Veterans' Award Program

The Missouri Veterans Recognition Program traces its roots to an April 23, 1919 Act of the Missouri General Assembly. This act authorized the Missouri Adjutant General to procure and present, as a token of appreciation of the state, a medal to each member of the National Guard of Missouri who served with a Missouri unit and veterans who served with the regular armed forces in the Spanish American War, Mexican Border Service, or World War I. The original 82,500 medals were made of bronze and silk by D. L. Auld Company for $20,200 or about 25 cents each.

It was not until 2000 that Missouri veterans would be recognized once again with a Missouri medal. The World War II Awards Program was announced with Senate Bill 961 which allowed every Missouri veteran and spouses of deceased veterans who honorably served during the period of December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946, to apply for the awards. To date 44,442 WWII awards have been presented.

In 2003, the Korean War Veterans Award was authorized with Senate Bill 219 for veterans who served either in the United States or overseas from June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955. To date 15,149 Korean Awards have been presented.

In addition to the World War II and Korean awards, veterans who participated in the “D-Day” invasion of Europe between the dates of June 6-August 31, 1944 receive a replica of the 50th Anniversary Jubilee of Liberty Medal. This medal was originally produced by the French Government and was awarded during their Jubilee Celebration in 1994. Just over 5,029 of these medals have been awarded.

In 2006, the Vietnam War Award was authorized by House Bill 978 for veterans who served from February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975. To date 23,028 Vietnam awards have been presented.