US Campaign Ribbons

**ceilidh_gal** · 26th July 09, 06:59 PM

I recently bought a kilt outfit for my dad (he doesn't know yet). In gathering together the accessories, I remembered seeing men (and a woman) wearing US military campaign ribbons on their Prince Charlies in formal settings...what is the proper protocol on that? Do you have a reference?

**KFCarter** · 26th July 09, 07:01 PM

Welcome to the forum ceilidh gal, that's a great thing you're doing for your dad. I don't have an answer for you, but I'm sure that someone on the forum will be able to help you with your question.

**davidlpope** · 26th July 09, 07:13 PM

Miniature medals are appropriate for formal wear. There are several companies on the web that will mount the medals for you, all you have to provide is a list of the appropriate awards.

The uniform regulations for the different branches of service spell out the method of mounting and wear. What branch of service was he in?

If you have a copy of your father's DD214 then you can see exactly the awards that are authorized.

Cordially,

David

**bigdad1** · 26th July 09, 07:15 PM

It is an accepted practice for veterans to wear either miniature medals or just the ribbons on a PC or on a military style shirt in a less formal state. There are no specific rules other than you would display them in the same manner as on a military uniform. In order of precedence and in a neat and orderly manner. You will see khaki shirts at games and gatherings with ribbons and at more formal occasions such as dinners you will see PC's with either ribbons or miniature medals displayed. It is legal to wear these as long as they are your own awards. Many who wear these also add awards such as marksmanship awards or jump wings and such.

**macwilkin** · 26th July 09, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

Miniature medals are appropriate for formal wear. There are several companies on the web that will mount the medals for you, all you have to provide is a list of the appropriate awards.

The uniform regulations for the different branches of service spell out the method of mounting and wear. What branch of service was he in?

If you have a copy of your father's DD214 then you can see exactly the awards that are authorized.

Cordially,

David

And to further David's comments, medals and decorations should technically only be worn when specified on an invitation to an event, such as a Burns Supper, St. Andrew's Ball, etc.

Regards,

Todd

**ceilidh_gal** · 26th July 09, 07:34 PM

Thank you...that's just what I was looking for. My dad was in the Navy during the Korean War...on a minesweeper. I'm quite proud of him.

**bigdad1** · 26th July 09, 09:09 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

And to further David's comments, medals and decorations should technically only be worn when specified on an invitation to an event, such as a Burns Supper, St. Andrew's Ball, etc.

Regards,

Todd

I don't know what "technically" you are referring to but I don't really believe the invitation has to specify decorations for them to be worn. It is simply a part of dressing up to go out. Invitations don't specify sporrans or other such parts of total dressage. My experience is that like other aspects of being kilted it is up to the person who is doing the wearing.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 27th July 09, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by bigdad1

I don't know what "technically" you are referring to but I don't really believe the invitation has to specify decorations for them to be worn.

Actually, it does. US military regs specifically prohibit the wearing of uniform items (that includes ribbon bars and medals) with civilian clothing. The exception, in civilian attire, is when attending an event when it is specifically requested that attendees wear their military medals.

Originally Posted by bigdad1

Invitations don't specify sporrans or other such parts of total dressage.

Actually, they do. "Black Tie" on an invitation means just that-- appropriate evening attire, and all that goes with it-- sporrans included.

Originally Posted by bigdad1

My experience is that like other aspects of being kilted it is up to the person who is doing the wearing.

It is up to the person receiving the invitation to respect the dress code requested by their host or hostess, and to dress accordingly. Unless the invitation specifically states:

Black Tie, Decorations

or

White Tie, Decorations

then the wearing of medals is inappropriate, and would be perceived by most as a serious faux pas.

**Nervous Jock** · 27th July 09, 10:30 AM

deleted for stupidity

**macwilkin** · 27th July 09, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by bigdad1

I don't know what "technically" you are referring to but I don't really believe the invitation has to specify decorations for them to be worn. It is simply a part of dressing up to go out. Invitations don't specify sporrans or other such parts of total dressage. My experience is that like other aspects of being kilted it is up to the person who is doing the wearing.

Herre is an example from a US Marine Birthday Celebration:

http://www.sduvc.org/download/old/Ma...Invitation.pdf

specifically: Uniform: Black tie with miniature medals, Evening Dress, or Dress Blue ‘A’

Regards,

Todd