Branch for determination. Requests for Purple Heart as a result of being a POW are handled in the same manner. In addition to providing any available supporting documentation from our in-house sources, NPRC will verify POW status prior to forwarding to U.S. Army Human Resources Command.
REFERENCES:
Army Regulation 600-8-22 which provides the Department of the Army policy, criteria, and administrative instructions concerning individual military decorations, Good Conduct Medal, service medals and service ribbons, combat and special skill badges and tabs, unit decorations, and trophies and similar devices awarded in recognition of accomplishments. It also prescribes the policies and procedures concerning foreign decorations.
Unit Awards. Those soldiers assigned to and present for duty with the unit during the cited period may wear the award permanently.
Department of the Army Pamphlet 672-1, Unit Citation and Campaign Participation Credit Register. It contains a register of unit citations and campaign participation credits for World War II and for the Korean War. Available at p672_1.pdf ! WARNING ! 51 Megabyte PDF FILE .
Department of the Army Pamphlet 672-3, Unit Citation and Campaign Participation Credit Register. It contains a register of unit campaign participation credit, assault landing credit, and unit citation badges awarded during the Vietnam Conflict, the Grenada Operation, and the period of service subsequent to the Vietnam Conflict up to the present time. Additional unit awards are included for meritorious achievement in the continental United States and in foreign countries. Available at p672_3.pdf.
Also review these recent additions to the above Department of the Army Pamphlets.
Section 1084 of the Fiscal Year 1998 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) required the Secretary of Defense to develop a certificate to recognize the service and sacrifices rendered by members of the Armed forces and Government civilian personnel during the Cold War period, September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991. On November 4, 1997, the 105th Congress passes, and the President signed into law, a bill that authorizes the development of a Cold War certificate. This Center will respond to requests for copies of documentation to support eligibility for the Cold War Recognition Certificate. However, the certificates will not be issued by this Center.
Acceptable documents for proof of service for military:
DD Form 214 or WD AGO Form 53-55 or equivalent
Oath of Office – Military Personnel or Letter of Appointment
Acceptable documents for proof of service for civilian personnel:
Standard Form 50
Standard Form 2809
Award certificate with employee’s name, service or agency and dates
Retirement forms with employee’s name, service or agency and dates
Information about eligibility criteria and applications are available at website:
Cold War Recognition Certificate
Federal civilian personnel who require proof of service should send a written inquiry to:
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Employee Service and Record Center
P.O. Box 45
Boyers, PA 16017-0045
The Gold Star Lapel Button may be issued to widows, parents, and next of kin (NOK) of members of the U.S. Armed Forces who lost their lives:
Requests may be submitted by the following methods:
General Processing. Request will be processed by using the Army Medals web application or NA Form 13059, as appropriate. Process requests in the following manner, supplying any additional or corrected information:
Army requests: Using the Army Medals web application, complete the Award Request form. Indicate whether or not there is a cost associated with issuance of the award, and provide the initials (recipient or NOK) to engraved on the award.
Air Force requests: Prepare NA Form 13059. (Initials are not engraved on Gold Star Lapel Buttons for AF).
Navy/Marine Corp/Coast Guard requests: Refer to the Navy liaison office below, and inform requester of referral.
Bureau of Naval Personnel
Liaison Office, Room 5409
Attn: PERS-313E
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
Source: NPRC 1865.110
On January 19, 1988, the Secretary of the Air Force determined that the service of the “American Merchant Marine” in oceangoing service during the period December 7, 1941 and August 15, 1945 would be considered “active duty.” The former Merchant Marine must apply to have this service credited by completing DD Form 2168, Application for Discharge of Members or Survivor of Member of Group Certified to Have Performed Active Duty With The Armed Forces of the United States. The form should be forwarded to: Director (NMC4A), U.S. Coast Guard, National Maritime Center, 4200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 510, Arlington, VA, 22203-1804.
Requests for medals earned should be referred to:
U.S. Department of Transportation
Maritime Administration, MAR 250
Office of Maritime Labor & Training
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590
If an R file has been established, do not loan and transfer the record.
The Department of the Navy maintains a liaison office at this Center. That office has jurisdiction over the determination of eligibility and issuance of service medals for former members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Inquiries requesting only medals should be referred directly to the office shown below. Do not request the service record. The Liaison Office will obtain the record when they are ready to process the case. If the request is for personnel and/or medical records, in addition to medals, request the record and provide a response to the personnel/medical portion. Then, forward the request and record to the Liaison Office. Inform the requester of the referral.
Bureau of Naval Personnel
Liaison Office, Room 5409
Attn: PERS-313E
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
On November 5, 1990, legislation was passed which established a congressional medal to honor those members of the Armed Forces who were in Hawaii and those civilian employees of the War and Navy Departments who were killed or wounded at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Presentations of the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal to eligible personnel or their next of kin were planned to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The estimated number of former military service personnel who were eligible to receive the medal was about 105,500. There were 68 civilian employees reported killed at Pearl Harbor. An estimate of the number of civilian employees wounded in the attack is not available.
