Wearing Military Medals on Civilian Clothes: A Comprehensive Guide

Wearing military medals on civilian clothes is a way to honor service and sacrifice. However, it’s essential to do so respectfully and in accordance with established etiquette. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the proper way to wear military medals on civilian attire, ensuring you display your honors with dignity and pride.

Understanding the Significance

Military medals represent valor, achievement, and service to one’s country. They are earned through dedication, sacrifice, and often, extraordinary acts of courage. Wearing them on civilian clothes is a visible way to acknowledge that service and to keep the memory of those who served alive. However, it’s crucial to understand the context and adhere to established guidelines to avoid misrepresenting oneself or diminishing the significance of the awards.

When is it Appropriate to Wear Medals on Civilian Clothes?

Generally, wearing full-size medals on civilian clothes is reserved for specific occasions and is not typically considered appropriate for everyday wear. The following are some common occasions where it is acceptable to wear medals:

• Veterans Day: A national holiday dedicated to honoring all who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
• Memorial Day: A day for remembering and honoring those who have died in military service.
• Armed Forces Day: Celebrated in May, this day honors all branches of the U.S. military.
• Military Funerals or Memorial Services: To honor a deceased comrade.
• Military Balls and Dinners: Formal events specifically designed for military personnel and veterans.
• Parades and Ceremonies: Events honoring military service or achievements.
• Family Events Related to Military Service: Graduations from military academies, promotions, or retirement ceremonies.
• Certain Patriotic Holidays: such as Independence Day, if attending a relevant event.
• Testimonials: Any event that a Veteran attends as a guest of honour

It’s important to use good judgment and consider the specific context of the event. If in doubt, it’s often better to err on the side of caution and refrain from wearing medals.

Regulations and Guidelines

While there are no strict legal regulations governing the wearing of military medals on civilian clothes, there are established customs and guidelines that should be followed. These guidelines are based on respect, tradition, and a desire to accurately represent one’s service.

Official Guidance:

The Institute of Heraldry, part of the U.S. Army, offers guidance on military decorations and awards. Although their focus is primarily on the proper wear of medals on military uniforms, their principles can be adapted to civilian attire.

Key Principles:

• Representing Awards Accurately: You should only wear medals that you have legitimately earned. Claiming or wearing medals you are not entitled to is a serious offense known as “stolen valor”.
• Respectful Presentation: Wear your medals in a way that reflects the honor they represent. Avoid any presentation that appears ostentatious or disrespectful.
• Miniature Medals: If you want to wear medals more casually, miniature versions are usually more appropriate for civilian wear.

How to Wear Medals on Civilian Clothes: Step-by-Step Guide

The following steps detail the correct way to wear full-size and miniature medals on civilian attire:

1. Choosing the Right Medals and Attire

• Full-Size vs. Miniature Medals: For formal occasions, miniature medals are generally preferred when wearing civilian clothing. Full-size medals are typically reserved for more formal military-related events.
• Attire: Medals are most appropriately worn with a suit or blazer. They can also be worn with a dress or blouse, depending on the formality of the event. Avoid wearing medals with overly casual attire like t-shirts or jeans.
• Mounting: For multiple medals, ensure they are properly mounted on a broach or mounting bar. This ensures they hang straight and are displayed neatly. Professional medal mounting services are available to assist with this.

2. Positioning the Medals

• On a Suit or Blazer: Medals are typically worn on the left lapel of a suit or blazer, mimicking the position they would occupy on a military uniform.
• On a Dress or Blouse: If wearing a dress or blouse, medals should be placed on the left side, above the heart, in a similar position to where they would be worn on a uniform.
• Placement Height: The top of the medal display should be approximately aligned with the top of the left pocket or the location where a pocket would normally be.
• Centering: Make sure the medals are centered horizontally on the lapel or the left side of the garment.

3. Order of Precedence

Medals should be worn in the correct order of precedence, which is determined by the issuing authority (e.g., the U.S. military). The order generally follows this pattern:

• U.S. Federal Medals: These are worn first, starting with the highest award. This typically includes the Medal of Honor, followed by other decorations for valor, service, and achievement.
• U.S. Military Campaign and Service Medals: These medals recognize participation in specific conflicts or periods of service.
• U.S. Unit Awards: These recognize collective achievements of a military unit.
• Non-U.S. Awards: Medals awarded by foreign governments are worn after U.S. awards, in the order of acceptance by the U.S. government.
• State Medals: Medals awarded by state governments for service in the National Guard or state defense forces are worn last.

