How do sentinels assemble their medals?

2020-12-12T21:57:02-05:00

Since COVID-19 I've been up to numerous projects, my most current one is putting together a shadowbox for my Dad and I. My Dad just entered the fleet reserves a couple days ago and soon to retire in January after serving 28 years in the Navy as a BM and MA. I would like the medals to look as sharp as possible so I figured I'd look into how the sentinels (or just honor guard in general) put together their medals. After some googling I still have yet to find an answer anywhere. They clearly don't use typical medal mounting techniques or have a third-party service like ultra thin do it for them. Thanks for the help and answers in advance!

Response by LTC John Griscom made Dec 12 at 2020 10:00 PM

2020-12-12T22:00:01-05:00

Good project to honor your dad's service.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2020 10:02 PM

2020-12-12T22:02:05-05:00

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/does-anyone-know-how-the-old-guard-assemble-build-their-full-size-medals?loc=similar_main&pos=3&type=qrc

Does anyone know how the Old Guard assemble (build) their full size medals? | RallyPoint

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Dec 12 at 2020 10:04 PM

2020-12-12T22:04:51-05:00

Good on you for doing this for your father. It will mean the world to him. Best wishes and good luck!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2020 10:06 PM

2020-12-12T22:06:09-05:00

Mathew Donaldson You mentioned a shadow box for you and your dad. Your profile has you listed as a potential recruit. Are you thinking of adding your medals after you have served? I would not pay anyone to assemble a shadow box. You can do it yourself and it does not have to be precise.

My shadowbox has my ribbons , and other items on one side of the box and my Father's items on the other side.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Dec 12 at 2020 10:18 PM

2020-12-12T22:18:02-05:00

The mounting is pretty standard to what you see commercially but the difference is the backing used behind the medal. You use something hard and dense like a credit card. It is harder than cardboard and holds it shape better and really makes the medal pop.

I served 2 years at 8th and I with the Silent Drill Platoon and that seemed to be the standard technique the branches used while I was there.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2020 10:34 PM

2020-12-12T22:34:41-05:00

They use spray on glue and a micrometer to measure the ribbons. Pretty sure by now the Tomb Guards of the Unknown Soldier have a YouTube tutorial on how to do it

Response by TSgt David L. made Dec 12 at 2020 10:39 PM

2020-12-12T22:39:21-05:00

We used miniature medals in my shadowbox and hung them separate so you can actually see them individually. I guess you have to choose how you want to display them.