Military service leaves a lasting legacy that extends well beyond active duty. For veterans and their families, understanding military awards, replacing lost medals, requesting official records, and learning about funeral honors can help preserve that legacy for future generations.

Whether you’re a veteran trying to replace medals earned during your service, a family member researching a loved one’s military history, or a collector looking to understand military documentation, this guide provides a starting point for the most common questions.

Use this page as your central resource for military awards, service records, family inheritance, funeral honors, burial flags, and related veteran information.

How to Replace Lost Military Medals

Military medals may become lost, damaged, or destroyed over time. Fortunately, many veterans and eligible family members can request replacement medals through official government channels.

Replacement medals are generally available for awards earned during military service when proper documentation exists. The process typically requires military service information and proof of eligibility.

When requesting replacement medals, you may need:

Full name used during military service
Branch of service
Service number or Social Security Number
Dates of service
DD Form 214 or other separation documents
Proof of relationship (for next of kin)

If medals cannot be replaced through official channels, authorized replica medals are widely available for display purposes.

Requesting Military Service Records

Military service records document a veteran’s career, assignments, awards, promotions, and separation information. These records are often required for:

Medal replacement
Veteran’s benefits
Genealogy research
Military funeral honors
Award verification
Family history projects

Important records include:

DD Form 214
Personnel files
Award citations
Performance evaluations
Medical records (where applicable)

The National Archives maintains many historical military personnel records, while more recent records may be maintained by the appropriate military branch.

Having copies of these documents makes future requests significantly easier.

Can Family Members Inherit Military Medals?

One of the most common questions families ask is whether military medals can be inherited.

In most cases, medals awarded to a service member become the personal property of the recipient or their estate after death. They may be passed to spouses, children, grandchildren, or other heirs according to applicable inheritance laws.

Many families choose to:

Preserve medals in shadow boxes
Display them with photographs
Pass them to future generations
Donate them to museums
Loan them to historical organizations

Some decorations have unique historical significance, making proper preservation especially important.

Understanding both the sentimental and historical value of military decorations helps ensure they remain protected for future generations.

Military Funeral Honors

Military funeral honors recognize the service and sacrifice of eligible veterans.

A standard military funeral ceremony generally includes:

Folding and presentation of the United States flag
Playing of Taps
Honor guard participation
Recognition of military service

Additional honors may be provided depending on eligibility, military branch, and available resources.

Family members typically request military funeral honors through the funeral home, which coordinates with the appropriate military service.

These ceremonies provide a meaningful tribute that reflects a veteran’s service to the nation.

READ MORE: Military Funeral Honors Explained

Veteran Burial Flags

Eligible veterans may receive a United States burial flag that is used to drape the casket or accompany the urn during funeral services.

Following the ceremony, the folded flag is presented to the next of kin as a lasting symbol of the veteran’s honorable service.

Generally, burial flags are available for:

Veterans discharged under qualifying conditions
Active-duty service members
Certain Reserve and National Guard members who meet eligibility requirements

Families usually obtain the burial flag through the funeral director or by submitting the appropriate application to the government.

Many families preserve the folded flag in a display case alongside medals, photographs, and service memorabilia.

Veteran Benefits Related to Military Service

Military awards themselves do not usually provide direct federal monetary benefits, but they often support eligibility verification for programs and services.

Veterans may qualify for benefits such as:

Healthcare
Education programs
Home loan assistance
Burial benefits
State veteran programs
Veteran license plates
Employment preference for certain government positions
Memorial and cemetery benefits

Official military records and award documentation often help establish eligibility for these programs.

Veterans should keep copies of important military documents in a secure location and ensure family members know where those records are stored.

Preserving Your Military Legacy

Military medals represent dedication, sacrifice, and honorable service. Properly preserving medals, service records, photographs, and other military memorabilia ensures future generations understand the contributions made by those who served.

Many families create:

Military shadow boxes
Medal display cases
Scrapbooks
Digital archives
Family history books

Combining medals with official award citations, photographs, unit patches, and service records tells a complete story that becomes a treasured family heirloom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace medals if my originals were lost?

Yes. Many veterans and eligible next of kin can request official replacement medals if eligibility requirements are met.

Can children inherit military medals?

Yes. In most cases, military medals become part of a veteran’s estate and may be passed to family members.

How do I prove which medals a veteran earned?

Military personnel records, DD Form 214, award citations, and official military documents provide the best evidence.

Who qualifies for military funeral honors?

Eligibility generally depends on the veteran’s military service and discharge status.

Can I buy replacement medals myself?

Yes. Authorized replica medals are available from reputable military suppliers for display and ceremonial purposes.

Continue Exploring Military Awards

You may also find these guides helpful:

Military Awards and Decorations: The Complete Guide
Valor Awards
Service & Achievement Medals
Campaign & War Medals
Ribbon & Device Identification Guide
Military Badges & Qualification Insignia
Award Eligibility Rules
Display & Preservation Guide
Military Medal Identification & Collecting Guide

Together, these resources will help veterans, family members, historians, and collectors better understand the history, significance, and preservation of U.S. military awards and decorations.