Are eligible veterans getting their retroactive awards?

SGT Nathan Reynolds — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 00:46:26 -0500

Since being discharged, I realized I was eligible for several awards I was never made aware of due to their non-existence upon discharging. This made me start to do some research of mine and others in my families records and a shocking number of things were missing.

For one, are veterans that were on active duty that discharged between 9/11/01 and 3/12/2003 aware that they are retroactively eligible for the GWOTSM?

Are veterans who were in Afghanistan from 06/2003 to 07/2006 aware that they are retroactively eligible for the NATO ISAF Medal?

Are veterans who were in Afghanistan between 10/2001 to 11/2004 aware they are retroactively eligible for the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (switched out with the GWOTEM)?

Are veterans who were in Iraq between 03/2003 to 11/2004 aware they are retroactively eligible for the Iraq Campaign Medal (switched out with the GWOTEM)?

Are veterans who were in South Korea prior to 12/2002 and after 08/1954 aware they are eligible for the Korean Defense Service Medal?

Are Vietnam war veterans aware they are all retroactively eligible for the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit citation?

Are Korean War veterans aware they are all eligible for the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation and Republic of Korea War Service Medal?

Are all veterans aware that you can get a one time only complete reissue of all your military medals and ribbon for free?

Reference https://www.archives.gov/veterans/replace-medals.html

If anyone wishes to get a medal added listed above that you or a family member is entitled to, write in with proof of service for award to the address of your branch of service listed on this site where it states, "where to write in case of problem or appeal" and they will issue a DD215.

replace-medals.html

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Dec 22 at 2017 1:02 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 01:02:27 -0500

Thanks for the info. I guess since I got out, I really haven't put much thought in it. The medals and five buck will get me coffee and a donut. I was even told I could put in for a Combat Action Badge, but for me, if it wasn't a CIB ( because of my assignment I could never get), then it doesn't count.
Maybe down the road I will apply for a DD215, but now I don't care. No kids, no family to pass it down to.

Response by SGT David T. made Dec 22 at 2017 7:46 AM

SGT David T. — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 07:46:51 -0500

I have done it and the process is pretty simple. When I got out the campaign stars on the Iraq and Afghanistan medals had not been implemented. I submitted my DD214 and a written request to HRC. A few months later I got a DD-215 adding them.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2017 11:40 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 11:40:56 -0500

Where is the Letter of Authorization for the NATO ISAF Medal?

Response by MSG Michael Lange made Dec 23 at 2017 4:07 PM

MSG Michael Lange — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 16:07:57 -0500

I found out I was eligible for the Korean Service Defense Medal when I saw it on a chart at my VFW Post. The only time I wear my medals is for Memorial Day and Veterans' Day ceremonies. But I figured that as long as I earned it, I might as well apply for it even though I left Korea 54 years ago. The process is pretty simple and I received the medal and ribbon in about six weeks.