Military medals on Formal Kilt

**Kope_Khan** · 30th October 12, 06:14 AM

I have recently retired from the Military and since I will not be wearing my formal mess dress anymore. When I attend a formal function I intend to have my Bonnie Prince Charlie on. Is it appropriate to display my military medals on the formal Kilt jacket (i.e. purple heart, combat action medal etc)?

**Chas** · 30th October 12, 06:28 AM

Hello,

The Prince Charlie coatee is the tuxedo equivalent. Although in the US, tuxedos are worn during the daytime for weddings and the like, they are normally reserved for evening events. That is to say after 18:00 hours - give or take. In that situation, miniature medals should be worn on the left lapel and not on the breast.

Full sized medals should normally only be worn during daytime events on the left breast and not on the lapel.

Medal ribbons on their own, should not be worn - medals (full sized or miniature) or nothing at all.

I hope this is of some use to you.

Regards

Chas

**Kope_Khan** · 30th October 12, 06:45 AM

Helps a bit. The formal dress uniform is worn for official formal evening functions and state occasions (white tie affairs). Have quite a spread of medals after 24+ years. They are about 10cm by 20cm in size. So it would have to be in the same position as on a normal uniform. "Miniature medals will be centered on the wearer‘s left between the lapel and arm seam and midway between the top shoulder seam and top button of the coat."

Cheers

**Chas** · 30th October 12, 07:46 AM

As a retired individual, I think you will find that you are no longer bound by military regulations.

The information on this site is pretty well universally accepted:

http://www.blacktieguide.com/Supplem...ecorations.htm

Regards

Chas

**JohntheBiker** · 30th October 12, 08:03 AM

I think you might find this site usefull. It provides regulations for wearing decorations in a number of different countries, including the U.S. The regulations are pretty consistent about wearing miniatures on the left lapel when wearing formal attire.

http://www.blacktieguide.com/Supplem...ecorations.htm

**Kope_Khan** · 30th October 12, 08:26 AM

Just the info I needed. Thanks for all your help

**David Thorpe** · 30th October 12, 08:40 AM

Formal evening attire - miniature medals on the lapel. Very simple.

**macwilkin** · 30th October 12, 08:45 AM

Originally Posted by David Thorpe

Formal evening attire - miniature medals on the lapel. Very simple.

And the decision to go court-mounted or swing-mounted.

T.

**Geoff Withnell** · 30th October 12, 06:43 PM

You don't say what branch or for that matter country's service you retired from. I do know that United States Marine Corps regulations state that medals, minature medals or ribbons may be worn by honorably discharged or retired Marines on "suitable patriotic or miltary occasions" and at other times if care is taken not to bring disrepute on the Corps or the award. The type of decoration worn, ribbon, medal or minature medal is the same as would be worn if in the equivalent uniform. The placement of the medals is to be a close as practical to where they would be on the uniform.

**Spartan Tartan** · 30th October 12, 08:34 PM

I had the same thought as Geoff. To further his point, the U.S. military uniform regs actually have a section to cover how to wear ones medals/decorations on civilian attire for retirees and those with an honorable discharge. No need to ask...just look it up under the appropriate section like you did for the previous 24 years.