Posted on Feb 12, 2015
Can veterans wear military medals on their civilian dress coats and tuxedos during ceremonial events?
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As a young child, I often saw my great grandfather and grand father wearing their wartime medals on their civilian dress coats at military funerals and ceremonial events. Usually they wore them at their fellow veterans funerals and during Memorial Day events etc. As a wartime veteran myself, I have NEVER worn any of my military decorations or badges on civilian clothes. This week, I met and spoke with a decorated veteran of two wars at our local VA. Like me, he feat it was wrong for years for anyone to wear such decorations on civilian clothes but recently changed his opinion and after a in depth heart to heart about our combat experiences, I am looking at military decorations in a new light on dress coats during ceremonial events. I'm looking into an official regulation and am curious what some of your thoughts and opinions are regarding wearing decorations in a proper professional manner on tuxedo or dress coats during ceremonial events.
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 199
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As stated in AR 670-1
23–6. Medals on civilian clothes
Retired personnel and former members of the Army (as described above) may wear all categories of medals described
in this regulation on appropriate civilian clothing. This includes clothes designed for veteran and patriotic organizations
on Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, and Armed Forces Day, as well as at formal occasions of ceremony and social
functions of a military nature. Personnel may wear either full-sized or miniature medals. Personnel who wear medals
on civilian clothes should place the medals on the clothing in approximately the same location and in the same manner
as for the Army uniform, so they look similar to medals worn on the Army uniform.
23–6. Medals on civilian clothes
Retired personnel and former members of the Army (as described above) may wear all categories of medals described
in this regulation on appropriate civilian clothing. This includes clothes designed for veteran and patriotic organizations
on Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, and Armed Forces Day, as well as at formal occasions of ceremony and social
functions of a military nature. Personnel may wear either full-sized or miniature medals. Personnel who wear medals
on civilian clothes should place the medals on the clothing in approximately the same location and in the same manner
as for the Army uniform, so they look similar to medals worn on the Army uniform.
I do wear my mini medals to Official Military Functions or State Balls, I have worn them to the UNESCO Balls, Marine Balls, Foreign Military Balls and much more but there IS a codex WHEN to wear them.
At US Balls most everyone wears just the medals somewhere on the jacket, it should be on the lapel and I also wear my Regimental Affiliation and if a Military Ball I wear my Spurs.
European Balls are different; ONLY when wearing a "Frack" or Coattails are you permitted to wear medals, never with a tux or any other type of suit, only the coattails.
Here are a few photos ;-)
1. Marine ball 2012 with the Security Guard Detachment in Budapest, my wife and I (US Event so I wear them on the Tux and I wear my spurs)
2. Marine Ball 2012 with the Director of the FBI EU and a Canadian Colonel in Budapest. US Event so I wear them on the Tux)
3. Le Bal de Paris 2009 wearing the coattails (all white undergarments and tie is mandatory) with mini medals and the Regimental Affiliation but no spurs
I was never approached for anything negative in 23 years of going to events, not once, nor do I approach anyone wearing theirs, woudl not dream of it at an official event.
All the Best,
Steven
At US Balls most everyone wears just the medals somewhere on the jacket, it should be on the lapel and I also wear my Regimental Affiliation and if a Military Ball I wear my Spurs.
European Balls are different; ONLY when wearing a "Frack" or Coattails are you permitted to wear medals, never with a tux or any other type of suit, only the coattails.
Here are a few photos ;-)
1. Marine ball 2012 with the Security Guard Detachment in Budapest, my wife and I (US Event so I wear them on the Tux and I wear my spurs)
2. Marine Ball 2012 with the Director of the FBI EU and a Canadian Colonel in Budapest. US Event so I wear them on the Tux)
3. Le Bal de Paris 2009 wearing the coattails (all white undergarments and tie is mandatory) with mini medals and the Regimental Affiliation but no spurs
I was never approached for anything negative in 23 years of going to events, not once, nor do I approach anyone wearing theirs, woudl not dream of it at an official event.
