What do you do with your old medals and ribbons?

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:09:55 -0400

I have an annoying assortment of no longer accurate pre-built ribbon and medal racks (I never had patience to build them myself). I don't want to throw them away or sell them because it seems wrong and might contribute to a stolen valor problem, does anyone know of any ribbon rack sites that recycle them somehow or another creative method of disposal/reuse?

EDIT: I am talking about outdated sets of awards after you get more and your old pre-built set is no longer accurate, what do you do with them?

Response by SSG John Erny made Jun 19 at 2015 1:11 PM

SSG John Erny — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:11:51 -0400

I keep mine, they are a part of me

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jun 19 at 2015 1:14 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:14:03 -0400

I have a set in my shadow box, on my SDB's in a frame and another on a set of khakis.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2015 1:23 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:23:59 -0400

See if you can donate them to the nearest Veterans Home for display or even a military museum. Hell, see if you can donate them to your old high school. They may make a small display in the hallway for you, as a tribute to a successful alumni.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2015 1:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:33:25 -0400

Im in same boat Sir.

I took a small board and created a small "career I love me thing" just something for my nieces. Ive got ribbon racks all the way back when i was a SPC.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jun 19 at 2015 1:40 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:40:30 -0400

Mine are stored away in various places while we are taking care of my [update] 94-year-old mother-in-law. We downsized drastically and have most of our belongings in boxes.
I never was able to build a complete set and only had partial sets of ribbons. When I fully retire I hope to be able to put together a complete set of ribbons and medals.
In the future I may transfer the complete set to my son who served with 3/75 Rangers since he was the only military member of the family.
Virtually all of my uniforms from 1974 to 2008 were discarded as we were being evicted. It was sad but we lost so much else. The process reminded me of previous military moves when a little bit had been lost; but, I drew on past strength to organize the workforce and prioritized the tasks and flow sequence as best we could.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 19 at 2015 1:58 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:58:41 -0400

I treated them as "consumables." Ribbons got dingy/tattered a while. I have all my originals in a keepsake box, but my medal racks I saved the anodized medal and shifted it to the new pre-made as a cost saving measure.

It's not too bad until they start overlapping, as that is easy to just make yourself.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jun 19 at 2015 6:55 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 18:55:21 -0400

I have a draw full of them. You never know when clothing sales is going to be out of something when one of your troops or buddies needs to update their rack for something. This is especially true around those critical times like PME grads, Service Balls, and Induction Ceremonies.

My "stash" has saved many a troop.

When I transitioned to "thin ribbons" because I really hate dealing with that damn gold border, I stripe them of the do-dads and chuck them.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 19 at 2015 9:42 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 21:42:05 -0400

I bag up old ribbons, racks, and rank and take it in to my unit and see who needs it. Ribbons that are replaced because they are soiled/frayed are thrown away in my kitchen garbage. I keep a certain amount of racks, slide bars etc to handle temporary wear unit awards. I retain unit awards to reuse, give to battle buddies if they need them, especially my replacements that will have about the same set up.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 19 at 2015 11:28 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 23:28:30 -0400

I give them to my junior soldiers.

Response by SGT John W Lugo made Jun 19 at 2015 11:55 PM

SGT John W Lugo — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 23:55:04 -0400

Why not give them to your kids or grandkids, I know my boys were excited when I would give them my military stuff.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jun 20 at 2015 12:43 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 00:43:52 -0400

Actually .. I wear them on my American Legion Honor Guard uniform .. but that wasn't a vote option.

Response by MSgt Manuel Diaz made Jun 20 at 2015 1:16 AM

MSgt Manuel Diaz — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 01:16:20 -0400

Send them to your local VFW, people do come in asking for parts to complete a rack for a deceased family member and they have no nearby military facility to acquire them. Or Post 5290 in Conyers Georgia we will take em.

Response by CPL Steve Brady made Jun 20 at 2015 12:41 PM

CPL Steve Brady — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 12:41:49 -0400

still on uniform under plasic hanging in closet

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2015 1:10 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 13:10:00 -0400

I keep them all safe and secure and eventually when I retire, I will use them for a shadow box that I will design.

Response by TSgt Thomas Monaghan made Jun 20 at 2015 4:46 PM

TSgt Thomas Monaghan — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 16:46:24 -0400

I put them in a shadow box above my Retirement flag case. It looks nice

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 21 at 2015 10:24 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 10:24:30 -0400

Mine are in plastic bags along with a lot of other military "junk". I'll let my kids sort it out someday.

Response by SGT Mark Collins made Jun 22 at 2015 2:03 PM

SGT Mark Collins — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 14:03:15 -0400

E-mail Theribbonrack on line, I guessing they will know the answer.

