Writing an obituary for a veteran is both a solemn responsibility and a profound honor. Unlike a civilian obituary, a veteran's obituary must capture not only the story of a life lived but also the sacrifice, courage, and commitment that defined their military service. Whether your loved one served in World War II, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, or during peacetime, their obituary should reflect the full measure of their dedication to country and community.

A well-written military obituary weaves together the details of service — branch, rank, deployments, and decorations — with the personal qualities that made your veteran who they were as a parent, spouse, friend, and neighbor. This guide walks you through every step of writing a veteran obituary that honors their legacy with the dignity they deserve.

Why Veteran Obituaries Are Unique

Every obituary tells the story of a life, but a veteran obituary carries an additional dimension that civilian obituaries do not. Military service shapes a person in ways that extend far beyond the years they wore the uniform. It instills values of discipline, sacrifice, and loyalty that define a veteran's character for the rest of their life.

A veteran obituary is unique because it must accurately represent military service within a framework that is both deeply personal and governed by specific traditions and terminology. Ranks must be correct. Decorations must be properly named. Service dates, duty stations, and deployments carry significance that fellow veterans and military families will immediately recognize and respect.

There is also a communal dimension to a veteran's passing. When a veteran dies, they are mourned not only by their family but by their brothers and sisters in arms, their veteran service organizations, and the broader community of those who understand the weight of military service. A well-crafted obituary for a veteran speaks to all of these audiences simultaneously.

If you are new to writing obituaries in general, our guide on how to write an obituary provides a strong foundation for the basics before you layer in the military-specific details covered here.

Military Information to Include

The military details in a veteran obituary are not mere decorations — they are a factual record of service that fellow veterans, historians, and family members will read with care. Getting these details right matters. Here is what to include:

Branch of Service

Identify which branch your veteran served in: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, or their historical predecessors (such as the Army Air Corps). If they served in more than one branch, note each one.

Rank at Separation or Retirement

Include the highest rank achieved or the rank held at the time of discharge or retirement. Use the full title — for example, "Master Sergeant" rather than just "MSgt," though you may include the abbreviation in parentheses for clarity.

Service Dates

Note the years of active service. For career military personnel, this might span decades. For those who served a single enlistment, even a few years of service deserve recognition. If your veteran served during a specific conflict era, mention that as well.

Unit and Duty Stations

Include the units your veteran served with, especially those they were most proud of or those that saw significant action. Duty stations — both stateside and overseas — help paint a picture of their service journey.

Deployments and Theaters of Operation

If your veteran deployed to a combat zone or participated in a specific campaign, name it. This could include theaters like the European Theater of Operations in WWII, the Korean Peninsula, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, or Afghanistan.

Awards and Decorations

Military awards are earned through sacrifice and excellence. List them with their proper names. Common decorations include:

  • Purple Heart
  • Bronze Star Medal
  • Silver Star
  • Distinguished Service Cross / Navy Cross / Air Force Cross
  • Medal of Honor
  • Meritorious Service Medal
  • Combat Infantry Badge or Combat Action Ribbon
  • Campaign medals and service ribbons
  • Good Conduct Medal
  • National Defense Service Medal

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or Rating

What was their job in the military? Whether they were an infantryman, a Navy corpsman, a helicopter pilot, or a communications specialist, their military occupational specialty tells a story about how they contributed to the mission.

Structure of a Veteran Obituary

A strong veteran obituary follows a logical structure that balances military service with the full arc of a life. Here is a recommended framework:

  1. Opening announcement: Full legal name (including maiden name if applicable), rank, age, date of death, and location of death.
  2. Early life: Date and place of birth, parents' names, childhood details, and education.
  3. Military service: Branch, enlistment or commissioning date, units, deployments, rank progression, awards, and discharge or retirement details. This section is the heart of a veteran obituary.
  4. Post-military life: Civilian career, continued education, community involvement, and how military values carried forward.
  5. Personal life: Marriage, children, grandchildren, hobbies, passions, faith, and personality traits that defined them.
  6. Survivors and predeceased: List of surviving family members and those who preceded them in death.
  7. Service details: Funeral or memorial information, including whether military honors will be rendered.
  8. Memorial donations: Suggested organizations for memorial contributions, often veteran-related charities.

