Commemorative medals?

SGT Richard H. — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 18:22:49 -0400

So I was looking at a website and building my ribbon rack for a shadow box, and noticed all these commemorative medals....this is something I haven't seen before. What is the point of these? They aren't something that are awarded, that I'm aware of. Can anyone enlighten me?

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Sep 6 at 2014 6:25 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 18:25:56 -0400

Realistically they are "feel good" medals not issued by anyone, but essentially self awarded. I seem on the one site, I am "authorized" another 10 ribbons/medals from these fake awards.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 7 at 2014 12:36 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 00:36:45 -0400

Fake awards that add to award manufacturers profits...

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 7 at 2014 2:32 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 02:32:34 -0400

Let me know if my "Sexiest Retiree, Best Dad, Snazzy Dresser, Most Awesome, Humility medal came in yet SGT Richard H.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Sep 7 at 2014 9:15 AM

CMC Robert Young — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 09:15:22 -0400

It's a money making scheme for the vendors that sell them, and a way for those who finish their careers with little eye candy to beef up their egos. Not really sure that there is a good reason to buy anything other than what I've earned...

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Sep 7 at 2014 9:27 AM

CPO Jon Campbell — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 09:27:43 -0400

If you live long enough, you will likely end up getting more authentic commemorative medals. In every war going back as far as the Civil War, our aged veterans have been honored by state and local governments, and other organizations with commemorative medals as people realize that there are fewer and fewer veterans of a specific war.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Sep 7 at 2014 10:32 AM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 10:32:14 -0400

SGT Richard H. I have seen these before in a magazine but don't know much about them. I have never seen anyone with them either. Interesting just to read up on them and learn something new for the day. I'm good with the ones the Army presented to me and that is all I need.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2014 10:40 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 10:40:10 -0400

For example: the Never Got a Medal Medal (NGMM).

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 7 at 2014 10:58 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 10:58:07 -0400

They are not authorized for wear by DoD and most if not all are not sanctioned by DoD either. As many have said, eye candy. Most of them - too me - make zero sense. Like the Foreign Expeditionary Service Commemorative Medal - a medal to commemorate being awarded the actual Expeditionary Medal - Huh???

http://www.medalsofamerica.com/ItemList--Commemorative-Medals--m-599

Commemorative Medals, Awards & Ribbons | Medals of America

Commemorative Medals and Ribbons from Medals of America. Each military medal is guaranteed new, official and never surplus. Guaranteed for Life.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2014 11:16 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 11:16:58 -0400

They have fake, commemorative medals now? What the...? Has anyone ever been caught wearing one on their uniform?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 7 at 2014 11:34 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 11:34:54 -0400

Really!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2014 10:08 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 22:08:31 -0400

I think they are stupid and just a money making scheme. Why do I need a medal to commemorate and actual medal or ribbon that I already have. But I will say I feel that the Cold War Service Medal should be a real medal.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2014 2:13 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 14:13:32 -0400

I see these as spoof medals you would purchase for someone else, in recognition of something truly, spectacularly idiotic or funny. Not to be used or taken seriously. Certainly not for wear on your uniform, but as some kind of gag gift or such as that.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 2 at 2014 2:52 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 14:52:52 -0500

I have looked at these before and thought well that is cool but i don't need that that is just more money i have to spend. So i think it is a money maker for them.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Dec 2 at 2014 3:10 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 15:10:21 -0500

SGT Richard H. has a very similar thread and this one needs to be combined with it, hopefully one of the admin folks meld the threads together. I do not know their purpose other than to say that there is money it in for someone.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 3:41 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 15:41:33 -0500

If they really want a chest full of fruit salad and the nearest SM/Vet to either scream stolen valor or start reciting AR 670-1, go for it. Looks like a waste of money to me, I'll stick with my official awards.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Dec 3 at 2014 12:41 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 12:41:09 -0500

Thanks for mentioning this. I wasn't aware of the market in commemorative medals. I don't think that I'll be buying any. However, I won't be confused if I see others wearing them now that I am aware.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Dec 3 at 2014 1:03 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 13:03:05 -0500

I don't see why anyone would purchase these, but I'm sure someone is making a very good profit on them. I just hope it is clear that they are NOT official medals and only commemorative with the same worth as a 'been there done that' t-shirt.

Response by SSG Sean Knudsen made Mar 7 at 2015 4:25 PM

SSG Sean Knudsen — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 16:25:39 -0500

I have seen commemorative medals on veterans clothing ( civilian ) at military functions and at VFW meetings etc. From what I have researched, there is no law or regulation for them.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Mar 7 at 2015 7:06 PM

SFC Christopher Perry — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 19:06:58 -0500

Completely meaningless, don't degrade your much appreciated servce or your shadow box by adding a single one.

