National Cemetery Administration
Obtaining Military Records and Medals
For information about obtaining military records, please visit the Military Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, which is part of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
Information and advice from NARA is as follows:
The preferred method of submitting a request to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) is via the Internet. In some cases using a browser other than Internet Explorer may create problems with data entry. As you know, the NPRC provides copies of documents from military personnel records to authorized requesters. The web-based application will provide better service on these requests by eliminating the mailroom processing time.
You may access this application at:
https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/
Click "Launch E Vet Records", click "Continue" and follow the prompts.
NPRC shares to select "Emergency Request" in the drop down menu under "Which of these categories best describes why you are requesting the records?" within the Veteran Service details page (on the NPRC EVetRecs online application).
At the end, there is a form to print and then fax or mail to the fax number or address listed.
NPRC Fax Number: 314-801-9195
NPRC Mailing Address:
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138
PHONE: 314-801-0800*
*The NPRC peak calling times are weekdays between 10:00 a.m. CT and 3:00 p.m. CT. Staff is available to take your call as early as 7:00 a.m. and as late as 5:00 p.m. CT.
Obtaining Replacement Medals
Replacement medals may be available from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) which is under the jurisdiction of the National Archives and Records Administration.
Note: Links will take you outside the VA web site.