You can request replacements for lost or never-received medals through the National Archives .
Buying military medals depends on whether you are a veteran seeking a replacement, a family member building a shadow box, or a collector seeking historical artifacts. It is critical to distinguish between medals, replicas , and genuine antiques , as different laws and retailers apply to each. 1. Free Replacement for Veterans (Official Sources) buy military medals
For active service members needing spares or families wanting high-quality copies for display, these "Armed Forces Superstores" are officially sanctioned: USAMM: Military Medals | Medals & Ribbons for All Branches You can request replacements for lost or never-received
If the veteran is deceased, the NPRC accepts requests from spouses, children, parents, or siblings. The government provides them at no cost
If you are a veteran or the next-of-kin (NOK), you should not pay for replacement medals. The government provides them at no cost.