Requesting Duplicate Medals

I am confused and need some help.

I want to get duplicate medals for my grandfather (who is dead), for a shadow box I am making. I have read many threads on this forum outlining both what you have to do to request them, and peoples' adventures in doing just that. I was in the middle of writing a request letter to NARA, and I found this on their website:

"The NOK may purchase a copy of the veteran's OMPF to determine the awards due and obtain the medals from a commercial source" (emphasis added) (Replace Veterans' Medals, Awards, and Decorations).

Since my grandfather separated from service well before 1951, he falls into this category.

So, I just go buy the medals I need and display them? I am fine with doing that/I know what he is authorized for, etc., but I see various threads where people are talking about going through NARA to get replacement medals, enlisting help from their Congressmen, etc. Why are they doing all this (and I'm assuming the vast majority of these vets separated prior to 1951 since this is a WWII site after all) if NARA is saying that they don't provide replacements/go to a commercial source?

Is it because they need to know what their vet is authorized for, because they don't have his paperwork, or...?

What am I missing here?

I just want to make sure I am doing this the "right" way, and if I am supposed to be able to get his medals replaced for free, then that is obviously preferable to paying for them.

Thanks for any advice, as usual.

 

Adambhoy,
Look at this link--Replace Veterans' Medals, Awards, and DecorationsYou will notice that the Army still allows medals request free for next of kin of personnel serving before 1951.
Look at the top of the document and you will see that the Army also recognizes the oldest grandchild as next of kin.
As Lou would say--"go for it"

 

Thanks Buten42--

It looks like I was confusing the Army section (which DOES allow replacement medal requests) with the Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, which don't.

I think I'll send my letter. How I am going to prove that I am the oldest grandchild is another matter (I am, but finding birth certificates, etc. would be a pain).

BUT, nothing ventured, nothing gained right?

 

Will do, thanks guys!