National Cemetery Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides two types of medallions, by request, to be affixed to an existing, privately purchased headstone or marker to signify the deceased's status as a Veteran or Veteran/Servicemember who is also a Medal of Honor recipient.

These devices are furnished in lieu of a traditional Government headstone or grave marker for those Veterans who served on or after April 6, 1917, and whose grave in a private cemetery is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker.

These medallions are durable and can be easily affixed to privately purchased headstones by anyone.

Bronze Medallions: Small, Medium, or Large

The bronze medallion is available in three sizes: Small (2"W x 1-1/2"H x 1/3"D), Medium (3-3/4"W x 2-7/8"H x 1/4"D), or Large (6-3/8"W x 4-3/4"H x 1/2"D). Each medallion is inscribed with the word "VETERAN" across the top and the branch of service at the bottom.

Bronze Medallions

Medal of Honor Medallions: Medium or Large

The Medal of Honor (MOH) Medallion comes in two sizes: Medium or Large. Each medallion is inscribed with "MEDAL OF HONOR" at the top and the branch of service at the bottom.

Medal of Honor Medallions

To apply for a medallion, fill out the Claim for Government Medallion for Placement in a Private Cemetery (VA Form 40-1330M).

» Get VA Form 40-1330M to download

Important: This benefit is only applicable if the grave is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker. In these instances, eligible Veterans are entitled to either a traditional Government-furnished headstone or marker, or the medallion, but not both. If the gravesite of two Veterans is marked with one privately purchased headstone, e.g., two spouses who have both served in the U.S. Military, two medallions can be requested and affixed to the privately purchased headstone if authorized by the local cemetery official.

An authorized applicant, as defined in 38 CFR 38.600 (a)(1), may submit the form to request a medallion. When requesting the MOH Medallion, check "OTHER" in block 11 and specify "MOH."

VA provides a free headstone or marker to any Veteran buried in a private cemetery. Sadly, there are countless Veterans from the civil war to the Korean war laying in unmarked graves, but we can provide and preserve their legacy by placing a headstone or marker on their gravesites.