Response by PO1 Matthew Maxon made Jun 19 at 2015 1:33 PM

PO1 Matthew Maxon — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:33:38 -0400

Im of 2 minds on this. 1. They are kinda cool because they give awards for things like Crossing the Line that is just an unofficial certificate, retirement ect. 2. They are not cool because they are just to make money.

I have 11 real medals. I have what would be 15 more commemorative. Maybe, I might put them in a shadow box with what they are in a second section.

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 12:12 PM

CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 12:12:30 -0500

It all started with a "Cold War Commemorative Medal" as one was never made and DoD settled with a certificate in the late 90s for those who qualified. Medals of America created a commemorative medal for veterans base on the certificate. Whic led to the creation of medals for things without medals (Branch service, overseas service, etc), which snowballed to commemorative medals for things that have medals or badges (Afgan service, Air Assault, etc). Basically, a good idea (as most felt that a Cold War medal should of been created) was run over by profits.

Response by SGT Eric Kesseler made Apr 3 at 2016 1:02 AM

SGT Eric Kesseler — Sun, 03 Apr 2016 01:02:32 -0400

The only good reason I see to buy them is for a deceased family member who served at a time before certain awards came to be but would have qualified for them if they served now. For example, my Dad served in Japan for two and a half years. He was in from 1956 to 1959 in the Army. His only medal he was awarded was the Good Conduct Medal. I got a commemorative Over seas service medal for his shadow box. So, instead of one medal there are two. I think anyone currently serving or a living veteran doesn't need them but it is nice to honor our loved ones who have passed away. Just my two cents! :D Everyone is right in saying that they are not issued and generate revenue for vendors. I don't see it as being any different from various patches you can buy. Another thing I put in Dad's shadow box is a Cold War Veteran patch. It had 1945-1991 on it. I thought that was cool.

Response by SPC Alex Shiflett made Oct 15 at 2016 3:43 PM

SPC Alex Shiflett — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 15:43:50 -0400

If you are retired you can where them, but the only one I might use would be the one that is for retired service. The rest are just weird.

Response by PO3 James Bobiney made Dec 26 at 2016 4:36 AM

PO3 James Bobiney — Mon, 26 Dec 2016 04:36:30 -0500

The definition of commemorate is as follows,
com·mem·o·rate
[kəˈmeməˌrāt]
VERB

recall and show respect for (someone or something) in a ceremony:
"a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the war dead"
serve as a memorial to:
"a stone commemorating a boy who died at sea"
celebrate (an event, a person, or a situation) by doing or building something:
"it was a night commemorated in a song"
synonyms: celebrate · pay tribute to · pay homage to · honor · salute · toast · [more]

Powered by Oxford Dictionaries · © Oxford University Press · Translation by Bing Translator
Translations, word origin, and more definitions

That being said, they are to commemorate veterans who have served, basically in any area of operation, war zone, sea service, just whatever. You don't wear them for yourself. Anybody can buy them and wear them to honor any veteran. I guess if you wanted to you could buy ALL of them. But I'd imagine it would be very heavy if you wore them. Not to mention, too corny. But yes, vendors do make alot of money selling them. I built a rack of them just with a small handful of them for the veterans I knew and the areas, zones and branches they served and the price would've been $450. No thank you. I've read on some forums that guys said it is ok to wear them on your uniform WITH your federal/military medals. I don't think that's correct, but if it is, I certainly wouldn't do it. You may, however, wear them on a civilian suit/tux at formal/veterans functions etc.
No way in Hell I'm going to buy all of them and wear fifty pounds of brass/bronze on my chest. Can you say gaudy? lol. Just thought I'd give my two bits. No trolls please.

Response by Kathleen Redman made Mar 14 at 2017 4:57 AM

Kathleen Redman — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 04:57:39 -0400

The majority of veterans are not familiar with the many commemorative medals. The tradition of issuing commemorative medals had been existent since the Revolutionary War. Then, as now, they recognize campaigns, service or historical events a veteran participated in or supported. These are not government issued medals, but are designed and given by various military or veteran's organizations across the country. Commemorative medals have grown in response to World War II veterans who wanted medals to commemorate D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge and other special events. It has slowly expanded to cover recent historical military operations. Commemorative medals often to fill in the gaps, made to honor events or achievements that have not been previously honored by the US Government or to provide a medal to wear when the govt. only provided a ribbon.