How to Obtain Military Records (DD-214)

The DD-214, officially known as the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is the single most important document for writing an accurate veteran obituary. It contains the veteran's service dates, rank, military occupational specialty, awards, and character of discharge.

Where to Find the DD-214

Many veterans keep their DD-214 with important personal documents. Check filing cabinets, safe deposit boxes, and home safes first. Veterans may also have provided copies to their county recorder's office, as many states encourage veterans to file their DD-214 locally.

Requesting Records from the National Archives

If you cannot locate the DD-214, next of kin can request military service records from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri. You can submit a request online through the National Archives website (eVetRecs) or by mailing Standard Form 180 (SF-180).

Be aware that a catastrophic fire at the NPRC in 1973 destroyed approximately 16 to 18 million records, primarily affecting Army personnel discharged between 1912 and 1964 and Air Force personnel discharged between 1947 and 1964. If your veteran's records were among those lost, alternative sources may include unit histories, state adjutant general offices, and Veterans Affairs records.

Other Sources of Military Information

  • Discharge certificates and separation papers
  • Veterans Affairs medical records
  • Military service organization membership records (VFW, American Legion)
  • Personal memorabilia: photos, unit patches, challenge coins, and letters
  • Fellow veterans who served alongside your loved one

Including Civilian Life Alongside Service

While military service is a defining chapter, most veterans live rich civilian lives that deserve equal attention in their obituary. The transition from military to civilian life is itself a significant story — many veterans channel the discipline and leadership they developed in uniform into successful careers, volunteer work, and community leadership.

Describe their civilian career and professional accomplishments. Did they use their military training in their civilian work, such as a military pilot who became a commercial aviator or a combat medic who pursued nursing? These connections between service and civilian life add depth and continuity to the obituary.

Include memberships in veteran service organizations like the VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, or Vietnam Veterans of America. For many veterans, these organizations provide lifelong fellowship and purpose. Similarly, note any volunteer work, mentoring of younger veterans, or advocacy they engaged in.

Personal passions and hobbies round out the portrait. Perhaps your veteran was an avid fisherman, a devoted gardener, a skilled woodworker, or a passionate sports fan. These details remind readers that behind the uniform was a complete human being with joys, quirks, and interests all their own.

If your veteran was also a father, our guide on how to write a eulogy for your father may help you find the right words to honor that dimension of their life as well.

VA Burial Benefits Overview

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides several burial benefits for eligible veterans that may be referenced or noted in the obituary, particularly in the service arrangements section.

Burial in a National Cemetery

Eligible veterans can be buried in any of the 155 national cemeteries maintained by the VA at no cost for the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a government headstone or marker, and perpetual care. Spouses and eligible dependents may also be interred alongside the veteran.

Government Headstones and Markers

The VA provides headstones, markers, and medallions at no cost for eligible veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private one. These markers include the veteran's name, branch of service, dates of birth and death, and can include a religious emblem.

Burial Allowance

For veterans not buried in a national cemetery, the VA may provide a burial allowance to help offset funeral and burial costs. The amount varies based on whether the death was service-related and other factors.

Presidential Memorial Certificate

Families of honorably discharged veterans can request a Presidential Memorial Certificate — a gold-embossed certificate signed by the current President expressing gratitude for the veteran's service. Multiple copies can be requested for family members.

Military Funeral Honors

Military funeral honors are a meaningful tribute that many families choose to include, and the obituary should mention if honors will be rendered at the service. Under federal law, every eligible veteran is entitled to a basic military funeral honors ceremony at no cost.

Standard Military Funeral Honors

At minimum, military funeral honors include a two-person uniformed detail who fold and present the American flag to the next of kin and play "Taps." The flag folding ceremony carries deep symbolism — each of the thirteen folds holds specific meaning.

Full Military Honors

Full honors, typically reserved for higher-ranking service members or those killed in action, may include a casket team, firing party (the traditional three-volley salute), a bugler, and a military chaplain. The specific elements depend on the veteran's rank and branch of service.

