Discharge papers are available and indicate "undesirable" although no other details are available. The guidance online seems to indicate that a VA Regional Office determination is required, although national cemeteries are under different management.
My father of 87 years, honorably discharged in 1945, who will be interned at the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery in Saratoga, NY, was under the impression at first "Oh you can take care of all that after I'm gone" which, as his POA, health care proxy and executor, found out is not true. Applications for benefits must be made while the veteran is still living.
Request from the National Archives a 'certified' copy of the Military service and keep it in a safe place, to save a a lot of drama and trauma later.
Unless the death is service Connected expect only about $300. from the VA
google up 'Bugles across America", for TAPS.
nick, you have no idea why the man has an undesirable discharge so it's best to keep your mouth shut. for all you know it could have been PTSD. back then he would have been put out of the military for it as PTSD was unheard of. the fact that it was not a bad conduct or dishonorable is your first clue that whatever it was, was likely to be a small thing. as a veteran in the VA system i know to listen and learn before i speak, and i try really hard not to make a judgement on a fellow veteran. try that.
"Undesirable discharge refers to an administrative discharge under "conditions other than honorable.” It is generally given to a member of the military who does not qualify for an honorable discharge. An undesirable discharge does not involve punishment. It reflects only that the military has found the particular individual unfit or unsuitable for further service. No criminal charges are brought and no further sanction, such as fine or imprisonment, is imposed for the conduct which forms the basis for the undesirable discharge."
So, maybe the guy had a hard time carrying his rifle? Big deal. He is still a veteran and deserves just respect. We are not all born to be heroes.
And that should now bring us to close on this discussion! Meeting adjourned!
See All Answers