How do you research military medals?

Researching military medals requires a systematic approach using both official and historical sources. Whether you're investigating a family member's service record or conducting historical research, several reliable methods can help you identify and verify military decorations.

Official Military Records

Start with the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri, which houses official military service records. Submit Standard Form 180 to request records for veterans who served after 1912. For records dating before 1912, contact the National Archives. These official documents provide the most accurate information about awarded medals and commendations.

Online Military Databases

Ancestry.com and Fold3 offer extensive military record collections, including medal citations and award documents. The Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress contains thousands of digitized military records. FamilySearch also provides free access to military service records and pension files that often mention specific awards.

Specialized Military Resources

The Institute of Heraldry maintains comprehensive databases of military decorations and their criteria. Military Times Hall of Valor database contains Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, and other high-valor award recipients. Each service branch's historical centers—like the Army Heritage and Education Center—offer specialized research assistance.

Physical Evidence and Documentation

Discharge papers (DD-214) list all awarded medals and decorations. Original orders, citations, and unit histories provide context for specific awards. Military yearbooks, unit newspapers, and personal correspondence can reveal additional details about circumstances surrounding medal presentations.

Professional Research Services

When personal research hits roadblocks, professional military researchers and genealogists specializing in military records can access restricted databases and navigate complex archival systems.

Successful military medal research combines multiple sources and cross-references findings for accuracy. Have you discovered any military medals in your family's history that need further investigation?