How to Request Military Funeral Honors

Funeral directors typically coordinate military honors by contacting the appropriate branch of service. Families can also reach out to local veteran service organizations, many of which maintain honor guard teams that supplement the official military detail.

If military honors will be part of the service, the obituary should note this so that fellow veterans and community members can attend and pay their respects in the appropriate manner.

Veteran Obituary Examples

The following examples of how to write a military obituary illustrate different approaches based on era of service, branch, and life circumstances. Use these as templates and adapt them to your veteran's unique story.

Example 1: World War II Veteran

Staff Sergeant Robert "Bob" James Mitchell, 98, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, at his home surrounded by family. Bob was born on June 22, 1927, in Springfield, Ohio, to Harold and Dorothy (Wilson) Mitchell.

At the age of 17, Bob enlisted in the United States Army and served with distinction in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. Assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, he participated in the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of concentration camps in Germany. For his bravery under fire, Bob was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor device, the Purple Heart for wounds sustained near Bastogne, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze service stars, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was honorably discharged in 1946 at the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Returning home to Ohio, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Ann Collins, on October 12, 1947. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Ohio State University on the GI Bill and spent 35 years with General Motors, retiring as a plant manager in 1987. Bob was a life member of VFW Post 1066 and the American Legion, where he served as Post Commander for three terms. He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church, an avid golfer, and a beloved figure at the local diner where he held court with fellow veterans every Tuesday morning.

Bob is survived by his children, James (Patricia) Mitchell, Susan (David) Hartley, and Karen Mitchell-Brooks; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and his brother, William Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Margaret in 2019 and his parents.

A funeral service with full military honors will be held at First Baptist Church on March 19, 2026. Interment will follow at Dayton National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Honor Flight Network or the 101st Airborne Division Association.

Example 2: Vietnam Veteran

Sergeant First Class (Ret.) Thomas "Tom" Edward Nguyen, 78, of San Jose, California, passed away on February 28, 2026, at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. Tom was born on August 3, 1947, in Saigon, Vietnam, to Minh and Linh (Tran) Nguyen.

Tom's family immigrated to the United States in 1955, settling in San Francisco. After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1965, Tom enlisted in the United States Army, determined to serve the country that had given his family a new home. He completed two combat tours in Vietnam with the 1st Infantry Division (the Big Red One), serving as an infantryman and later as a squad leader. His decorations include the Silver Star for gallantry in action during the Tet Offensive, two awards of the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnam Service Medal with four campaign stars, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

Tom continued his Army career after Vietnam, serving at Fort Bragg, Fort Hood, and in Germany. He retired in 1985 at the rank of Sergeant First Class after 20 years of distinguished service. Following his military retirement, Tom earned a bachelor's degree in social work from San Jose State University and spent 18 years as a counselor at the VA, helping fellow veterans navigate the challenges of post-traumatic stress and reintegration into civilian life. He was a tireless advocate for veteran mental health services.

Tom was an active member of the Vietnamese American Veterans Alliance, VFW Post 3982, and coached youth soccer in the San Jose community for over a decade. He was known for his quiet strength, his gentle humor, and his extraordinary generosity.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary Catherine (O'Brien) Nguyen; his children, David Nguyen, Lisa (Michael) Park, and Anna Nguyen; five grandchildren; and his sisters, Mai Nguyen-Tran and Hoa Nguyen. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Duc Nguyen.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at Oak Hill Funeral Home on March 5, 2026. Interment with full honors will follow at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Example 3: Iraq/Afghanistan Veteran

Captain Sarah Elizabeth Dawson, 42, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, died on January 20, 2026, from injuries sustained in service to her country. Sarah was born on May 11, 1983, in Augusta, Georgia, to Colonel (Ret.) Richard and Diane (Foster) Dawson.

A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Class of 2005, Sarah was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Military Police Corps. Over her 17-year career, she deployed three times: twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2006-2007, 2009-2010) and once to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (2013-2014). She served with the 503rd Military Police Battalion and later with the 18th Military Police Brigade at Fort Bragg. Her awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device for valor, the Iraq Campaign Medal with three campaign stars, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, and the Combat Action Badge.

