How do you find out what medals my father had?
Andrew Ramirez
Published Mar 22, 2026
You can search and download these documents direct from the National Archives Discovery Catalogue: (). There is a small charge for download of the document.
How do I find someone’s Military Awards?
Individuals can request information on military service medals, decorations and awards online:
How can I get my dad’s war medals?
You can apply for a medal if you served in the armed forces and are eligible. Find out the types of medal the Ministry of Defence ( MOD ) issues. You can only apply for World War 1 medals if the original was returned.
How do I claim my father’s ww2 medals?
You should write to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Medal Office if you want to claim medals from WWII onwards….For general enquiries, contact JPAC:
- full name.
- date of birth.
- Service number.
- rank.
- period served (from and to), and.
- your current full address including postcode.
Is there a Purple Heart database?
The Roll of Honor is an electronic database created to preserve and share the stories of Purple Heart recipients. It can be accessed at six interactive computer kiosks at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and online through this website.
Can you sell a Purple Heart?
Currently, only the Medal of Honor is exempt from resale. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, anyone caught buying or selling a Medal of Honor can face fines and up a year in prison. However, after the Stolen Valor Act of 2005 was struck down, it is no longer illegal to purchase all other military medals.
How do I find someone’s military Awards?
Are military medals public record?
Military personnel records are open to the public 62 years after they leave the military. Records of any veteran who separated from the military 62 (or more) years ago can be ordered by anyone for a copying fee (detailed below under “cost”). See Access to Military Records by the General Public for more details.
How can I find my father’s ww2 service record?
Visit the GOV.UK website for information about how to request a summary of a service record from the Ministry of Defence (MOD). These are available to next of kin and members of the general public on request to the MOD, provided the subject is no longer living. An administrative fee applies.
Are WWII medals worth anything?
Put simply, yes! War medals are worth money, but how much you make when selling them depends on a lot of factors. If your medals are in great condition they will make more money than if they are damaged. If you have the original papers and presentation boxes that go with your medals they will also be worth more.
How can I get a copy of my father’s medals?
Check old records for a copy of the DD 214, the record of separation from active duty service. This document will list any awards, badges, citations or medals that the service member received. Fill out Form SF 180, available at to request a DD 214, if you don’t have one.
How to determine what medals a veteran was awarded?
Someone who is unsure if they received a decoration can request the National Records Center in St. Louis or other veterans records holding areas to check their records.
Where can I find my grandfathers war medals?
Im currently trying to find my Grandfathers war medals. They were stolen quite a few years back and my Grandfather also has passed on. Im trying to find them for my Mum and Im wondering how I go about finding out what medals and where to get them replaced.
How can I buy a medal for my loved one?
Once you know which commendations your loved one earned, it is easy to buy replacement medals for display or as a gift. Check old records for a copy of the DD 214, the record of separation from active duty service. This document will list any awards, badges, citations or medals that the service member received.