All the Best,
Steven
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SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA
LCDR (Join to see) - Typically this is noted on the invitation yet since many do not have a Frack, the standard Tux "Smoking" is permitted.
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IMHO, if you earned them, and wear them in accordance with the regulations of your Branch, then wear them at your discretion.
If i am approached and asked I'll give the tour and regs. saying why I can, but if you want to give me attitude you might get a different reaction.
That said, I haven't felt the need to wear them yet, except at a MC Ball where the Marines typically know what's going on, but I am certainly not writing it off.
If i am approached and asked I'll give the tour and regs. saying why I can, but if you want to give me attitude you might get a different reaction.
That said, I haven't felt the need to wear them yet, except at a MC Ball where the Marines typically know what's going on, but I am certainly not writing it off.
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MSgt J D McKee
Commenting here in agreement with GySgt Strong (attitude deserves attitude), but also about the comment where someone mentioned the Viet Nam era when the vets would wear them on, well, pretty much anything, usually a worn out field jacket or fatigue shirt. I was active duty during the last part of that era (never incountry), and if I saw that and the guy looked like he had probably earned them (not bought them at a surplus store), I would salute him regardless of what I was wearing or where we were. Sort of a solidarity thing, because what I believed they were doing was a sort of "in your face" thing to all the hippy-dippy assholes who never risked anything for the freedom to be a jerk, and there were plenty of those who would make comments, a lot were completely against the war and the military, but surplus clothing was very popular at the time. I don't have any combat medals, but I do have a load of other ones, and if, god forbid, that crappy attitude ever returns to the civilian populace, I would wear every one I am entitled to on civilian clothes once in a while just to f@(k with idiots who wouldn't know the difference between an NCO Leadership School (really?) ribbon and the MOH in the first place. And to show solidarity.
In the mid-70's I was in my mid-20's, and I did that, saluted a guy probably in his 30's wearing medals on a fatigue shirt, the one with the slanted top pockets, never knew what that kind was called. Can't recall what medals, but he had a shitload. He looked surprised, saluted back, and his eyes teared up. Not the reaction I expected, but looking back from the vantage of many years, i now understand.
Off the topic a little bit, sorry.
In the mid-70's I was in my mid-20's, and I did that, saluted a guy probably in his 30's wearing medals on a fatigue shirt, the one with the slanted top pockets, never knew what that kind was called. Can't recall what medals, but he had a shitload. He looked surprised, saluted back, and his eyes teared up. Not the reaction I expected, but looking back from the vantage of many years, i now understand.
Off the topic a little bit, sorry.
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SFC (Join to see)
Great post MSgt! When I see vets from the WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Desert Storm and OEF/OIF (Retired). I always salute them and Thanks them for their service.
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SFC Howard Kempf
Agreed and please do not wear them with an assortment of civilian accoutrements. Wear them like you would on your dress uniform.
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Cpl Tom Surdi
Wow, this is eye opening. I knew medals could be worn on formal attire. But no way did I realize you could wear them on casual attire as well. Medals on t-shirts just seems wrong to me. When it comes to ball caps, I believe it depends on the cap. I certainly wouldn't wear any medals on my Yankees cap.
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MSgt (Join to see)
This is wrong. You got it from a company that sells them. The Army and the Air Force reg both are specific about when you can wear them and that they should be worn on similar clothing as your uniform.
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MSgt Kenneth Driver
In the UK for Remembrance Day parades, Battle of Britain parades and official dedication of standards at church, then full size medals will be worn level with the top of the left (handkerchief) pocket of your blazer. This also applies to anyone wearing a suit rather than a blazer. Miniatures may also be worn with either dress without any comment being made if you have lost or pawned your full size medals. For black tie dinners then miniatures are worn on your tuxedo jacket in the same place as mentioned above. However, for white tie dinners then full size medals are worn with tail coats.