Response by SMSgt Jeff Kyle made Oct 10 at 2017 9:33 AM

SMSgt Jeff Kyle — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 09:33:24 -0400

For some Vets, Korean War to be specific, many GI's left service without receiving any of their medals. These were guys that fought the NKPA or the Chinese during the first "non war" aka "police action". My Dad was one of those. He was drafted, served on the front lines, then want with the Division (24th ID) to Japan for occupation duty. I bought him his medals and CIB and asked the local Guard unit to present them. After verifying what I was doing was correct, they gladly presented them in a small ceremony. As for the commemorative medals, had I not been able to verify his medals that should have been awarded, I would have gone the route of the commemoratives. As it was, his service earned him the NDSM. It wasn't on his DD214 but he was authorized to wear it. I presented one to him just before he passed away. I don't see a need for this type medal but under certain circumstances I can see it being used to correct a disservice done to them by not receiving their earned medals. FYI, Dads records were stored in the part of St. Louis that burned. His records, though damaged, were salvaged. Many GI's records were completely destroyed.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Oct 10 at 2017 9:36 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 09:36:56 -0400

One thing about the commemorative medals, they CANNOT be worn on a military uniform, under any circumstances. I wouldn't waste My money on any of them.

Response by SrA Merlin Ewing made Nov 17 at 2017 1:49 PM

SrA Merlin Ewing — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 13:49:17 -0500

AS A 77 YEAR OLD VETERAN OF THE AIR FORCE I WEAR THE THE AIR FORCE COMMEMORATIVE RIBBON TO SHOW THE PRIDE I HAVE IN THE AIR FORCE THAT I SERVED IN. I ALSO WEAR THE HONORABLY SERVED RIBBON AND THE HONORABLE DISCHARGE RIBBON WHICH I AM ALSO PROUD OF. DISCHARGED VETERANS ARE FORGOTTEN QUICKLY AND I AM THANKFUL I CAN WEAR RIBBONS THAT REMIND THEM OF MY SERVICE. I AM A COLD WAR VETERAN AND AM PROUD TO WEAR THE COLD WAR RIBBON. IT WAS A WAR CAMPAIGN JUST AS MUCH AS ANY OTHER WAR. KEEPING PEACE IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT. I ALSO WEAR THE NATIONAL DEFENSE RIBBON BECAUSE I SERVED IN THE VIETNAM WAR ERA. I WEAR THE LONGEVITY RIBBON FOR MY TIME SPENT IN THE SERVICE AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST THE AIR FORCE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL RIBBON. ALL THE RIBBONS I WEAR SHOWS MY PRIDE IN THE AIR FORCE AND FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF SERVING MY COUNTRY. AM I WRONG?

Response by SSgt Michael Bahnsen made Apr 16 at 2018 3:28 AM

SSgt Michael Bahnsen — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 03:28:56 -0400

I served in Vietnam during the Easter Offensive. We received nothing for this an it was the last US battle. Then I saw the Easter Offensive Comm. Award with Medal. I bought it because I lived. I see nothing wrong in that. I am also quite proud of the one's given to me by my country. Nam Vet 72/73.

Response by SGT Jim Davis made Sep 20 at 2018 2:46 PM

SGT Jim Davis — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 14:46:00 -0400

I joined te American Legion to be on the Honor Guard to respect veterans who have passed. Many legionnaires wear rows of commemorative ribbons on their uniforms so they wont feel naked. I served a year in the field as a grunt and know what I went through to get a few decorations and all these guys did was buy them. I say anyone wearing a commenrative medal like an earned medal is an imposter.

Response by SN Donald J Manes made Nov 14 at 2018 11:36 AM

SN Donald J Manes — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 11:36:15 -0500

Would like to know if I am eligible to wear it. Served USCG 1952-56

Response by PO3 James Bobiney made Feb 25 at 2019 4:53 AM

PO3 James Bobiney — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 04:53:15 -0500

I was on Medals of America rack builder, and they hang all the medals together. Your actual branch medals on top, and all the Commemorative ones below. I don't even know if that's allowed by regulation. They might be nice for a shadow box or something. But, I really don't think I'd wear them. Besides, I don't want to spend money on something my chain of command didn't award me. Money making scheme.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Oct 29 at 2019 1:17 AM

MSG John Duchesneau — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 01:17:26 -0400

A few points -
1. They are not awarded to anyone but anyone can buy them.
2. They are not authorized to be worn on military uniforms.
3. While those that sell them claim they honor military service they really are self purchased consolation prizes for wannabes and fakers who didn't get enough medals to satisfy their egos.

Response by PO2 Todd N Shirley Knox made Jan 29 at 2020 9:38 PM

PO2 Todd N Shirley Knox — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 21:38:52 -0500

I suppose the intent, real or imaginary, is to honor servicemen for their service. Most of the medals that relate to those I was awarded are repetitive in nature. The Cold War Victory Medal seems to have some merit it seems to me. As I recall, it was brought forward to the powers (congress who control the awarding of medals and found some merit with them. However, they realized that to make it official and to actually award the medal to veterans who qualified would be a prohibitively expense. Thus, it, like the others, are not to be worn by active military, but can be worn unofficially by veterans as an act of free speech, and I suppose if they wear it on their uniforms someone will challenge them thus completing the circle of who wants to brag or complain. In short, I think you will need some balls to wear them. I personally will just be proud to have served and earned the four medals I earned and leave the rest up to God and Congress.

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