Can someone put themselves in for an achievement medal after being discharged from their respective branch?

I'm no expert - but, I don't think you can put yourself in for awards after you die.

Basically, anyone can receive an award after they separate, but someone else has to recommend them. But, others rules vary by branch. Marines can only receive awards and recommendations from Marines/Navy. We ran into this situation in a class where a Marine was in the running for the honor grad. We give the honor grad an AAM. Turns out, the Marines aren't authorized to accept them.

Why do the paperwork - Just start Posing