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Military medals are more than just decorations—they symbolize courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to one’s country. Wearing these medals isn’t just a formality; it’s a way of honoring the stories of service and bravery behind each one. Whether you’re a proud member of the US Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Navy, knowing the proper way to wear military medals is essential. In this guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through the correct protocols, ensuring that when you wear your military medals, you do so with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Who Can Wear Military Medals?
Military medals are awarded to individuals who have served and demonstrated exceptional courage, leadership, or sacrifice. Only those who have earned them are permitted to wear them. Wearing a medal that was not rightfully earned is not only seen as disrespectful but may also violate the Stolen Valor Act in the United States.
However, family members of deceased veterans are allowed to wear their relative’s medals, but only on the right side of their chest. This distinguishes them from the person who originally earned the medal. When attending formal military ceremonies, this is one way to honor the service of a loved one without violating the guidelines.
When and Where Should You Wear Military Medals?
The importance of the occasion is critical when deciding when to wear military medals. These honors are symbols of service and should be worn only on formal and ceremonial occasions. Common examples of appropriate occasions include military parades, funerals, memorial services, and national holidays like Veterans Day or Memorial Day. Here’s a breakdown:
- Military Parades and National Events: Veterans and active service members often wear their medals during parades that celebrate military service, such as Veterans Day and Independence Day.
- Funerals and Memorial Services: When attending the funeral of a fellow service member or a commemorative memorial service, wearing medals is a formal show of respect.
- Ceremonial Events: High-profile military events, such as award ceremonies or official dinners, are also occasions where wearing medals is expected.
While it is acceptable for veterans to wear medals on civilian clothing, this should only be done during formal events that commemorate military service. Casual settings or informal gatherings are not suitable for displaying military decorations, as it may detract from their significance.
Placement and Order of Medals for Different Branches
Correct military medal placement is critical in showing respect for the award and the institution. Each branch of the military—US Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy—has its own guidelines for the order and placement of military medals. Below, we break down the rules for each branch:
US Army
In the US Army, the highest-ranking military medals are always placed on the top left, with lower-ranking medals arranged to the right. Army Regulation 670-1 details the exact guidelines for military medal placement. Ensuring proper arrangement is crucial to maintaining the respect and dignity of these awards.
- To access the guidelines, visit the U.S. Army Publishing Directorate and search for Army Regulation 670-1.
US Air Force
For the US Air Force, military medals are worn on the left breast, with the highest-ranking medal on top. Whether wearing full-size medals or ribbons, maintaining neatness and order is essential. Air Force Instruction 36-2903 provides the official guidance on Air Force medal placement.
- To find the guidelines, go to the Air Force e-Publishing site and search for AFI 36-2903.
US Marine Corps and Navy
The US Marine Corps and Navy follow strict guidelines for military medal placement. Medals are worn on the left chest, in a horizontal line, with the highest-ranking medal placed first. Proper alignment and order are key to ensuring these military decorations are displayed with honor.
- Link to guidelines: Marine Corps Uniform Regulations
- Link to guidelines: Navy Uniform Regulations
Proper Care and Display of Military Medals
To honor the significance of military medals, it’s essential to care for them properly. Here’s how you can maintain and display your military medals with pride:
Cleaning and Polishing
Over time, military medals can lose their shine due to exposure to air, dirt, and dust. Clean your medals using a soft, non-abrasive cloth and a gentle polish suitable for the metal. Avoid harsh chemicals that might damage the engraving or intricate details.
Storage
Store your medals in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to prevent tarnishing. Many veterans and their families choose to store medals in display cases, which not only protects the medals but also allows for a respectful and organized way to showcase them.
Proper Display
If you choose to display your military medals at home, ensure that they are arranged in order of precedence, just as they would be worn. This can be done using a shadow box or custom-built display case. For those who want to go a step further, you can even have your medals framed with a photo of the service member in uniform for a lasting tribute.
Why the Proper Wearing of Medals Matters
Wearing military medals is about respect—respect for the award, the institution that granted it, and the service it represents. Incorrect placement or wearing medals in inappropriate settings can diminish their value. Medals are much more than adornments; they are badges of honor and should be treated as such.
If you’re looking to create custom medals for a military unit or commemorative event, Blythepin offers a range of high-quality, customizable medals. Our experience in working with military-grade products ensures that every medal is crafted with precision, meeting the strict standards expected by the armed forces. Whether you need custom challenge coins or medals with special effects, we’ve got you covered.