Sarah was passionate about mentoring young soldiers and was known throughout her units for her fierce dedication to the welfare of her troops. Off duty, she was an accomplished marathon runner, a devoted dog mom to her two rescue German Shepherds, and an active volunteer with Team Red White and Blue.

She is survived by her parents; her brother, Lieutenant Colonel James Dawson; her partner, Dr. Rachel Kim; and her beloved dogs, Ranger and Liberty. A celebration of life with military honors will be held at the Main Post Chapel, Fort Liberty, on January 27, 2026. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. The family requests donations to the Gary Sinise Foundation or the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).

Example 4: Career Military (30+ Years)

Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Willie James Henderson, 82, of Killeen, Texas, passed away on March 1, 2026, at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center. Willie was born on December 14, 1943, in Selma, Alabama, to James and Mabel (Johnson) Henderson.

Willie enlisted in the United States Army in 1962 and served for 32 years, retiring in 1994 at the rank of Command Sergeant Major — the highest enlisted rank in the Army. His career spanned some of the most consequential chapters in modern military history. He served two tours in Vietnam (1966-1967 and 1969-1970) with the 25th Infantry Division, followed by assignments in Germany, South Korea, Fort Benning, Fort Campbell, and Fort Hood. He served as the Command Sergeant Major of the 1st Cavalry Division from 1990 to 1993, leading soldiers during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf War.

His extensive list of decorations includes the Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Bronze Star Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, the Combat Infantry Badge with Star (denoting second award), the Master Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger Tab. He was inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and the Fort Hood Hall of Fame.

After retirement, Willie served as a mentor and civilian instructor at Fort Hood, guiding the next generation of Army leaders. He was an active member of Antioch Baptist Church, the Association of the United States Army, and the Sergeant Major Association. Willie was known for his commanding presence, his booming laugh, and his unwavering belief that every soldier deserved strong leadership.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gloria Jean (Washington) Henderson; their children, Marcus (Denise) Henderson, Sheila (Robert) Taylor, and Willie Henderson Jr.; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charles Henderson.

Funeral services with full military honors will be held at Antioch Baptist Church on March 8, 2026. Burial will follow at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Fisher House Foundation or the USO.

Example 5: National Guard/Reserve Veteran

Technical Sergeant Jennifer Marie Kowalski, USAFR (Ret.), 61, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away on February 10, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Jenny was born on April 5, 1964, in Milwaukee to Edward and Rose (Majewski) Kowalski.

Jenny enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserve in 1986 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee with a degree in nursing. She served as an Aeromedical Evacuation Technician with the 934th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron out of Minneapolis-St. Paul. Over her 24-year Reserve career, she was activated and deployed multiple times, including Operations Southern Watch (1998), Enduring Freedom (2002-2003), and Iraqi Freedom (2005). She participated in dozens of aeromedical evacuation missions, providing critical care to wounded service members during transport from combat zones to medical facilities in Germany and the United States. Her decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

In her civilian career, Jenny was a registered nurse at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center for 28 years, where she specialized in oncology and palliative care. She brought the same compassion and composure to her civilian patients that she demonstrated on aeromedical evacuation flights under fire. She was a member of the Air Force Association, Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs, and St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir.

Jenny is survived by her husband, Mark Kowalski; her children, Emily (Jason) Richter and Michael Kowalski; three grandchildren; her mother, Rose Kowalski; her siblings, Edward Kowalski Jr. and Maria (Daniel) Solis; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church on February 16, 2026, followed by interment with military honors at Wood National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to the American Cancer Society or the Air Force Aid Society.

Example 6: Female Navy Veteran and Trailblazer

Commander (Ret.) Patricia "Pat" Anne Hawkins, USN, 74, of Annapolis, Maryland, passed away on March 10, 2026. Pat was born on September 8, 1951, in Baltimore, Maryland, to George and Helen (McCarthy) Hawkins.