To determine the precise order of precedence for your medals, consult official military resources or medal mounting services. The Institute of Heraldry website is a good resource. For example, within U.S. federal medals, there’s an order, so the Medal of Honor comes first, then the Distinguished Service Cross, etc. You can usually find current lists and charts with this information online.

4. Mounting and Securing the Medals

• Brooch or Mounting Bar: Use a high-quality brooch or mounting bar to securely attach the medals to your clothing. Ensure the bar is sturdy enough to support the weight of the medals.
• Alignment: When mounting multiple medals, ensure they are aligned horizontally and evenly spaced. Gaps between medals should be consistent.
• Security: Use safety pins or clasps to further secure the medals and prevent them from shifting or falling off. These should be concealed behind the medals.
• Professional Mounting: Consider using a professional medal mounting service. They can ensure your medals are correctly arranged, securely mounted, and properly displayed. They also often know the very latest guidelines regarding precedence.

5. Wearing Lapel Pins and Ribbons

Lapel pins and ribbons representing military service can also be worn on civilian clothes. These are less formal than medals and can be worn more frequently.

• Lapel Pins: Military lapel pins can be worn on the left lapel of a suit or blazer. They should be small and discreet, and should not overshadow the medals if you are wearing both.
• Ribbon Racks: Miniature ribbon racks, representing the ribbons associated with your medals, can also be worn. These are generally worn in the same location as the medals, on the left side. However, it is generally considered best practice to wear either medals *or* ribbons, not both at the same time on civilian clothes. Choose based on the formality of the event.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wearing Medals You Didn’t Earn: This is considered “stolen valor” and is highly disrespectful. Only wear medals that you have legitimately earned.
• Wearing Too Many Medals: Avoid wearing an excessive number of medals, as this can appear ostentatious. Stick to your most significant awards.
• Incorrect Order of Precedence: Ensure your medals are arranged in the correct order of precedence. Refer to official military resources if needed.
• Wearing Medals on Inappropriate Attire: Medals should not be worn with overly casual clothing.
• Ignoring the Occasion: Be mindful of the occasion and whether it is appropriate to wear medals.
• Improper Mounting: Poorly mounted medals can look sloppy and disrespectful. Ensure your medals are securely and neatly mounted.
• Mixing Full-Size and Miniature Medals: Generally, do not mix full-size and miniature medals on the same garment. Choose one or the other.
• Wearing Both Medals and Ribbons Simultaneously: As mentioned above, wearing both at the same time can be seen as overkill. It’s generally better to choose either medals or ribbons based on the occasion’s formality.

Etiquette and Respect

When wearing military medals on civilian clothes, it’s essential to conduct yourself with respect and humility. Be prepared to answer questions about your service and the medals you are wearing, but avoid boasting or drawing undue attention to yourself.

• Be Humble: Wear your medals with pride, but avoid appearing boastful or arrogant.
• Be Prepared to Explain: People may ask about your medals. Be prepared to share information about your service and the significance of the awards.
• Honor Others: Remember that your medals represent not only your achievements but also the sacrifices of your fellow service members.
• Maintain a Professional Demeanor: Your behavior should always reflect positively on the military and the honors you are displaying.

Alternatives to Wearing Medals

If you are unsure about wearing medals or prefer a more subtle way to show your military affiliation, consider the following alternatives:

• Military Service Rings: These rings can be customized to display your branch of service, rank, and other details.
• Branch-Specific Apparel: Wear clothing with logos or insignia representing your branch of service.
• Challenge Coins: Carry a challenge coin representing your unit or service.
• Lapel Pins: Wear small lapel pins representing your branch of service or specific awards.
• Donations: Contribute to military charities or organizations that support veterans.

Caring for Your Medals

To ensure your medals remain in good condition, proper care and storage are essential.

• Storage: Store your medals in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Use a medal case or storage box to protect them from dust and damage.
• Cleaning: Clean your medals regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the finish.
• Repair: If your medals are damaged, seek professional repair services. Do not attempt to repair them yourself, as this could cause further damage.
• Professional Preservation: Consider having medals professionally cleaned and preserved, particularly valuable or historic medals.

Conclusion

Wearing military medals on civilian clothes is a powerful way to honor service and sacrifice. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you display your awards respectfully and appropriately. Remember to consider the occasion, adhere to the correct order of precedence, and maintain a humble and professional demeanor. With proper care and attention, your medals will continue to serve as a lasting tribute to your military service.

By understanding the proper etiquette and guidelines, you can confidently and respectfully display your military honors on civilian clothes, ensuring that your service and sacrifices are appropriately recognized and honored.