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Sent in by Veterans News and Information Services
Medals: Medals awarded while in active service are issued by the appropriate service if requested by veterans, or if deceased, their next of kin. Requests for medal form the Navy, Marine corps and Coast guard should be sent to the U.S. Navy Liaison Office, National Personnel Records Center, Rm. 3475, 9700 Page Ave., St. Louis MO 63132-5100. Requests for medals from the Army should be sent to the U.S. my reserve personnel center, ATTN: ARPC-VSE, 9700 Page Ave., St. Louis MO 63132-5100. Requests for medals from the air force should be sent to National Personnel Records Center (Military Personnel Records), 9700 Page Ave., St. Louis MO 6313205100.
The veterans full name should be printed or typed, so that it can be read clearly. The request must contain the signature of the veteran or, the next of kin if the veteran is deceased. Include the veteran's branch of service, service number or Social Security number and exact or approximate dates of service. If available, include a copy of the discharge or separation document, WDAGO Form 53-55 or DD-214. If possible send the request on Standard Form 180, "Request Pertaining To Military Records."
These forms can be obtained at your RAO or local VA Office. [Source: Federal Benefits for Veterans & Dependents VA Pamphlet 80-99-1]
Chinese War Memorial Medal: Military personnel who served in the armed forces from 7 December 1941 until 29 September 1945 are eligible for a Chinese War Memorial medal issued by the Republic of China. To obtain send a letter and a copy of your DD-214, CSC, or other proof of service to Llang, Pingsheng, Director, Major General of Coordination council for North American Affairs, 4201 Wisconsin Ave., Washington, D.C. 20016. [Source: Naval Affairs Vol 78 Number 12 DEC 99]
Republic of Korea War Service Medal: American service members were formerly prohibited from accepting any foreign decoration unless Congress approved. In 1954 Congress approved the receipt and wearing of foreign medals, but not the Korean War Service Medal. This has now been approved, but it will take some time to work out the details on documentation necessary to process applications and distribute this award. It will probably be a DD Form 214 or WDAGO Form 20 to prove service in Korea during the specific period designated. [Source: Max's Facts 42-99 10 DEC 99]
NORMANDY Service Medal: A special medal, the Jubilee of Liberty commemorating the 50th anniversary of D-Day, has been created by the Regional Council of lower Normandy. Designed and mounted in Paris, this golf medal features an engraving of the torch from the Statue of Liberty on one side and a map of Normandy with the D-Day invasion beaches and flags of the allied nations on the other side. Tp qualify for the medal, you must have served in Normandy between 6 JUN and mid-SEP 1944. To request one, send a copy of your military records verifying such service to: Association Debarquement et Bataille de Normandie 1944, Abbaye aux Dames, Place Reine Mathilde, B.P. 311, 14015 Caen Cedix.
WWI FRENCH Vets Medal: France wants to bestow the National Order of the Legion of Honor on surviving U.S. veterans who fought on French soil during World War I. It is that country's highest honor. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is assisting the French government in identifying and locating an estimated 900 World War I veterans who served in France and currently receive VA benefits. The medal will not be posthumously awarded to U.S. veterans. Applications must be sent by veterans or their representatives directly to the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. While the VA will assist the French Embassy in verifying and authenticating veterans' records of service, the French government will make final determination on the awarding of the Legion of Honor [Source: FRA News-Bytes 24 SEP 98]
PHILIPPINE Liberation Medal: You may be eligible for a Philippine liberation Medal if you served in the Philippines between 17 OCT 1944 and 3 SEP 1945 for at least 30 days. It is being issued by the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.
To apply, send a letter request and a copy of your DD Form 214 to the:
Defense Armed Forces Affairs Office
Embassy of the Philippines
1600 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington D.C. 20036
[Source: RSO Watervliet Arsenal Newsletter]
Lt. James "EMO" Tichacek USN (Ret)
Director, Retiree Activities Office & U.S. Embassy Warden
Baguio City, Philippines
PSC 517 Box RCB, FPO AP 96517-1000 Tel: (63-74) 445-6786 or FAX
446-2087
AL/CORMV/DAV/FRA/NCOA/PRA/TROA/USDR/VFW member
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