Military medals represent courage, sacrifice, and service to the nation. When a veteran passes away, these decorations often become some of the most meaningful items left behind. Families frequently ask an important question: can family members legally inherit military medals?
The short answer is yes—but there are important legal, ethical, and practical details every family should understand. This in-depth guide explains who can inherit military medals, how ownership works, what is legal under federal law, and the best ways to preserve and display medals for future generations.
What Happens to Military Medals After a Veteran Dies?
When a veteran passes away, their military medals do not automatically return to the government. In most cases, medals become part of the veteran’s personal estate.
Unless otherwise stated in a will, medals typically pass to:
- A surviving spouse
- Children or grandchildren
- Other next of kin
Military medals are commonly treated as family heirlooms, passed down to preserve the memory of service and sacrifice.
Are Military Medals Considered Personal Property?
Yes, military medals are considered personal property once awarded.
Although medals are issued by the U.S. government, ownership transfers to the service member upon presentation. After death, that ownership passes to heirs just like other personal belongings.
This means:
- Medals do not need to be returned
- Medals can be inherited
- Medals can be displayed or preserved
The only exceptions involve medals obtained fraudulently or awards revoked due to misconduct.
Who Is Legally Allowed to Inherit Military Medals?
There is no federal law restricting who may inherit military medals. Inheritance typically follows standard estate and probate rules.
Most commonly, medals are inherited by:
- Spouses
- Children
- Grandchildren
- Siblings
- Other designated heirs
If a veteran left a will specifying who should receive their medals, that instruction generally takes precedence.
What If There Is No Will?
If no will exists, medals pass according to state intestacy laws. Usually, they go to the closest surviving relatives.
In practice, many families choose to:
- Keep medals with the oldest family member
- Pass them to a relative with military service
- Display them in a shared family space
There is no legal requirement dictating which family member must keep the medals.
Can Military Medals Be Passed Down Through Generations?
Yes, military medals can be passed down indefinitely.
Many families preserve medals for decades or even centuries. Civil War medals, World War II decorations, and Vietnam-era awards are commonly displayed today by descendants.
Passing medals down:
- Preserves family history
- Honors the veteran’s service
- Educates future generations
This practice is both legal and encouraged.
Can Family Members Display Inherited Military Medals?
Yes, family members can legally display inherited military medals.
Respectful display options include:
- Wall-mounted shadow boxes
- Framed medal and certificate displays
- Memorial cases with folded flags
- Desk or office display cases
Displaying medals does not violate federal law as long as the display does not falsely imply that the person displaying them earned the awards.
Can Family Members Wear Military Medals They Inherited?
This is where caution is required.
Family members should not wear military medals in a way that suggests they earned them. Wearing medals on clothing, uniforms, or at public events may be considered misleading.
However:
- Medals may be carried or presented during funerals
- Medals may be worn during reenactments with clear context
- Medals may be displayed ceremonially
To avoid legal or ethical issues, display is always safer than wearing.
How the Stolen Valor Act Affects Inherited Medals
The Stolen Valor Act does not prohibit inheriting or displaying military medals.
The law only applies when someone:
- Knowingly lies about receiving military awards
- Does so for financial or material gain
Family members who inherit medals and display them honestly are fully compliant with the law.
This distinction is critical and often misunderstood.
Can Inherited Military Medals Be Sold?
Yes, in most cases inherited military medals can legally be sold.
Families may sell medals due to:
- Estate liquidation
- Financial hardship
- Lack of heirs interested in preservation
However, ethical considerations apply. Many families prefer alternatives such as donation or preservation.
Some medals—particularly high-level valor awards—may carry additional scrutiny, but ownership alone does not make selling illegal.
Should Families Sell or Donate Military Medals?
This is a deeply personal decision.
Donation options include:
- Military museums
- Veteran organizations
- Historical societies
- Local memorials
Donating medals ensures the veteran’s service is remembered publicly and respectfully. Some families also donate while keeping replicas or photographs.
Can Lost or Damaged Medals Be Replaced by Family Members?
Yes, next of kin may request replacement medals.
Replacement requests typically go through:
- The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)
- The veteran’s branch of service
Required documentation usually includes:
- Proof of service (DD-214)
- Death certificate
- Proof of relationship
Replacement medals are often provided at no cost for deceased veterans.
Best Ways to Preserve Inherited Military Medals
Proper preservation protects medals from tarnish, corrosion, and damage.
Recommended preservation methods include:
- Archival-quality shadow boxes
- UV-protected display glass
- Acid-free backing materials
- Climate-controlled storage
High-quality display products are especially popular among families who want to honor service while protecting medals long-term.
Creating a Memorial Display for Inherited Medals
Memorial displays are one of the most meaningful ways to honor a veteran.
Common elements include:
- Medals arranged by order of precedence
- Service ribbons
- Rank insignia
- Unit patches
- Photographs
- Engraved nameplates
Many families choose shadow boxes or framed displays that combine medals with service records and flags.
What If No Family Member Wants the Medals?
If no family member wishes to keep inherited medals, families still have respectful options.
These include:
- Donation to museums or veterans groups
- Loaning medals for educational displays
- Preservation in community memorials
Allowing medals to be discarded or damaged is discouraged when alternatives exist.
Common Myths About Inheriting Military Medals
Myth: Medals Must Be Returned After Death
False. Earned medals remain private property.
Myth: Only Spouses Can Inherit Medals
False. Any heir may inherit medals.
Myth: Displaying Medals Is Illegal
False. Respectful display is legal and encouraged.
Myth: Replica Medals Are Not Allowed
False. Replica medals are legal when not used fraudulently.
Why Families Trust The Department of Awards
At The Department of Awards, our mission is to help families understand, preserve, and honor military service through accurate education and respectful guidance. We believe military medals are more than decorations—they are historical records of sacrifice that deserve proper care and understanding.
By educating families on inheritance rules, display standards, and legal boundaries, The Department of Awards helps ensure military honors are preserved with dignity for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inheriting Military Medals
Can grandchildren inherit military medals?
Yes. There is no generational limit on inheritance.
Can inherited medals be displayed in a home?
Yes. Home displays are legal and common.
Is it illegal to own military medals without serving?
No. Ownership is legal when medals were lawfully obtained.
Can families create replica displays?
Yes. Replicas are often used to protect originals.
Final Thoughts: Preserving a Veteran’s Legacy
So, can family members inherit military medals? Absolutely. Military medals are personal property that may be passed down, preserved, displayed, donated, or replaced by heirs.
The most important consideration is respect—respect for the service member, the meaning of the awards, and the legacy they represent. Whether preserved in a shadow box, displayed in a memorial, or passed to future generations, inherited military medals tell a story that should never be forgotten.
With proper understanding and care, families can ensure that a veteran’s service lives on—not just in memory, but in honor.