DD 214 NEEDED ASAP

[JimLor]

I'll make it quick, my son's girlfriend's grandfather (raised her) died Sun. Retired Gunnery Sergeant and the family can't find his DD 214 or any medals/ribbons - he was a Vietnam vet so I know he rates some. I'm making a call tomorrow to the archives to the Marine LNO and hope I can get this done, but does anyone know another way to do this? Remember, the family is clueless.

BTW, I don't actually need the 214, I just need the medals/ribbons information so I can buy and put them together.

Thanks!

 

[vabrzn]

https://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/

You might try the above link, I lost my 214 and it took awhile to get a new one; I think the only person that can get one would be from the immediate family.

 

[SkooterG]

CLICKY HERE

I had to deal with some of this recently. IIRC, you can fax a request, and they will respond fairly quickly.

 

[JimLor]

Thanks Skotter - I'm on there and that's where I got the USMC LNO number. I'll call first thing and if I can't get the Marine to read me the info I'll follow up with the family with a fax. When you say "fairly quickly," the viewing is Thu PM and I will still have to buy and mount the ribbons/badges - that quickly??

 

[SkooterG]

I don't think it will be that quickly. I am thinking if they rush, it's 2-3 days. But you don't know if you don't ask.

Good luck.

 

[Fencer]

I'ld lay money if you post on the Patriot Guard Website, someone over there could help you. Some would prob even loan the proper ribbons if you ask.

 

[extrememarine]

pm sent.

-wr

I'll make it quick, my son's girlfriend's grandfather (raised her) died Sun. Retired Gunnery Sergeant and the family can't find his DD 214 or any medals/ribbons - he was a Vietnam vet so I know he rates some. I'm making a call tomorrow to the archives to the Marine LNO and hope I can get this done, but does anyone know another way to do this? Remember, the family is clueless.
BTW, I don't actually need the 214, I just need the medals/ribbons information so I can buy and put them together.

Thanks!

 

[rangerk9]

I'll make it quick, my son's girlfriend's grandfather (raised her) died Sun. Retired Gunnery Sergeant and the family can't find his DD 214 or any medals/ribbons - he was a Vietnam vet so I know he rates some. I'm making a call tomorrow to the archives to the Marine LNO and hope I can get this done, but does anyone know another way to do this? Remember, the family is clueless.
BTW, I don't actually need the 214, I just need the medals/ribbons information so I can buy and put them together.

Thanks!

Apologies for the below message...I now see that FJRFencer already discussed it. <doing pushups> :huh:

JimLor,

Sorry to hear about the families loss. Have you thought about asking for assistance from the Patriot Guard Riders on the Visitation and/or Funeral? You may already be a member and I may be preaching to the choir, but, if not, they are a great group (I have done 2x events with them) and can be of great assistance.

In case you don't have the link to contact them:

Patriot Guard

Again, sorry for the loss and God Bless that Marine!

Rex

RLTW!!

 

[JimLor]

Thanks all. DOn't know how they'd feel about the Patriot Guard, but I'll ask!

Semper fi.

 

[shokdimn]

Jim,

On occasion, some people used to (years ago) have them recorded at their local courthouse shortly after their separation from the service.

 

[madmike2]

The local Veteran's Affairs office might be able to help. They might only need his service ID number (or social security number).

 

[JimLor]

I called the Marine LNO at the archives (St. Louis). Like a good Marine, he was in at 0700. He's going to put a rush on getting the records and I should have what I need by this afternoon. No way was I going to let a fellow Marine go to his grave without his due. And God Bless all the other services, but the Marine Corps is the only one I can see that has a rep out there to help out and expedite matters like this -- Semper Fi. And for you Marines or family of Marines, his number is 314-538-3155.

Thanks for all of your inputs and offers. This is a maudlin subject, but for you vets out there who might want to be buried in uniform w/your medals/ribbons/badges, make sure your family knows where your paperwork is BEFORE you die - heck, put your uniform together so they just have to stuff you inside! You can't (actually you probably can) imagine the stress it puts on the family having to run around trying to reconstruct your service, medals/ribbons, buy uniforms, etc with only days before the funeral. Personally, I have a folder with all of my "stuff" in one place - yes, the family knows where it is.

Thanks again.