NFB: Help from veterans for Father's Day

[Z Ya Later]

I came up with the perfect gift for my dad for Father's Day but need some help. My dad's medals were "misplaced" (its a long story) and would like to replace them as a surprise for him. He was in the Army during Viet-Nam as a helo-tech/side-gunner I believe. I know he's got at least 1 or 2 Purple Hearts, but I could swear he has a couple more. Would anyone be able to point me in the right direction or help me out? Thanks a bunch in advance.

[Red20170]

If your not sure what medals he has. Then you would need to find his old Service Record Book or Form DD214. If you can't find that then search on the net for "copy of military service record book" . That should lead you in the right direction. Now if you just need to replacement medals. You can find them anywhere online. hope this helps...

[95z28]

Yea, if you have any local surplus stores sometimes they sell them as well. i know there is one around here that im pretty sure carrys them.

[Z Ya Later]

Thanks guys. I know I could go to a surplus store, but I'd rather get them re-issued from the govt. I think it would mean that much more to him. He's got his DD-214 (used it for his Purple Heart plates) so I could get a copy of it, but I would really like to do this without his knowledge (good surprise for him ). Is the SF-180 form the correct form to use for a re-issue?

[Red20170]

I believe the SF 180 is used to obtain Military records. This might help..http://www.archives.gov/research_room/vetrecs/

[Z Ya Later]

I believe the SF 180 is used to obtain Military records. This might help..http://www.archives.gov/research_room/vetrecs/

That helps a bunch man, thanks. I really appreciate everyone who has posted to help so far...keep it comin'

[hotwhip9]

There are a decent amount of on-line surplus stores for military awards. If you cannot find the medal on-line, let me know I'm sure I can get it here at Ft. Bragg for you. I can ask around here to see how to get it re-issued, I'll let you know if I find anything out.

[Z Ya Later]

There are a decent amount of on-line surplus stores for military awards. If you cannot find the medal on-line, let me know I'm sure I can get it here at Ft. Bragg for you. I can ask around here to see how to get it re-issued, I'll let you know if I find anything out.

Thanks a bunch man, I really appreciate it. Please let me know if you find out anything.

[hotwhip9]

What other medals were awarded to your father? One thing you could look into, I'll see if the companies here have a website, or I can co-ordinate with you...

They make display boxes, with american flag, medals, rank, name plate, unit patch etc... All built to suit, which could display all medals awarded to your father. They look really good. I can go tomorrow and check on prices and such for you after work. I know the nat'l defense ribon should be in there, vietnam svc award. If you look on the DD214 under awards it will list all that has been given. What branch of service was he in? If it's Army I'm sure there is a Army Commendation Medal, and probably an Army Achievement Medal

[Z Ya Later]

What other medals were awarded to your father? One thing you could look into, I'll see if the companies here have a website, or I can co-ordinate with you...

They make display boxes, with american flag, medals, rank, name plate, unit patch etc... All built to suit, which could display all medals awarded to your father. They look really good. I can go tomorrow and check on prices and such for you after work. I know the nat'l defense ribon should be in there, vietnam svc award. If you look on the DD214 under awards it will list all that has been given. What branch of service was he in? If it's Army I'm sure there is a Army Commendation Medal, and probably an Army Achievement Medal

I know he has 2 Purple Hearts, I believe. He was in the Army, a Seargant I believe (if I remember correctly, 3 arrowheads, no cradles). I'll have to talk to him and get him to look at his DD-214 I guess...didn't wanna spill it ahead of time, but I think that case would really be a cool thing. Thanks for all your help man. I'm gonna PM you my e-mail so you can get a hold of me easier. Thanks again