You are correct about the medals being authorized by Congress but each medal has an authorizing authority. A quick search doesn't state who it is but since this has similar requirements to the Overseas Service ribbon I would speculate (and speculate only without the written policy) that it would only be a Page 13 entry, meaning a simply CO authority. I have done quite a few as awards PO in the Navy Reserves.

Now since I know that Hilliary Clinton issued the medals to the veterans of New York I would say the easiest route if you wish it to be official would be to contact your state Rep and be prepared for a Dog and Pony show for their benefit as well as yours. This would get you an certificate issued that if you were truly worried can be sent to VA records and than be added to you microfiche. Now if you can have a new DD214 issued is up in the air. I would guess yes using the same policy for a replacement DD214.

Now I will say this that because of some very high profile cases of medal fraud some companies who do mounting are requiring proof of issue to sell medals but it isn't to wide spread.

By the way, first, thank you for your service and bringing this up as that the Overseas Service ribbon is now no longer valid for my fellow reservists.

Jim