Seeking Great Uncle's Korean War Medals

[Roy Queen]

I have a great uncle who was killed in action in the Korean War serving in the 45th Infantry Divison, 279th Infantry Regiment on or around Old Baldy. As a child, I remember being shown his medals that was issued to his mother, and since then, they have disappeared. Is there a way where I can have a replacement set issued? If so, how would I go about this?

Thank you for your time.

[Allan H.]

I have a great uncle who was killed in action in the Korean War serving in the 45th Infantry Divison, 279th Infantry Regiment on or around Old Baldy. As a child, I remember being shown his medals that was issued to his mother, and since then, they have disappeared. Is there a way where I can have a replacement set issued? If so, how would I go about this?

Thank you for your time.

Roy,
It is possible to get replacement medals issued for your great uncle, but you are going to have to have a little help. First, The awards will only be issued to the closest living relative that is in direct hereditary line for the medals. That is, his mother, father, spouse, or child can apply for the medals. If there is no direct line relative, a brother or sister may apply, but eligibilty will be determined during the investigative period of the case.
If you have a fmily member as mentioned above who is willing to help you with your request, you need to then proceed to the next step. Secure a copy of SF-180. This is a Standard Form that can be acquired from any National Guard Armory, Reserve Center, or military post. You may also be able to get one from your local library if they keep forms on hand, or federal offices.
After you have filled out the form and gotten the Next of Kin's signature in place, sent the form via registered mail to the address on the form.
Keep the receipt and a copy of the letter.
After you have waited about six weeks with no response, send a letter to your local U.S. congressman or Senator. Send a copy of the SF-180 and a copy of the receipt with your letter requesting assistance from the congressman's office.
About a week (maybe two) later, you will get a response from somebody working in the congressman's office. Hopefully, if all goes well, in another two weeks you'll have the medals. The congressman may want to personally award the medals to the next of kin (especially during an election campaign), in which case they will set up an appointment for your family member to come in to the congressman's office to pick up the awards. If he is busy, you may just end up with a box in the mail.
Why not skip the middle man and just contact your congressional office directly? Becasue they will simply mail you the SF-180 and tell you to refer your request to the appropriate site.
Hope this helps.
Allan

[Roy Queen]

Thank You

Thank you for the help Allen, that has helped me greatly! As is, my great grandmother is still alive, but unfortunately, her mind is gone, so I suppose the closet kin would be my dad. All of the brothers and sisters of my great uncle have passed on. However, I did contact the Army regarding Pvt. Ruffus G. Queen, and after about one year did receive copies of records under the Freedom of Information Act. I was actually surprised with what I received. Info on how he was KIA, where the body was shipped, what personal effects he had, etc.

I'll proceed with the next step, and get the ball rolling on this. Once again, thank you for your help.

[Allan H.]

Roy,
You'll be far better off if you can get great great grandma to sing the paperwork, or have her attorney or if she has a power of attorney, her representative sign the form. The government is somewhat strict about who they will issue awards to- nephews and nieces aren't in the mix.
Good luck to you in your endeaver.
Allan

Thank you for the help Allen, that has helped me greatly! As is, my great grandmother is still alive, but unfortunately, her mind is gone, so I suppose the closet kin would be my dad. All of the brothers and sisters of my great uncle have passed on. However, I did contact the Army regarding Pvt. Ruffus G. Queen, and after about one year did receive copies of records under the Freedom of Information Act. I was actually surprised with what I received. Info on how he was KIA, where the body was shipped, what personal effects he had, etc.

I'll proceed with the next step, and get the ball rolling on this. Once again, thank you for your help.