DAF Form 104: Service Medal Award Verification Guide

DAF Form 104: Service Medal Award Verification Guide – DAF Form 104, officially titled Service Medal Award Verification, is a key Department of the Air Force (DAF) document used to verify and document eligibility for service medals and ribbons. Active-duty Airmen, Guardians, Reservists, Air National Guard members, and veterans use it to ensure their official military records accurately reflect earned campaign, expeditionary, and service awards.

Whether you’re updating records for retirement, veterans’ benefits, or simply ensuring your DD-214 and personnel file are correct, understanding DAF Form 104 is essential for U.S. military members.

What Is DAF Form 104?

DAF Form 104 (previously AF IMT 104 or AF Form 104) serves as an official verification tool for service awards authorized by the Department of Defense or Secretary of the Air Force. Unit commanders or authorized verifiers use it (or a memorandum in lieu) to confirm a member’s entitlement based on service periods, unit assignments, or temporary duty.

Key purposes include:

  • Verifying eligibility for service medals like the Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, or other campaign/expeditionary awards.
  • Providing source documentation for updates to the Military Personnel Data System (MilPDS) and the Master Personnel Record.
  • Supporting requests for medal issuance or replacement through official channels.

This form is prescribed in DAFMAN 36-2806, Awards and Decorations Program.

Who Needs DAF Form 104?

  • Current service members missing awards in their records.
  • Veterans correcting DD-214s or applying for benefits.
  • Units processing multiple members for the same award (a memo in lieu of the form is often used).
  • Personnel qualifying for specific service awards requiring commander verification, such as certain unit or campaign credits.

Note: It is primarily for service awards (e.g., campaign participation), not personal decorations like the Bronze Star, which require different documentation (certificates, citations, orders).

How to Fill Out DAF Form 104? (Step-by-Step)

The form is straightforward and fillable. Download the official blank PDF here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf104/af104.pdf.

Typical sections (based on the current version):

  • Member Information: Name (Last, First, Middle Initial), Grade/Rank, SSN.
  • Award Details Table:
    • Award name.
    • Operation/Unit.
    • Inclusive periods (dates of service qualifying for the award).
    • Member’s initials (optional).
  • Verification/Signature Block: Signed by the unit commander or person with knowledge of the service (e.g., someone who can certify eligibility with supporting records).

Tips for Accuracy:

  1. Gather supporting documents: deployment orders, TDY vouchers, unit rosters, or previous awards.
  2. Reference DAFMAN 36-2806 or DAFI 36-2803 for specific eligibility criteria.
  3. Include “Last Entry” after the final item if using multiple lines.
  4. For groups, a commander-signed memorandum can substitute and list multiple members.

Always double-check details to avoid delays in record updates.

Example layout of DAF Form 104 Service Medal Award Verification (source: official form structure).

Submission and Processing

  1. Submit the completed form (or memo) to the current Group commander (O-6 or civilian equivalent) or appropriate approval authority.
  2. Routing: Once signed, send to your servicing Military Personnel Flight (MPF) for MilPDS update.
  3. Official Filing: MPFs forward the source document to HQ AFPC/DP1ORM at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, TX, for inclusion in the permanent record. AFPC redacts multi-person memos as needed.
  4. Veterans: Use this verified documentation when requesting medals via the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) or your branch’s awards office.

Processing times vary but ensure records are updated promptly for benefits and promotion boards.

Common Service Medals Requiring DAF Form 104

  • Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal.
  • Various campaign and service medals tied to specific operations or duty periods.
  • Awards for temporary duty or attached service verifying qualifying time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can sign DAF Form 104?
Typically the unit commander, but someone with direct knowledge and proof of the award/service can sign in many cases.

Is it the same as AF Form 104?
Yes—DAF Form 104 is the current designation under the Department of the Air Force.

Can veterans use it?
Yes, especially for record corrections. Contact the NPRC or AFPC for guidance.

Where to get help?

  • Your local MPF or Personnel Support Squadron.
  • AFPC awards resources.
  • Official e-Publishing site for the latest form and manual.

Download Official DAF Form 104

Ensuring your service medals are properly verified strengthens your record for benefits, recognition, and legacy. If you’re missing awards, start with this form and consult your chain of command or MPF today.

This article is for informational purposes only and is based on official DAF publications as of 2026. Always refer to the most current versions on e-publishing.af.mil and consult official personnel channels for personalized advice.