Under NO circumstances will any size medals or medal ribbons be worn on any other type of clothing! As any American serviceman/woman will have seen, we Brits are VERY sparing with medal awards. Unless you have been on active service in a theatre of war for the required time to be awarded the appropriate medal for that area, anyone in the British armed services will have to have served 15 years just to be awarded one medal. IE The Long Service & Good Conduct medal. You will be awarded a bar to this medal at the 30 year point.
So I say to any member of the American armed forces, I for one, count myself as a very loyal ally of America have served with the USAF in the UK and in Germany. So please don't snigger at our lack of medal ribbons on our uniforms, They are VERY hard to come by as the UK government are very strict on what and when they authorise any award.
Under NO circumstances will any size medals or medal ribbons be worn on any other type of clothing! As any American serviceman/woman will have seen, we Brits are VERY sparing with medal awards. Unless you have been on active service in a theatre of war for the required time to be awarded the appropriate medal for that area, anyone in the British armed services will have to have served 15 years just to be awarded one medal. IE The Long Service & Good Conduct medal. You will be awarded a bar to this medal at the 30 year point.
So I say to any member of the American armed forces, I for one, count myself as a very loyal ally of America have served with the USAF in the UK and in Germany. So please don't snigger at our lack of medal ribbons on our uniforms, They are VERY hard to come by as the UK government are very strict on what and when they authorise any award.
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MSG Donald Patrick
All should be aware that things change over time. Though military regulations concerning wear of the uniform and decorations are public law and normally apply to all, ... not all current regulations apply to those of us who retired before November 2001. Officers, WOs, and NCOs retired before then were grandfather by Congressional Public Law from the current regulations for the wearing of same. Granted, I know there are not many of us left. Our only restriction... wear the uniform and such as desired but do so in good taste.
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IMO, the Veteran can wear his or her medals on the 'dress' they choose. A Vet should NOT feel compelled to dawn the uniform to do so. While I hope it would be in good taste, I grew up in the 60's/70's. It was common to see Vets wearing their medals on field jackets or civilian jackets (non-formal) during the Vietnam era. Today, not the same, happily.
The Vet earned the medals they were awarded. The medal(s) are 'theirs' to do with what they please. I would hope it would be in good taste, honorable, befitting themself and their service branch as well as those they served with while earning those medals.
I've never thought to do so myself. But definitely do NOT disapprove of ANY fellow Vet to wear their medals in civilian dress. The medals serve as a reflection of themselves.
Just my opinion!! Tim USA 1979-1992
The Vet earned the medals they were awarded. The medal(s) are 'theirs' to do with what they please. I would hope it would be in good taste, honorable, befitting themself and their service branch as well as those they served with while earning those medals.
I've never thought to do so myself. But definitely do NOT disapprove of ANY fellow Vet to wear their medals in civilian dress. The medals serve as a reflection of themselves.
Just my opinion!! Tim USA 1979-1992
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SSG Paul Forel
Roger that, SSG Miller!
First, my medals package contained those little round versions of the medal which I was told was to be inserted into the dress/suit jacket lapel slit normally used for a flower (a flower?). I think I might have done that once. The issue as I saw it being that there is only one slit so how do you attach the other little round medal versions?
Do they not include those little round gimmicks in the medal package any more?
Second, as you describe, I wear my jungle jacket on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and whenever I am visiting the Wall. I am usually wearing jeans when I'm wearing the jungle jacket.
Attached to my jungle jacket is the patch we wore on our nomex uniform displaying our dustoff unit slogan ("If We Can't, No One Else Can"), my Aircraft Crewman Badge and my Combat Medical Badge. I also wear my rank pins on the jacket collar.
I've never gotten a funny look from any [former] [senior] NCO's and in fact, many of the guys who show up are dressed similarly.
First, my medals package contained those little round versions of the medal which I was told was to be inserted into the dress/suit jacket lapel slit normally used for a flower (a flower?). I think I might have done that once. The issue as I saw it being that there is only one slit so how do you attach the other little round medal versions?
