What is difference between a dd214 and dd256a dishcharg?
According to the website United States Department of Veterans
Affairs, DD214 has been issued by military services since January
1, 1950. Before January 1, 1950, several similar forms were used by
the military services. DD256A is listed as Honorable Discharge
Certificate.
However, a Form DD256A may have been issued after 1950 if that
form was still in possession of the signer, who hadn't switched
over to DD214.