Response by SGT Mark Collins made Jun 22 at 2015 2:21 PM

SGT Mark Collins — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 14:21:24 -0400

I also bought a shadow box to display my Medals, Ribbons, Coins, Pictures, Arm Patches & Rank. When family, friends civilian & Military look at my shadow box, they can see that I Defended, The United States Of America, with The U.S.ARMY. HOOAH!!!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2015 6:44 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 18:44:18 -0400

I would take the ribbons and marksman awards to Supply NCO and see if they want them to add them to the ribbon supply they have. I would keep the medals and display them.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jul 16 at 2015 5:49 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 17:49:30 -0400

I keep mine in a plastic drawer cabinet with patches etc

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jul 16 at 2015 7:22 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 19:22:27 -0400

I gave some of them to my son who is a soon to be SPC. The others are stored in a bag.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 11 at 2015 5:45 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 05:45:38 -0500

Mostly I cannibalize them for future racks...

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2016 1:18 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 13:18:42 -0400

I've got a "shadow box" containing my sword, "rack" and rank devices in the "I Love Me" room...everything else is in some wad of boxes stuck somewhere in the attic.

Response by SGT James Colbert made Apr 26 at 2016 1:31 PM

SGT James Colbert — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 13:31:10 -0400

i took one of my ARCOM medaks and made my son a keychain which he atill had now

Response by CPO Morgan Hurley made Jun 4 at 2016 12:41 AM

CPO Morgan Hurley — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 00:41:06 -0400

Make yourself a shadow box.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2016 3:42 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 15:42:19 -0400

I keep them and share them with my sons; who are also in uniform now. Maybe it saves them a few $$?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2016 9:10 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 21:10:01 -0500

A great question. I always hang on to them. Even the professionally manufactured ones can sometimes be pried off and re-used by other Soldiers.
If they are just loose ribbons, I keep them as spares just in case someone else looses one of their ribbons during a formal event. (it's happened!)

Response by SFC William Stephens made Dec 6 at 2016 1:40 PM

SFC William Stephens — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 13:40:53 -0500

they are in a black box in my basement for my daughter, I'm not sure what she going to do with them but they are a part of her time capsule when she gets older. She has asked what is in the box but at 9 she really doesn't understand what's going on yet.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Mar 15 at 2017 1:58 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 13:58:59 -0400

Mine are still in the boxes they were issued in and when I die I'll leave them to My oldest Son. With the exception of the ones that were presented in a ceremony I've never had any of them on My uniform even once. The day of the presentation I had those on, never used them a second time. I've only worn the service ribbons for them.

Response by SFC George Smith made Mar 15 at 2017 11:10 PM

SFC George Smith — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 23:10:54 -0400

mine are set Up and in a small kit Bag in the Suit bag with My dress Uniform... to be Used when they Plant My sorry Butt...

Response by SGT Mathew Husen made Mar 22 at 2017 5:23 PM

SGT Mathew Husen — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 17:23:31 -0400

Give them to supply, that is what I used to do.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Mar 22 at 2017 5:29 PM

SSgt Michael Cox — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 17:29:15 -0400

In about 3 years if my cancer goes the way the doctors say it will I will be buried in full service dress but my medals will be given to my brothers and sisters so they can tell their children what the rows of salad were that are on my service dress.

Response by CPT Bruce Dow made Mar 22 at 2017 7:09 PM

CPT Bruce Dow — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 19:09:50 -0400

I display my medals, the highest I have is an ARCOM, not a big medal but it was George S Patton IV that said I could wear it

Response by Murphy Kelley made Apr 19 at 2017 1:21 PM

Murphy Kelley — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 13:21:17 -0400

you could send them to http://www.medalsofamerica.com

www.medalsofamerica.com

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2017 4:27 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 May 2017 16:27:49 -0400

I'd do the same as the ones I have now, throw em in a box of old memories. Or you could go ahead and get them framed along with some of your other old stuff, and mount it on a wall.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made May 2 at 2017 4:31 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Tue, 02 May 2017 16:31:24 -0400

They are now in a small plastic pail with my ribbon racks, lapel insignia, Division and Regimental Crests, Marksmanship Badges, etc. One day I will put them in a framed shadowbox for all the world to see....ha ha ha

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2017 10:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 May 2017 22:07:59 -0400

Ribbons are in a shadow box at work. Medals themselves are crammed into a wood cigar box I acquired while I was overseas sitting on my dresser.
But, the reality of it all is that Mickey Ds will still charge me a buck for a cup of coffee with or without them.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2017 7:13 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 May 2017 19:13:58 -0400

As owners of a flat ribbon making company we recycle old ones for the devices.