Do they not include those little round gimmicks in the medal package any more?
Second, as you describe, I wear my jungle jacket on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and whenever I am visiting the Wall. I am usually wearing jeans when I'm wearing the jungle jacket.
Attached to my jungle jacket is the patch we wore on our nomex uniform displaying our dustoff unit slogan ("If We Can't, No One Else Can"), my Aircraft Crewman Badge and my Combat Medical Badge. I also wear my rank pins on the jacket collar.
I've never gotten a funny look from any [former] [senior] NCO's and in fact, many of the guys who show up are dressed similarly.
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Sgt Tom Vaughn
I don't know anything about little round ones
I was awarded 7 while in the Marines. Lol I was given only 4 at the time of presentation. The other three I had to hand them back because they did not have enough to had out. Had to buy all of my own. I do wear the ribbons at some non veteran or non military events. But never the medals.
I was awarded 7 while in the Marines. Lol I was given only 4 at the time of presentation. The other three I had to hand them back because they did not have enough to had out. Had to buy all of my own. I do wear the ribbons at some non veteran or non military events. But never the medals.
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SSG Timothy Miller
Wow, the only medal they gave me when I left the service was a National Defense medal I think it was. But, I know they focus more on departing members today than they did over two decades ago. My, how time flies.
I was in during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. I left under the early transition proram of the early 90's, which was a program to draw down the force. My primary job at discharge was nuclear weapons and secondary was air traffic controller, radar. I had to work the air traffic controllers strike back in the 80's; during the time the ATC system 're-built'/trained new personnel after Reagan fired the striking controllers that is. I decided I wanted something more exciting; so I re-enlisted and did nukes then. Suddenly, the cold war was over. I decided I wanted my degree, so I left the service, got my degree and never looked back. I know I have medals awarded, but don'r remember most of them or what they look like if I did see one. I never thought I would forget that stuff, but, I have forgotten it.....LOL. Civilainized, I am......I do not live in that fishbowl anymore. I call it a fishbowl because I was in the personnel reliability program because of nukes and had access.
But, those are days gone by. I guess I can look at my DD214, and find what I have awarded to me. It was serveral, if memory serves, I had three rows I think it was. But, I don't even keep a 214 in my home. I do know where to find it though; it's on file at the County Clerks office. Never have had a need to keep it handy. I never tell anyone that I'm a Vet. Half the peeps I know do not know it. I did need it back when I got my license to carry concealed firearms. My state likes to license veterans-multiply the force LOL.
I was in during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. I left under the early transition proram of the early 90's, which was a program to draw down the force. My primary job at discharge was nuclear weapons and secondary was air traffic controller, radar. I had to work the air traffic controllers strike back in the 80's; during the time the ATC system 're-built'/trained new personnel after Reagan fired the striking controllers that is. I decided I wanted something more exciting; so I re-enlisted and did nukes then. Suddenly, the cold war was over. I decided I wanted my degree, so I left the service, got my degree and never looked back. I know I have medals awarded, but don'r remember most of them or what they look like if I did see one. I never thought I would forget that stuff, but, I have forgotten it.....LOL. Civilainized, I am......I do not live in that fishbowl anymore. I call it a fishbowl because I was in the personnel reliability program because of nukes and had access.
But, those are days gone by. I guess I can look at my DD214, and find what I have awarded to me. It was serveral, if memory serves, I had three rows I think it was. But, I don't even keep a 214 in my home. I do know where to find it though; it's on file at the County Clerks office. Never have had a need to keep it handy. I never tell anyone that I'm a Vet. Half the peeps I know do not know it. I did need it back when I got my license to carry concealed firearms. My state likes to license veterans-multiply the force LOL.
