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National Cemetery Administration

 

Types of Headstones, Markers, and Medallions


Headstones & Markers

Upright Headstones: Granite or Marble

The upright granite and upright marble headstones are 42 inches long, 13 inches wide and 4 inches thick. Weight is approximately 230 pounds. Variations may occur in stone color; the marble may contain light to moderate veining. Lithichrome (a darkened shading) is used for the inscription on headstones at private cemeteries.

Upright Marble Headstone
Upright Marble Headstone


Flat Grave Markers: Granite or Marble

The flat granite and flat marble grave markers are 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 4 inches thick. Weight is approximately 130 pounds. Variations may occur in stone color; the marble may contain light to moderate veining.

Flat Granite Grave Marker
Flat Granite Grave Marker


Flat Grave Marker: Bronze

The flat bronze grave marker is 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, with 3/4 inch rise. Weight is approximately 18 pounds. Anchor bolts, nuts and washers for fastening to a base are furnished with the marker. The government does not furnish a base.

Flat Bronze Grave Marker
Flat Bronze Grave Marker


Niche Marker: Bronze

The niche marker is 8 1/2 inches long, 5 1/2 inches wide, with 7/16 inch rise. Weight is approximately 3 pounds. Mounting bolts and washers are furnished with the marker.

Bronze Niche Marker
Bronze Niche Marker


Medallions

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
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
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."



Unmarked Graves

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.

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National Cemetery Administration
Attn: General Inquiries
810 Vermont Avenue
Washington, DC 20420

MyVA411 main information line:
800-698-2411