Response by SGT Jason Herbert made May 9 at 2017 6:25 PM

SGT Jason Herbert — Tue, 09 May 2017 18:25:23 -0400

My ex wife stole them and held them ransom. I laughed my ass off and haven't talked to her since.

Response by SGM Harvey Boone made May 11 at 2017 4:12 PM

SGM Harvey Boone — Thu, 11 May 2017 16:12:57 -0400

Yes its called a cigar or shoe box I have one and a pile of crest as well Just a laugh suggest making a shadow box. Then you can give them to a VET museum some where they can and will use them.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2017 4:43 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 May 2017 16:43:58 -0400

Trash

Response by Sgt Doug Kemp made Jun 22 at 2017 9:19 AM

Sgt Doug Kemp — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 09:19:41 -0400

Take them to your local VFW or American Legion. A lot of older veterans are trying to fix their uniforms or shadow boxes before they pass and may not have access to ribbons and medals this would help them out.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 23 at 2017 8:54 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 08:54:54 -0400

Capt Richard I P. I've kept the most recent set on my Dress Blues (Miniature Medals) and a set on my Dress Whites (neither of which I use anymore) and I have one set on my Class A Dress Greens that I had when I retired and I have two in a display case in the living room, and the rest are packed away. One of these days my wife is going to get me a shadow box to display them and my rank from E-1 to E-6 and 2LT to COL, along with some insignia from some of my units that I was assigned to (someday). I will most likely hand them down to my (3) daughters and their grandchildren. I've got my Dad's Korean War Medals and last ribbon set. I will had them down as well - why not, I'm proud of my Dad's service and purple heart and your children should be proud of yours as well. I usually pitch the racks that are out of date and I've got one more to get put together (Updated) with my last award LOM for ceremonies and invitations that I receive to attend events and I wear my retirement dress black uniform.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Jul 23 at 2017 2:09 PM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 14:09:00 -0400

Since we are talking about ribbins. We can relate to the lock pin popping off. Usualy during a inspection. Lol, but when i was at the VA in Long Beach. A vender sold one that uses an allen wrench to tighten it. So it will not come off.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Jul 23 at 2017 5:19 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 17:19:16 -0400

Most of those can be put into a shadowbox. A completed rack with a few awards that have sentimental or some other personal value will clear out most of the box. The rest I would drop off at your local S-4 shop. From there they can store them until they get issued out or they get tossed properly.

Response by SPC John Chambers made Jul 25 at 2017 3:05 PM

SPC John Chambers — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 15:05:36 -0400

I'm saving mine to build 4 shadow boxes. One for my wife (unless I outlive her) the others for my children.

Response by PO1 Mike Ward made Oct 7 at 2017 7:45 AM

PO1 Mike Ward — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 07:45:32 -0400

Some of those online sites will rebuild your older racks with the updated awards.

Response by SSG Gabriel Galindo made Nov 15 at 2017 3:20 PM

SSG Gabriel Galindo — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 15:20:56 -0500

Currently, mine are in a box somewhere in the garage.

Response by SGT Aric Lier made Nov 15 at 2017 3:48 PM

SGT Aric Lier — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 15:48:55 -0500

take them to your local VFW or American legion hall.

Response by SSG Kevin Peterson made Dec 27 at 2017 2:15 PM

SSG Kevin Peterson — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 14:15:11 -0500

Put them in a shadow box.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Dec 29 at 2017 11:18 AM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 11:18:52 -0500

I throw them in the garbage.

Response by SP5 Michael Motl made Dec 30 at 2017 2:39 PM

SP5 Michael Motl — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 14:39:20 -0500

I keep mine in a small box next to my Bronze Star.

Response by MSG David Johnson made Jan 3 at 2018 1:55 PM

MSG David Johnson — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 13:55:23 -0500

Over the years I've added to my ribbon rack, regular sized medal rack, and mini medal rack.
Once I quit procrastinating and send in for all my campaign stars I will build my own shadow box(s).
Since all the medals overlap and look like crap I'll most likely design it to line them up full view.

There are some very good ideas on what to do with all the extras I'll have left over. I've had some for decades but are too good to throw out.

For those who are interested, there's a website that will print out your ribbon rack as stickers. I paid $7 for my setup.

Response by SSgt Gerald Davis Jr made Jan 4 at 2018 4:38 PM

SSgt Gerald Davis Jr — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 16:38:00 -0500

The medals can be remounted with new ribbon.