Navy/Marine Corps/Coast Guard
Since NPRC does not have the authority to issue Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard medals, requests for this award from former members of those services should be referred to the Navy Personnel Command Liaison Office just like any other Navy medal request.
Navy Personnel Command Liaison Office
Room 5409, PERS-313E
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132
Army
This medal is not distributed through normal supply channels. Do not attempt to issue using the Army medals web form. If the record of a former Army member indicates that he served at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, forward the request to the service department for issuance, and notify the requestor. Use the pattern paragraph in 'Get Paragraph' under Medals-Miscellaneous Medals and Information-Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal (Army Only) to respond. Include copy of separation document and/or other documentation of eligibility with the referral letter.
| Forward request to: | Commander |
| U.S. Army Human Resources Command | |
| ATTN: AHRC-PDO-PA | |
| 200 Stovall Street, Room 3567 | |
| Alexandria, VA 22332-0471 |
If the requestor specifically asks for the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal and the record does not verify eligibility and there is sufficient information available, conduct a search of alternate sources or organizational records to verify service in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Treat the request as any other Army medals determination by forwarding the request, pertinent documents, and the results of any search actions to the address above in Alexandria, Virginia, for a determination of eligibility.
If searches of alternate sources are negative, if they do not indicate that the veteran served at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, or if there is insufficient information to conduct a search, ask the requestor to provide documentation of eligibility or more information in order to conduct a search.
Air Force, Army Air Force, and Army Air Corps
If the record of a former Air Force, Army Air Force, or Army Air Corps member indicates that he served at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, issue the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal using the NA Form 13059. Write in the award on a blank line on the NA Form 13059.
If the requestor specifically asks for the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal and the record does not verify eligibility and there is sufficient information available, conduct a search of alternate sources or organizational records to verify service in Pearl Harbor on the specified date. Send the results of searching actions and loan and transfer the record with the request to:
| Routine Requests: | HQ, Air Force Personnel Center |
| Attn: AFPC/DPPPRA | |
| 550 C Street West, Suite 12 | |
| Randolph Air Force Base, TX 78150-4714 | |
| Congressional Requests: | HQ, Air Force Personnel Center |
| Attn: AFPC/DSXI | |
| 550 C Street West, Suite 113 | |
| Randolph Air Force Base, TX 78150 4703 |
If searches of alternate sources are negative, if they do not indicate that the veteran served at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, or if there is insufficient information to conduct a search, ask the requestor to provide documentation of eligibility or more information in order to conduct a search.
General. On August 20, 1999, the Secretary of Defense approved the acceptance and wearing of the Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal (ROKKWSM) in recognition of the sacrifices of United States veterans of the Korean War.
This is a foreign award from the Korean government. Note that this award is different from the Korean Service Medal (KSM), which the U.S. government first issued to U.S. military personnel in 1950.
At least through December 2003, the U.S. Air Force is providing this medal at no cost to the veteran, retiree or, if deceased, the next of kin, for all branches of service, not just Air Force veterans.
The veteran or next of kin must apply in writing to the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) at Randolph Air Force Base, TX.NPRC does not verify eligibility, but may be asked for copies of documents from the service record to prove eligibility; or we might be asked for information about the medal.
How to respond to inquiries to NPRC. When someone contacts NPRC regarding the medal, whether by phone or in writing, they may want to know what the eligibility requirements are, how to apply for the medal, and/or they might mistakenly believe that this is the place to ask for eligibility determination and for the medal itself.
Or they might ask NPRC to correct the DD Form 214 to indicate the awarding of this medal. We can issue DD Form 215 if the veteran’s record (or documentation provided by the requester) meets the criteria for this award, and whether or not Randolph AFB has already issued the medal. (Follow the procedures listed under DD Form 215 in the Case Reference Guide.)
--When responding to a phone call, provide whatever information and service will be helpful, such as eligibility criteria; AFPC Website, fax number, and toll-free phone number; and/or mailing the application form that the requester must submit to AFPC. Sometimes the question of eligibility may be fairly complex, and rather than try to explain, encourage the caller to use the toll-free number. See part 3, below, for additional information about the medal and application process.
--When responding to a written request, you may provide the appropriate information about the medal, if that’s all that the requester wants at this time. If you provide the requested document(s) from the service record or you determine that the requester already possesses the necessary proof, do not forward the request to AFPC. In your response letter, advise the requester to ask for the medal from Randolph AFB. You may provide the RAFB address or their Website; or you may send the requester a copy of whichever of the two ROKKWSM request form letters is appropriate. The letters are at the end of this entry, and may be selected and printed for you to enclose.
Other information about the ROKKWSM that you can share with the requester.
The requester may simply ask for information about the ROKKWSM. If you are responding to a phone call, advise the caller that NPRC does not process requests for this medal. Explain the eligibility criteria, what to submit, and the address to which to write and the fax number (210) 565-3118. If the caller does not have Internet access, offer to send the appropriate request form. If necessary (such as to answer a complicated question about eligibility) provide the toll-free phone number at the Air Force Personnel Center: 1-866-229-7074. Their phone is answered Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
Summary of eligibility criteria for the ROKKWSM:
Veteran must have served in the country of Korea, its territorial waters, or airspace within the inclusive period of 25 June 1950 - 27 July 1953. Service must have been performed while on permanent assignment in Korea, or while on temporary duty in Korea for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days, or while as a crewmember of aircraft in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operations, or in support of combat operations.