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SGT Alan Simmons
Sgt Tom Vaughn - Ha, I thought the Army was the only branch to do this. My company commander in HHC 3/12th Inf (CPT Woods, 1992), told me that since I already had 2 Army Commendation Medals, I had to return the medal after the formation to Top. If I wanted an actual medal to add to my sock drawer, I could see the S4 and order one... Always thought it was tacky...
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While I have never worn my medals or ribbons on civilian attire, if and when I do, I could care less what any regulation states. In honor of those I served with, I will do so in an honorable fashion, and only while dressed in formal attire.
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As far as I know, mini medals on Evening Dress (tuxedos )is authorized. Also, about 10 years ago, Sec VA put out a notice encouraging vets to wear their medals on Veterans Day. So, yes...
As the occasion dictates. (Military Weddings, Funerals, or other Formal/Semi-Formal Occasions with Military Themes).
In the USMC Uniform Manual, there is actually a section on how they are worn.
http://www.marines.mil/News/Publications/ELECTRONICLIBRARY/ElectronicLibraryDisplay/tabid/13082/Article/126588/mco-p102034g-wch-1-5.aspx
Section 5203.
a. Males. Miniature medals may be worn on the left lapel of the civilian evening coat on ceremonial occasions, but only when strictly appropriate to the occasion. On the full dress and tuxedo coats, miniatures will be worn centered on the wearer's left lapel, placed horizontally and one inch below the end of the collar gorge. The top edge of the holding bar will completely cover the buttonhole. If current styles preclude wearing on the lapel, miniatures will be placed in the same relative position as if there was a lapel.
b. Females. Miniature medals may be worn on civilian evening attire on ceremonial occasions, but only when strictly appropriate to the occasion. Miniatures will be worn in approximately the same position where they would be worn on the uniform. If current styles preclude the wearing of miniatures in a place approximating the position where they would be worn on the
uniform, miniatures will not be worn.
c. If a second row of miniatures is worn, it will be placed 1 inch below the first row. In no case will more than two rows of miniatures be worn on civilian attire.
In the USMC Uniform Manual, there is actually a section on how they are worn.
http://www.marines.mil/News/Publications/ELECTRONICLIBRARY/ElectronicLibraryDisplay/tabid/13082/Article/126588/mco-p102034g-wch-1-5.aspx
Section 5203.
a. Males. Miniature medals may be worn on the left lapel of the civilian evening coat on ceremonial occasions, but only when strictly appropriate to the occasion. On the full dress and tuxedo coats, miniatures will be worn centered on the wearer's left lapel, placed horizontally and one inch below the end of the collar gorge. The top edge of the holding bar will completely cover the buttonhole. If current styles preclude wearing on the lapel, miniatures will be placed in the same relative position as if there was a lapel.
b. Females. Miniature medals may be worn on civilian evening attire on ceremonial occasions, but only when strictly appropriate to the occasion. Miniatures will be worn in approximately the same position where they would be worn on the uniform. If current styles preclude the wearing of miniatures in a place approximating the position where they would be worn on the
uniform, miniatures will not be worn.
c. If a second row of miniatures is worn, it will be placed 1 inch below the first row. In no case will more than two rows of miniatures be worn on civilian attire.
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MCO P1020.34G W/CH 1-5 > The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website >...
MARINE CORPS UNIFORM REGULATIONS,
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I personally never have. But after seeing them worn by vets in England at remembrance ceremonies I think it is a great way to recognize and support other vets. Always great to know you have a common background at those events.
My 2¢
My 2¢
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The VA encourages the wearing of medals by retirees, etc. as an indictor of how many have served our nation. I generally wear ribbons on a civilian suit and miniature medals on a tux. Of course only at an event that has some military relationship, like a Veterans' day or Memorial day activity or a military ball of some sort. The use of the hand salute is also encouraged even when in civilian attire for veterans and retirees. I am uncomfortable using the hand salute when uncovered outside, so usually wear a baseball cap to appropriate events. Again, it isn't about you so much as about all of us.
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Never thought about wearing a unit crest on a coat.
I do still wear my Military Police branch insignia tie tack.