Defense Department Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Certificate of Honor Program

The GDVS can assist veterans and families in filing for several types of certificates of honor on behalf of their departed loved ones. These certificates are offered through the Department of Defense's (DoD) Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration's Certificates of Honor series.

Recognizing the unique service and sacrifice of four categories of veterans and family members, these certificates and accompanying lapel pins are available through the GDVS.

For additional information or assistance contact the GDVS at 404-656-2300 or email [email protected].

The “In Memory of” Certificate

The "In Memory of" certificate is for immediate family members (parents, surviving spouse, children, and siblings) of those American military Vietnam War fatalities. The DoD will verify the submitted information by checking the list on the Vietnam Memorial Wall. This certificate is requested through and presented by a Commemorative Partner.

Information needed:

• Name of the family member (as it should appear) to be placed on the certificate
• Name, rank, branch of service, and date of death of the deceased military service member
• Address, phone number, and name to whom the certificate is to be mailed for presentation purposes if different than the requestor

The “Surviving Spouse” Certificate

The "Surviving Spouse" certificate is for the widow (widower) at the time of death of a veteran who served on active (military) duty between June 1, 1954 and May 15, 1975. This certificate can be issued (and printed) by a Vietnam War Anniversary Commemorative Partner organization. A surviving spouse interested in receiving this certificate will need to provide documentation proving their relationship and a copy of the deceased veteran's DD Form 214.

Information needed:

• Name of the surviving spouse (as it should appear) to be placed on the certificate
• The deceased veteran’s DD Form 214
• Address and phone number of the recipient (surviving spouse)

The “Unaccounted for/Missing in Action” Certificate

The "Unaccounted for/Missing in Action" certificate is for immediate family members (parents, children, siblings, and spouse) of an American military service member who is listed by DoD as missing and still unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. Information provided will be verified by the Vietnam War Commemoration office with the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO). This certificate is requested through and presented by a Commemorative Partner.

Information needed:

• Name, rank, branch of service, and date of incident of the missing/unaccounted for the military service member
• Name of the family member (as it should appear) to be placed on the certificate
• Relationship of the family member to the missing/unaccounted for military service member [widow (remarried or not), parent (mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, mother through adoption, father through adoption, and foster parents), child, stepchild, adopted child, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister]. If no immediate family member remains, the Primary Next of Kin (per the service member’s Branch of Service) may submit for recognition.
• Address, phone number, and name to whom the certificate is to be mailed for presentation purposes if different than the requestor

The “Former POW” Certificate

The "Former POW" certificate is for living American military Vietnam War POWs as listed by DoD. This certificate is requested through and presented by a Commemorative Partner.

Information needed:

• Name (as it should appear), Branch of Service, and retired rank (includes a medical retirement) of the former American POW of the Vietnam War to be placed on the certificate
• Address, phone number, and name to whom the certificate is to be mailed for presentation purposes if different than the requestor.