Thank you for your service!
As a military veteran member of the Sons of the American Revolution you can receive recognition for your military service. There are military medals offered by the Society:
War Service Medal
The War Service Medal was first authorized in 1899 for members who served in the Spanish-American War. It was subsequently authorized for members who served in World War I and World War II. Following World War II, the NSSAR authorized a generic War Service Medal with specific service periods indicated by bronze bars. The medal is bronze 
in color. The medal is available in miniature. A War Service Medal certificate is available.
Proof of service, in the form of a copy of the member’s discharge (or other U.S. or Allied Government proof in the case of a member in active service), must be presented to the State Society Secretary or Chapter secretary (depending on presenting authority) before the medal can be purchased and/or worn. Such proof must show that the Compatriot:
- served, or is serving, honorably in:
a. the armed forces of the United States,
b. the military forces of a country allied with the United States, or
c. a United Nations Peace Keeping Force; and - served against a common enemy in a war or action recognized by a branch of the Armed Forces of the United States; and
- received a campaign medal, combat ribbon or badge as shown on the DD-214 form (or equivalent). Note: The National Defense Service Medal is not considered a campaign medal for purposes of qualifying for the War Service Medal
Bronze Service Bars indicate that a Compatriot received an authorized campaign medal during a specific qualifying period. Available bronze bars include: WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Southwest Asia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terrorism (for service associated with the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal).
A Purple Heart Pin may be worn by a Compatriot who received the Purple Heart from one of the United States’ Armed Forces.
Military Service Medal
The Military Service Medal may be presented to a Compatriot in recognition of military service which does not otherwise qualify for the War Service Medal. The medal is available 
in miniature. A Military Service Medal Certificate is available.
Proof of service, in the form of a copy of the member’s discharge (or other U.S. or Allied Government proof in the case of a member in active service), must be provided to the State Society Secretary or Chapter secretary (depending on presenting authority) before the medal can be purchased and/or worn. Such proof must show that the Compatriot served, or is serving, honorably in:
- the armed forces of the United States,
- the military forces of a country allied with the United States, or
- a United Nations Peace Keeping Force.
Download the Compatriots Military Service Record Form (fillable PDF), used for both medals.
(The above information comes from the NSSAR Handbook Volume V – Individual Medals, Award, and Certificates – 15-Aug-2023, p 17-19.)
SAR Military Veterans Corps
There are six SAR Military Veterans Corps. If you served in the Armed Forces of the United States, received a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable, and you are an SAR Member in good standing, complete the Multi-Corps Survey Form, which is downloadable on the National SAR Veterans Recognition Committee.
When done return it to the SAR Veterans Recognition Committee at VetCorps@sar.org. After being approved, a Certificate of Patriotism for your service to country will be signed by the President General and sent to Secretary of your State Society. At an appropriate chapter, state or national meeting the Certificate of Patriotism will be presented to you.
US Military & Civilian Recognition
Cold War Recognition Certificate and Victory Medal
Under the 1998 National Defense Authorization Act, the Secretary of Defense approved awarding Cold War Recognition Certificates to all members of the armed forces and qualified federal government civilian personnel who faithfully and honorably served the United States anytime during the Cold War era, which is defined as Sept. 2, 1945 to Dec. 26, 1991.
The program to issue the Cold War Recognition Certificate is run by the United States Army. There is an official Army web site where you can request Cold War Recognition Certificates. This site should be used by everyone who qualifies for the certificate, no matter which branch of the armed forces or agency of the federal government you served. Download the application for the Cold War Recognition Certificate Application.
Cold War Recognition Certificates are available to qualified individuals at no cost. Any other sites offering to sell this certificate, a replica of the certificate, or anything else referred to as a Cold War medal or certificate, are not official sites and are not approved or endorsed by the US Army. The Cold War Victory Medal shown below does not come with the recognition certificate.
Other Links
Salt Lake City VA Regional Benefit Office at George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center