Response by PO1 Vinnie Brown made Jan 6 at 2018 4:41 AM

PO1 Vinnie Brown — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 04:41:05 -0500

I usually recommend making up a shadow box for family members...

Response by PO3 Carey Robert made Feb 1 at 2018 11:05 PM

PO3 Carey Robert — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 23:05:06 -0500

You can turn them to the American Legion, so we can help widows and family who veterans who can not get them.

Response by COL Beverly Belew made Jun 10 at 2018 9:18 AM

COL Beverly Belew — Sun, 10 Jun 2018 09:18:42 -0400

I have been storing my late husband's medals, in boxes, with certificates, in my attic for decades. No family to give to. What are my recycling options?

Response by SFC Paul Sell made Jul 6 at 2018 11:53 AM

SFC Paul Sell — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 11:53:30 -0400

My award's and decorations after several moves found themselves in a box in storage, along with the couple dozen service coins.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Jul 6 at 2018 12:58 PM

SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 12:58:15 -0400

I still have mine on my Army Service Uniform. I've been thinking about building a shadow box and hang down in my den. There is no way I'm getting rid off my accomplishments. My daughters don't care about it...even my spouse would get mad if I even try to get rid of them. Yes, they might collecting dust at the moment, but I do have plans for them when I get to it.

Response by SPC Brent Melton made Jul 7 at 2018 10:59 AM

SPC Brent Melton — Sat, 07 Jul 2018 10:59:32 -0400

There are a lot of collectors out there who would gladly buy your medals, and keep your story with them. Worrying about stolen valor is a legitimate concern, but as someone who has busted a few, once you start pulling the thread, the story comes apart. Mine are currently in the boxes awaiting shadow box status.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Mar 17 at 2019 4:47 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 04:47:40 -0400

If they become too beat up I'd replaced them and discarded the old ones that weren't serviceable anymore. Those that were, hanging medals, ribbons are in a box and hanging medals still in the original containers they came in. When I die I'll pass them to My oldest son as those things that were in the family mean a lot to Him and He will treat them properly. Most the hanging medals I've never worn except some I was presented wore them the day they were awarded and haven't had them on after that. I do wear the regular service ribbons with my American Legion uniform but that's it. I've enver been impressed with hanging a lot of do dads on my uniforms.

Response by CPL Brian OHare made Mar 21 at 2019 5:19 AM

CPL Brian OHare — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 05:19:49 -0400

I made a framed plaque for my father in law, starting at the bottom and going up with his old racks. It looked really cool to see his award progression over his 20 years. I also put black and brass rank down the edges. He has it hanging in his office with all his other military stuff. Just a suggestion.

Response by SGT Joey Landry made Jul 26 at 2019 4:51 PM

SGT Joey Landry — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 16:51:46 -0400

Let your kids play with them. They’re cloth, metal and plastic, they’re not sacred icons to be worshipped. I’m also of the opinion people make too much of this stolen valor issue. It’s really not a problem in the real world. Example: I’m yet to see someone get a job because they wore fruit-salad on their suit in an interview; You still have to produce documents (DD-214). Sorry to rant, I’ll go back and sit in my corner

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Jun 14 at 2020 4:36 PM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 16:36:13 -0400

In my day we didn't get any, so it's not a problem.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2020 4:43 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 16:43:31 -0400

Trash

Response by MSG Izy Veguillacruz made Aug 30 at 2020 3:34 PM

MSG Izy Veguillacruz — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 15:34:15 -0400

Put them in a shadow box to show your grand children.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2021 4:59 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 May 2021 16:59:34 -0400

I keep some to recycle or hand to others. Something with a single bronze oak leaf could be reused when a single silver oak leaf is merited.
Ribbons I'm ok with just tossing them if need me, full or mini medals on the other hand those things get recycled until they're NMC.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2021 6:38 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 06:38:06 -0400

Might be slightly off point, but try putting a small shadow box (ribbons or medals only) together and keep it on a shelf/wall at the (civilian) office. Guard/Reserve can do this while still serving, active obviously after separating or retiring, but either way it serves two good purposes. First, you'll meet and get to know every vet and military brat who walks past your desk. Second, life-long civilians are often genuinely curious about the military and it works as an invitation of sorts to ask. I didn't do this when I was a government contractor/Guardsmen because I didn't think it was anything special... all of my friends and coworkers were vets. But someone suggested it after I moved to a non-defense Fortune 10 company and I was amazed at the many positive conversations and relationships my little 8.5x11 shadow box created.

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Feb 18 at 2022 10:20 AM

SPC Donn Sinclair — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 10:20:31 -0500

Ignored them for many years, finally put them in a shadow box. Evidence of who I was a long time ago.