Pat was among the first women to attend the Navy's Supply Corps School in 1973 and went on to serve 22 years on active duty in the United States Navy. She served aboard the USS Vulcan (AR-5), one of the first Navy ships to integrate female crew members, and later held leadership positions at Naval Supply Systems Command, Naval Station Norfolk, and the Pentagon. Her assignments took her to Japan, Italy, and Bahrain. She retired in 1995 at the rank of Commander. Her awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars (Navy equivalent of Oak Leaf Clusters), the Navy Commendation Medal with three Gold Stars, the Navy Achievement Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star.

After retiring from the Navy, Pat earned a master's degree in public administration from George Washington University and worked as a program analyst with the Department of Defense for 15 years. She was a passionate advocate for women in the military and mentored dozens of young female officers throughout her career and beyond. She was an active member of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, the Navy League, and the Naval Academy Women's Network.

Pat loved sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, cheering on the Navy Midshipmen, and spoiling her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Rear Admiral (Ret.) John Hawkins; her children, Lieutenant Commander Katherine Hawkins, USN, and Dr. John Hawkins Jr.; four grandchildren; and her sister, Mary Ellen Doyle. A memorial service will be held at the Naval Academy Chapel on March 17, 2026. Interment will be at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Women's Memorial Foundation or the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

Common Military Abbreviations

When writing a military obituary, you may encounter abbreviations in service records. Here is a reference guide for the most common ones:

Rank Abbreviations

  • PVT — Private (Army)
  • PFC — Private First Class
  • CPL — Corporal
  • SGT — Sergeant
  • SSG — Staff Sergeant (Army)
  • SFC — Sergeant First Class
  • MSG / 1SG — Master Sergeant / First Sergeant
  • SGM / CSM — Sergeant Major / Command Sergeant Major
  • 2LT / 1LT / CPT — Second Lieutenant / First Lieutenant / Captain
  • MAJ / LTC / COL — Major / Lieutenant Colonel / Colonel
  • BG / MG / LTG / GEN — Brigadier General / Major General / Lieutenant General / General
  • LCDR / CDR / CAPT — Lieutenant Commander / Commander / Captain (Navy)
  • TSgt / MSgt / SMSgt / CMSgt — Technical Sergeant / Master Sergeant / Senior Master Sergeant / Chief Master Sergeant (Air Force)

Service and Document Abbreviations

  • DD-214 — Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
  • MOS — Military Occupational Specialty (Army/Marines)
  • AFSC — Air Force Specialty Code
  • NEC — Navy Enlisted Classification
  • PCS — Permanent Change of Station
  • TDY / TAD — Temporary Duty (Army/Air Force) / Temporary Additional Duty (Navy/Marines)
  • VA — Department of Veterans Affairs
  • OEF — Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan)
  • OIF — Operation Iraqi Freedom
  • OND — Operation New Dawn
  • GWOT — Global War on Terrorism

Award Abbreviations

  • MOH — Medal of Honor
  • DSC — Distinguished Service Cross
  • SS — Silver Star
  • LOM / LM — Legion of Merit
  • BSM — Bronze Star Medal
  • PH — Purple Heart
  • MSM — Meritorious Service Medal
  • ARCOM — Army Commendation Medal
  • AAM — Army Achievement Medal
  • CIB — Combat Infantry Badge
  • CAB — Combat Action Badge
  • OLC — Oak Leaf Cluster (denotes additional awards)

When writing the obituary, it is best practice to spell out the full name of each award on first reference and include the abbreviation in parentheses if you plan to reference it again.

Where to Publish a Veteran Obituary

A veteran obituary should be published broadly enough to reach all of the communities that were important to your loved one. Consider these channels:

Local and Hometown Newspapers

Publish in the newspaper of the city where your veteran lived, as well as their hometown paper if different. Many newspapers now offer both print and online publication.

Military and Veteran Publications

Veteran service organizations often maintain newsletters or websites where obituaries can be posted. Contact your veteran's VFW post, American Legion post, or branch-specific association. Publications like Stars and Stripes and military branch newspapers may also be appropriate.

