Is it appropriate to wear my miniature medals pinned to my dress at a black tie event, even though I won't be wearing a jacket?

SrA Lisa Thompson — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 00:56:51 -0400

I am attending a black tie (formal evening) event and all veterans have been asked to wear any medals they were awarded during their service. I am a woman and will be wearing a long evening gown. Is it appropriate to wear my miniature medals pinned to my dress on the left even though I won't be wearing a jacket?

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Oct 9 at 2019 1:36 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 01:36:08 -0400

SrA Lisa Thompson Thank you for asking.

My elderly mind says that medals on a dress might be weighty and detract from other features.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2019 2:38 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 02:38:09 -0400

I don't see an issue with it if it detracts from the dress. In my opinion, the outfit is the cake and the medals are the icing. If the medals detract from the dress, either ditch medals or pick a dress more suitable for medals. If the dress is already pretty exceptional, I would suggest either a neck medallion of your most valuable award, or mini pins of the highest 1-3 awards. I think anything over 3 would detract from civilian wear, whether it's a dress or suit.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 9 at 2019 9:03 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 09:03:01 -0400

Sure. Even my wife, a civilian, does it with her DA awards. It looks nice...

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2019 11:25 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 11:25:32 -0400

Wear them proudly!!!

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Oct 9 at 2019 9:18 PM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 21:18:28 -0400

You’re a civilian - wear what you want. Plus you’ve been asked. Most people don’t expect a vet to show up decked out in uniform of the day so pinning them to your civilian attire is pretty much expected.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 9 at 2019 11:33 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 23:33:00 -0400

Acceptable. My wife wears her DA Civilian awards on a evening dress at appropriate events. It sounds that your event meets the intent.

Response by SFC Hal Jeauxdevine, BSM w/"V", MSM, PH, Arcom w/“V” made Oct 11 at 2019 12:25 PM

SFC Hal Jeauxdevine, BSM w/"V", MSM, PH, Arcom w/“V” — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 12:25:17 -0400

Absolutely. I would recommend minimum neck jewelry though. Your top three ribbons with any special skills badges should “wow” everyone. Use rubber “dammits” so you don’t bleed. Good luck.

Response by A1C Riley Sanders made Oct 11 at 2019 10:14 PM

A1C Riley Sanders — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 22:14:24 -0400

I've done volunteer service at an Aviation & Space Museum for 14 yrs. We have mostly Veteran Volunteers, The museum has had many events over the years, For what I have seen if their is a correct educate you wouldn't think so at these events as there were more than a few with their medals pined to their casual wear , I believe it did not tarnish the respect. WEAR THEM !