Note: Veterans who served in Japan, Guam, Okinawa, the Philippines, or other countries are not eligible unless they meet the temporary duty/aerial flight criteria mentioned above.
Internet assistance:
All of the information necessary for submitting a request for the ROK Korean War Service Medal can be also be found on the AFPC website @ http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/awards/
Links to additional information.
Documentation:
Veterans must
Additional documents that may be submitted to help prove eligibility for the ROKKWSM:
KSM and ROKKWSM compared:
| Korean Service Medal (U.S. Campaign Award) |
Korean War Service Medal (Foreign Service Award) |
|
| Dates of Service | 27 Jun 50-27 Jul 54 | 25 Jun 50-27 Jul 53 |
| Area of Eligibility | Service members who participated in operations in the KoreanTheater of Operations (the area that encompasses North and South Korea, Korean waters, the air over North and South Korea, and the air over Korean waters). | Within the territorial waters, landmass, or airspace over the Korean peninsula. |
| Eligibility Criteria | While a member of a designated combat or service unit in the Korean Theater; while assigned to a combat or service unit, other than one within the Korean Theater, which was designated by the Commander, Far East Air Force (FEAF), as having directly supported the military operations in the Korean Theater; while a member of a designated headquarters of the FEAF that exerted a distinct and contributory effort to the military operations in the Korean Theater; while TDY with a designated unit or headquarters for 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days; or while in actual combat against the enemy. | While on permanent assignment in the AOE, or While TDY in the AOE for 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days, or While as a crewmember of aircraft in aerial flight over Korea, participating in actual combat operations or in support of combat operations. |
| Subsequent Awards | Bronze Service Star for each campaign. Arrowhead Device for participation in a combat parachute jump, combat glider landing, or amphibious assault landing (U.S. Army). | None. |
| Documentation Needed for Verification | DD Form 214 DD Form 215 NGB Form 22 Records showing unit of assignment (Assignment orders, TDY orders/Travel Voucher, Special Order/ Citation for Decoration) Efficiency/Performance Reports AF Form 7 or 11 |
DD Form 214 DD Form 215 NGB Form 22 Records showing unit of assignment (Assignment orders,TDY orders/Travel Voucher, Special Order/Citation for Decoration) Efficiency/Performance Reports |
Request letters to RAFB that you may print and send to requesters if appropriate.
Request letter from the veteran
HQ AFPC/DPPPRK
550 C Street W, Ste 12
Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4714
Please send me a Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal for my service as a member of the United States military. I served in the country of Korea, its territorial waters, or its airspace during the period 25 June 1950 to 27 July 1953 and have enclosed a copy of a source document that proves my service in Korea. I understand that the enclosed copy of my source document will not be returned. Additionally, since this is a Foreign Service award, I understand that this is a one-time issuance of the KWSM.
Please mail my Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal to the following address:
Name: ______________________________________
Street address: ________________________________
City, state, ZIP Code:____________________________
Sincerely,
Signature:_____________________________________
Date:_________________________________________
Telephone number, including Area Code: ___________________________
Request letter from the veteran’s next of kin
HQ AFPC/DPPPRK
550 C Street W, Ste 12
Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4714
| As the |
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| Korea Korean War Service Medal for my relative’s service as a member of the United States military. He/she served in the country of Korea during the authorized period of 25 June 1950 to 27 July 1953 and I have enclosed a copy of a source document that proves his/her service in Korea. I understand that the enclosed copy of this source document will not be returned. Additionally, since this is a Foreign Service award, I understand that this is a one-time issuance of the KWSM. | |||
Please mail the Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal to the following address:
Name: ______________________________________
Street address: ________________________________
City, state, ZIP Code:____________________________
Sincerely,
Signature:_____________________________________
Date:_________________________________________
Telephone number, including Area Code: ___________________________
For all branches of the military:
Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM) not to be confused with the Korean Service Medal (KSM).
KDSM is for service in Korea from the "end" (28 July 1954) of the Korean "War" to the present (and retroactively awarded). The KSM is for service in Korean during the Korean "War."
The U.S. Army Human Resources Command Military Awards Branch has posted this information regarding the Korean Defense Service Medal:
Updated Dec 17, 2002: The Department of Defense highly values the service of our Korean War veterans and appreciates the desire of congress to further recognize their service. We are currently reviewing the best means to expeditiously award the Korean Defense Service Medal as provided for in Fiscal Year 2003 National Defense Authorization Act. Some of the actions which must be completed are designing the medal, obtaining necessary funding, developing policy for issuance and wear, and processing (to include verification of service) award of the medal. The first three actions should be completed in approximately 4-6 months.
Given the sheer volume of anticipated recipients, the expected time when one can expect to be awarded the Korean Defense Service Medal is difficult to estimate because of how long it will take to identify, notify and award the medal to eligible former service members. The Department's previous experiences when creating Service Medals is the entire process can be up to a year.
Source: NPRC 1865.110, NPRC 1865.124