How do you research family military medals?

Learning how to research family military medals can unlock fascinating stories about your ancestors' service and sacrifice. Whether you've inherited mysterious medals or want to understand a relative's military achievements, proper research reveals the heroic narratives behind these cherished decorations.

Start with What You Know

Begin by documenting existing information about your family member's military service. Note their full name, birth date, branch of service, units served in, and approximate service dates. Photograph any medals, ribbons, or military documents you possess, paying attention to inscriptions, serial numbers, and distinctive features.

Essential Records to Request

Military Personnel Records

Contact the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri, to request your relative's military personnel file using Standard Form 180. These records contain service history, unit assignments, and medal citations.

Unit Histories and Battle Records

Research your ancestor's specific military unit through the Army Heritage and Education Center, Naval History and Heritage Command, or Air Force Historical Research Agency. Unit histories often detail battles and campaigns that led to medal awards.

Digital Resources for Medal Research

Online Databases

- Fold3.com offers extensive military records and medal rolls

- Ancestry.com includes military collections with medal information

- The National Archives Catalog provides searchable military documents

Official Military Websites

Each service branch maintains historical databases. The Army's Institute of Heraldry catalogs medal specifications and award criteria, while the Navy Department Library houses extensive naval records.

Professional Assistance

Consider hiring professional military researchers for complex cases involving lost records or unusual circumstances. The Association of Professional Genealogists maintains directories of specialists in military history research.

Successful medal research requires patience and persistence, as records may be scattered across multiple repositories. Have you discovered any intriguing family military artifacts that deserve deeper investigation?