I recently sent a request to the Naval services, to get my recently deceased grandfathers records, Upon receiving them I felt that my grandfather deserved more credit for his service than was given to him, I sent in a request to have my grandfather receive a medal, legion of merit to be precise, Is there any chance they'll actually listen, and If so, how long should it take?
any advice?
2006-10-24 06:16:52 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
OkieBoy
that is true, but thankfully, the cause or reason why I think he deserves it is clearly noted on his record.
2006-10-24 08:00:57 · update #1
work with your congressional representative; they have experience in getting through the red tape, and they like to be able to tout their records on veterans' issues.
2006-10-24 06:19:20 · answer #1 · answered by kent_shakespear 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Legion of Merit is a service award, not a valor award. You'll have much more difficulty convincing your Congressional or Senatorial representative to push for such an award even on the basis of an illustrious service record of 20+ years. Most posthumous awards granted retroactively are based on reviews of awards already given and are in line with those commendations (i.e. if someone got an Army Commendation medal with "V" Device for Vietnam service, it isn't that farfetched to get it pushed to a Bronze Star with "V" Device - an improvement of one grade). The most ever done in a single instance was when 25 veterans of the 100/442nd Regimental Combat Team were awarded Congressional Medals of Honor through the work of President Clinton, when it was demonstrated through a review of their records that their actions merited a higher award than what they received - but all of them received high awards such as Silver Stars to begin with. It is FAR easier to justify review of a valor award than a service award.
I have seen individuals with absolutely incredible service records walk away with pathetic awards - and almost nothing can be done for it. If your request does hit the Secretary of the Navy's desk, chances are it'll get binned. Your grandfather got awarded what he did for a reason, and the prevailing wisdom in the service is to not mess with what's already set in stone. Push for a Congressional if you're that concerned, since that is the surest way to get the ball rolling. You will be waiting a long, long time in vain otherwise.
2006-10-24 23:00:41 · answer #2 · answered by Nat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they listen. There are medals awarded for WWII service on a regular basis, many of them posthumously.
There will have to be a review of the records and a search to see if there is any supporting documentation regarding your Grandfather's service. This can take a very long time. The Legion of Merit is not a medal awarded lightly. But if his service meets the award criteria, it may be favorably acted on.
If you feel the Navy is ignoring you, you might contact your congressman. They can sometimes prompt people to act.
2006-10-24 15:14:20 · answer #3 · answered by JAMES11A 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you were able to document very well why he should be awarded and then all the claims could be supported... you could possibly get it. However it would not be something that would happen overnight.
The Legion of Merit is a very highly acclaimed award... it will not be an easy task to obtain, however. Medals at that level are not just given out.
Best of luck
2006-10-24 13:22:57 · answer #4 · answered by j H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is a chance that you can get all the things you listed above, but it does take alot of work, phone calls and bugging people...i have dealt with the VA and military records people for many years and somethings can take up to a year...
i did read an article very recently that requesting a change in service record, is not granted usually...
2006-10-24 13:21:58 · answer #5 · answered by sherichance79 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The chances if it was an award that wasn't on his DD214 and actually awarded are almost nil. There are instances of awards being given for wartime service, based on action verified by personnel that witnessed an event. But just to ask for an award he didn't have because you think he deserved one just isn't going to fly I'm afraid. He probably deserved it to say the least I'm sure, but the reality is, it won't be awarded.
2006-10-24 13:22:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Kent gave you the best advise.
Our Senator was very helpful to my Mother in getting a bronze medal for my Dad .
2006-10-24 13:25:25 · answer #7 · answered by eva b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't hold your breath.Do you think that they really care.
2006-10-24 13:20:14 · answer #8 · answered by angelo26 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