Question for those who served in the military.

[68Charger]

My father served in Vietnam way back when and he had lost his uniform. He left a staff sgt. I believe. Anyway, I was curious to know if there is ANY possible way he can get his stripes and insignias back? If so, whom do I contact? I'm sure I can't do any of this without him being present, but I think it'll be a great idea for him to get the stuff from what he once earned.

Thanks in advance, fellas!

Alex

[suthdj]

Army Surplus stores.

[68Charger]

Although that's a great answer, and thank you for it, but I actually want one that was given to my father than just going out and buying stripes from a store. IE I want it from the gvmt or if there's even a possibility.

Thanks!

[Texas Dan Mosby]

Your best bet is to check with the Veterans Administration to see what type of programs they may have, however, I don't believe you will be able to find Nam' era uniform items anywhere outside of surplus / specialty shops.

[suthdj]

The ones given your father are long since gone. Since you live in SA you can hit up Fort Sam and check with some of the people there if they can get you something from the clothing store there. Other than that the surplus store has the exact same items around the same price. Honestly these kind of items are meaningless to most military people after they get out and are disposable while they are in, it is nothing more than a piece of cloth and or metal. Probably made in China also.

[68Charger]

Bitter bear are we?

It's just a bit more sentimental than how your perceive it, man.

Anyway, thanks for the info. I don't want the uniform per se, but I do want his stripes. I'll have to ask my dear congressman now that he has free time being kicked out of office and all. Thanks.

[terryg]

I don't know how the other branches do things, but rank insignia (i.e. stripes) were never issued items when I was in the Marines. As part of a promotion ceremony, you would have a set of metal fatigue-collar-worn stripes pinned on (literally pinned into you). Then, on your own dime, you purchased more fatigue stripes as needed as well as pay to have the new rank replace the old rank insignia on all dress items (shirts and coats) that you owned.

I say on your own dime, but we actually received an annual uniform allowance to cover this and uniform replacements. But the bottom line is that, except for the ceremony, these items were never 'issued'.

Now awarded metals and ribbons were a different matter. You were awarded one at the time it was earned and in order to purchase others, you had to provide appropriate proof.

[C-dub]

Stripes were always just purchased at the base store. I could purchase what ever I wanted. I just couldn't wear anything higher than what I was. Unit insignia is harder to come by, but might still be possible at one of the surplus stores.

[powerboatr]

your local veterans service officer would be a great place to start.
ours here is a member of the vfw and i am sure yours would have contacts with some source from that era
i did 22 and the rank insignia for us never changed, so you may be able to go to the base as a visitor and see the 1st sgt on base...maybe he/she could help get you what you need

[jmorris]

I was a platoon leader and always just purchased the pin on rank for promoting my people. There was no rank insignia issued, either pin or sewn on. And any ceremony was usually just a platoon or company formation.

77-83 time frame so things may have changed a bit but never heard it was otherwise.

[E.Marquez]

My father served in Vietnam way back when and he had lost his uniform. He left a staff Sgt. I believe. Anyway, I was curious to know if there is ANY possible way he can get his stripes and insignias back? If so, whom do I contact? I'm sure I can't do any of this without him being present, but I think it'll be a great idea for him to get the stuff from what he once earned.

Thanks in advance, fellas!

Alex

Mum, well, issue one is, the Rank insignia style has changed since your dad was promoted.
Rank is normally only provided for the promotion ceremony, after that you buy your own.

If your looking of period correct rank. Used, as in Army stores is the only ave I know of.

If you would like a set of current rank design.... I can assist with that..

[jimlongley]

The only rate insignia I ever received, that I didn't pay for, was E-2 on graduation from boot, and of course the E-4 pin that was pinned on, bought everything else.

I have one uniform left from back then, long since shrunk many sizes too small, and although it has a little nostalgic significance, I would buy if I needed any.

[OldCannon]

Your dad's DD-214 should have not only his rank, but all the ribbons/medals/awards he's received. Any knowledgeable Army vet will be able to help you identify and purchase the right items from a surplus store.

Good luck with your efforts!

[G26ster]

When I was enlisted and a NCO, I never was given a set rank insignia or chevrons on promotion. Got them at the post uniform store. As a Commissioned Officer, sometimes the rank was pinned on, and other times all I got was just a set of orders and bought my own.

As for Medals and Ribbons, the military will replace them for you or your Dad free, if he no longer has them. You'll need to supply his DD214. If he does not have it (lost), you can use DD From 180 to request a replacement DD214 and medals at the same time. Also, his name will be engraved on the back of each medal.

If you have his DD214 go here:

http://www.archives.gov/veterans/replace-medals.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you do not have his DD214, go here to request a replacement DD214 and medals at the same time (make sure to check BOTH the DD214 and Medals/Awards boxes) :

http://www.archives.gov/research/order/ ... rm-180.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Be advised it is currently taking 6-9 months for replacement medals, but much, much faster for the replacement DD214 to arrive.

[MasterOfNone]

I requested my military records from the archives, and when they sent copies of the records, they placed an order for all my awards and badges. I received a package with every award and badge I had earned. No rank, but all the awards.

http://www.archives.gov/veterans/milita ... e-records/