Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

National Personnel Records Center - and a 'thank you' to someone here

Mar 13, 2004 11:34PM PST

Several months ago, someone here in SE had posted a link to the National Personnel Records Center. I had utilized that link to inquire about my deceased brother's records and medals he had been awarded during his service with the Army in 1969-71. I finally received a reply from them this past week. This is what they wrote to me:

Dear Ms. Butler,
Thank you for contacting the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). We are pleased to verify entitlement to the folowing awards:
BRONZE STAR MEDAL with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster & "V" Device
PURPLE HEART;
AIR MEDAL
ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL;
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL;
VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL, with 2 Bronze Service Stars;
COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE (1ST AWARD);
REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM CAMPAIGN RIBBON W/DEVICE;
EXPERT BADGE, with Auto, Rifle & Rifle Bars;
MARKSMAN BADGE, with Machine Gun Bar
This Veteran is entitled to the following Foreign Unit Award(s), however, the Department of the Army does not issue them. They may be purchased from dealers in military insignia:
REPUBLIC OF BIETNAM GALLANTRY CROSS UNIT CITATION W/PALM
********************
Anyway, the letter then goes on to explain what the medals were for, and to provide an Awards Case Number so I can check the status of the request at the website http://veteranmedals.army.mil.
They also sent a copy of the Unit Commander's request for the Bronze Star with "V" Device for my brother that briefly tells the story of what he did to earn it (that was in July 1970).
The website states the medals will be sent to me by mid-May. Gives me something to look forward to.

To whomever it was that posted that link to the website for me to request these things, I say THANK YOU, AND GOD BLESS. Having these items of my brother's, and learning bits and pieces of his time away from home when he was in the service (he was almost 9 years older than I), gives me back a piece of him.

Take care,
Marcia/Oregon/USA

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
What a heartwarming event for you, Marcia! This is truly a treasure of ..
Mar 14, 2004 12:29AM PST

memories and mementos to store in your heart and pass on to your sons.

- Collapse -
Re:National Personnel Records Center - and a 'thank you' to someone here
Mar 14, 2004 1:00AM PST

So happy for you . Worth the search, I'm sure

- Collapse -
Thanks, Rosalie and Mary Kay :)
Mar 14, 2004 1:18AM PST

Yes, I am very excited about this. And the letter had said it may take up to 6 months before the medals were shipped, but when I checked at the site provided with my case number, it said expected date for shipment was May. Extremely cool!

I'm planning to make a nice "shadow box" to display his medals. I wish I had something similar in nature for "momentos" for my other deceased brother. He was only 13 when he died (he was almost 5 years older than I was), so I only have pictures. I guess I have finally reached that point in my life where my siblings are missed more than ever. I do have a brother from my father's first marriage that I am very close to, however. He makes up for much of it. I'm hoping to take my boys to visit with him for Spring Break later this month.

Thanks again for the kind responses,
Marcia

- Collapse -
Re:National Personnel Records Center
Mar 14, 2004 4:00AM PST

Yes I am very happy for you and can see how proud you must be.

You mentioned his service years as 1969-1971 If it came from St. Louis, many records were destroyed in the 1973 fire.

Could this be the link you referred to serveral months ago on SE. I was not around back then, But I researched this link through Army Echos.

http://www.archives.gov/research_room/vetrecs/

If it is maybe someone else could use it.

Have a nice day
George

- Collapse -
Yep, that's the place, George! Thanks
Mar 14, 2004 6:34AM PST

I had also read about the records lost in the fire, and, thank goodness, my brother's records were not there at that time. It would have taken much longer to get them as many would have had to have been re-created, or whatever they have to do.

It takes awhile for these things to be routed around and completed, but they get it done, as I can now attest. Happy I will let you all know when I finally receive the medals. Will be a happy day for me.

Thanks again, George,
Marcia

- Collapse -
Re:Yep, that's the place, George! Thanks
Mar 14, 2004 7:42AM PST

Hi Marcia

I am sure it will be a happy day for you when the medals do arrive. Long wait, but happy results Happy

Good Luck
George

- Collapse -
I am truly glad to hear of your good results. (NT)
Mar 14, 2004 10:03AM PST

.