Unit Association Websites and Social Media

Many military units maintain active alumni associations with websites and social media groups. Posting the obituary there ensures that fellow service members who served alongside your veteran will learn of their passing.

Online Memorial Platforms

Digital memorials have become an essential way to preserve and share a veteran's legacy. Unlike a newspaper obituary that fades from public view after a few days, an online memorial creates a permanent space where family, friends, and fellow veterans can gather to share memories, post photos, and honor the veteran's service for years to come.

If you are preparing a eulogy or farewell letter alongside the obituary, having a central online memorial gives you a meaningful place to share those words with a wider audience.

Creating a Lasting Online Memorial

A veteran's story should not be confined to a few paragraphs in a newspaper. An online memorial allows you to create a rich, multimedia tribute that captures the full scope of their life and service.

With a dedicated memorial page, you can upload photos from their military years and civilian life, share stories and memories from family and fellow veterans, post copies of their military records and decorations, and create a lasting digital tribute that future generations can visit.

At MyFarewelling, you can create a free memorial page with a military theme designed specifically to honor veterans. The military-themed memorial includes space for service details, photos in uniform, campaign histories, and a tribute wall where fellow service members and loved ones can leave messages of remembrance.

Creating a memorial page also gives you a single link to share in the obituary itself, on social media, and with veteran organizations — ensuring that everyone who wants to pay their respects can do so from anywhere in the world.

Create a veteran memorial page now to give your loved one the lasting tribute they earned through their service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What information should I include in an obituary for a veteran?

An obituary for a veteran should include their branch of service, rank at discharge or retirement, service dates, units, deployments, and awards and decorations, in addition to the standard obituary information such as biographical details, survivors, and service arrangements. The DD-214 is the best source for accurate military details.

How do I find my loved one's military records for the obituary?

Start by looking for the DD-214 among the veteran's personal papers or at the local county recorder's office. If you cannot locate it, next of kin can request records from the National Personnel Records Center through the National Archives website or by submitting Standard Form 180. Processing times vary, so request records as early as possible.

Should I list all of a veteran's military awards in the obituary?

For veterans with extensive service, listing every ribbon and medal can be overwhelming. Focus on the most significant awards — valor decorations (Silver Star, Bronze Star with "V" device), the Purple Heart, combat badges, and campaign medals. You can note "among other decorations" to acknowledge additional awards without listing each one.

How do I request military funeral honors?

Your funeral director can coordinate military funeral honors by contacting the appropriate military branch. You can also contact local veteran service organizations. Every eligible veteran is entitled by law to a minimum two-person honors detail that includes flag folding, flag presentation, and the playing of "Taps."

Can I mention classified or sensitive military service in the obituary?

Use discretion when discussing military service that may have involved classified operations. You can reference the general nature of their service (for example, "served in special operations" or "intelligence") without disclosing specific classified details. When in doubt, consult with fellow veterans or the veteran's former unit.

What is the proper way to list a veteran's rank in an obituary?

Use the full rank title followed by the abbreviation in parentheses if desired, along with "(Ret.)" for retired service members. Place the rank before the veteran's name in the opening line. For example: "Master Sergeant (Ret.) John A. Smith, USA" or "Captain Jane B. Doe, USMC (Ret.)." Use the rank held at separation or the highest rank achieved.

Are there special considerations for obituaries of veterans who died in combat?

Yes. For service members killed in action or who died from service-related causes, the obituary typically notes the circumstances with language such as "died in service to their country" or "gave the last full measure of devotion." The military's Casualty Assistance Officer assigned to the family can provide guidance on appropriate language and assist with funeral arrangements and benefits.

How can I create an online memorial for a veteran?

You can create a free memorial page at MyFarewelling with a military-themed design that honors your veteran's service. The page allows you to include service details, upload photos, and invite family and fellow veterans to share memories and tributes.

What veteran organizations should I consider for memorial donations?

Common organizations families suggest for memorial donations include the Wounded Warrior Project, Fisher House Foundation, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Honor Flight Network, Gary Sinise Foundation, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and branch-specific relief societies such as the Army Emergency Relief or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.