What is the history behind oak leaf clusters? Why do we use them to note multiple awards?

2017-07-21T15:01:54-04:00

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jul 21 at 2017 3:04 PM

2017-07-21T15:04:21-04:00

What a great question. You get the gold star for today. Sorry, I don't have an answer. I suspect the answer isn't lost in antiquity inasmuch as awards and decorations aren't that old. I'll do a little digging myself, but won't feel bad if someone beats me to it and posts it here...

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 3:11 PM

2017-07-21T15:11:07-04:00

This is a good question. I tried checking the Army history and heraldry sites as well as my own google search. Only thing I can find is that is dates back prior to WWI (maybe even earlier) denoting multiple awards. It might be one of those things that no one really knows how it got started.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 3:12 PM

2017-07-21T15:12:49-04:00

It could be a throw back to Roman times for when they preferred natural materials for their highest awards. In some cultures, the oak tree is considered holy. So, while the actual reason is probably lost to time, these are just a few of the possible reasons.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jul 21 at 2017 3:43 PM

2017-07-21T15:43:07-04:00

Short answer- so we don't look like Russian / North Korean generals.
- In heraldry, oak leaves and acorns generally mean great age or great strength.
- In the English army they used to stand for being mentioned in the daily dispatch for valor and were an award unto themselves.
- In the German Army they denoted levels of awards subsequent to the basic award.
- In the US Army/ Military they just stand for subsequent awards. The Army institute for heraldry doesn't list the symbolism other than to say they represent subsequent awards.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Oct 1 at 2017 4:41 AM

2017-10-01T04:41:57-04:00

For the million dollar question, why can't you find them pre-made on the ribbon already at clothing sales? I mean sure there is tradition and then there is common sense, trying to poke that fool device through a ribbon can lead to some rather interesting 4 letter descriptive adjectives. Into today's day and age, I think some one could make a small mint off of ready to slide on the ribbon rack pre oak leafed devices.