Missouri war medallion program offers recognition to veterans

By Brian HillApril 7, 2021

Missouri war medallion program offers recognition to veterans
The Missouri Veterans Recognition War Medallion Program honors Missourians who served on active duty during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Iraq War. (Photo Credit: Courtesy photo) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — The state of Missouri is seeking to highlight the sacrifices of active-duty service members, veterans, retirees and the deceased who participated in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.

According to Sylvia Bennett, program director for the Missouri National Guard Veterans Recognition Office, the Missouri Veterans Recognition War Medallion Program honors Missourians who served on active duty during the periods:

— Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1946 (WWII);

— June 6, 1944 to Sept. 30, 1944 and participated in the Battle of Normandy (Jubilee of Liberty);

— June 27, 1950 to Jan. 31, 1955 (Korea);

— Feb. 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975 (Vietnam);

— Aug. 7, 1990 to June 7, 1991 (Desert Shield and Desert Storm);

— March 19, 2003 to Dec. 15, 2011 (Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn).

Service members did not have to be stationed overseas during the time periods mentioned to receive awards; only one award per conflict will be presented to an individual.

Anyone who is a legal resident of Missouri at the time of application; was a legal resident of Missouri upon entering or discharge from military service, or at the time of death; or served in a unit of the Missouri National Guard, regardless of ever being a legal resident of Missouri may apply as long as the service was classified as honorable — anyone still serving may also apply as long as they serve in an honorable status, Bennett said.

Additionally, any spouse or eldest-living survivor of a service member who meets eligibility requirements but died prior to applying is entitled to recognition.

Those to be recognized receive a medal, medallion, certificate and letters from the

Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard, the Secretary of State and the Governor, and Bennett said individuals and groups may request award ceremonies.

The application can be found by visiting https://www.moguard.ngb.mil/resources/veteran-awards.

Documentation of service is a requirement as is the Social Security Number of the service member. Some acceptable forms include a DD Form 214: Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty; DA Form 2-1: Personnel Qualification Record; induction or discharge paperwork; official documentation of medals with dates of service; and newspaper clipping from the era of service that include service dates.

Completed applications and copies of documentation may be mailed to the Office of the Adjutant General, Attn: Veterans Recognition Program, P.O. Box 1808, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

Call 573.638.9561 or email ng.mo.vets@mail.mil for more information.