Connecticut Wartime Service Medal per the Marine Corps Uniform Manual, is it authorized?

SGT Aaron Atwood — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 23:50:31 -0400

I've had a lot of peers ask me about my Connecticut Wartime Service Medal, and if I intend to wear it with my uniform. Thus far I do not honestly know despite reading and rereading the specified manual multiple times. It talks about getting awards from other departments of the US Government, foreign governments/agencies, etc. but there's nothing about wearing an award from a state government.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Mar 24 at 2016 11:51 PM

SGT Aaron Atwood — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 23:51:41 -0400

Right now, for the record, my decision is not to wear it unless my command tells me to do so. Until then it's on display in my office space.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 25 at 2016 12:11 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:11:22 -0400

SGT Aaron Atwood Many state awards as well as state militia ranks are not valid outside of the state.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Mar 25 at 2016 12:16 AM

Capt Mark Strobl — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:16:51 -0400

SGT Aaron Atwood - Sounds like a perfect addition to the "I love me wall," shadowbox, or continued placement on your desk.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Mar 25 at 2016 12:53 AM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:53:19 -0400

Good question. Pretty sure the answer is no. There are a few medals that states and organizations give to service members that are more commemerative in nature. The Cold War Medal is one, Also the Sons of the Confederacy have medals avaliable for their members who have served in different conflicts.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2016 1:34 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 01:34:45 -0400

It's my understanding that you can only wear state ribbons/medals as long as you're a member of that state's ARNG/ANG. You can only get them from that state too. As far as I've seen you can't order them online or anything.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Mar 25 at 2016 1:48 AM

SGT Aaron Atwood — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 01:48:59 -0400

Some reasons why I'm not wearing it on the uniform unless told to do so: 1) I haven't seen anyone else wear it with their uniform except for the Marine Corps League, but that's a whole different ball game and uniform. 2) The CT Wartime Service ribbon portion looks a heck of a lot like the Marine Security Guard ribbon, and I suspect every Marine would confuse the two from the get-go (ironically enough the CT Wartime Service medal is based, both medal and ribbon design, on the CT WW1 Service Medal which was given to CT residents who fought in that war.). 3) Kind of going along with #2 many state wartime medals and ribbons resemble actual military awards. Apparently the one associated with Pennsylvania, or so I was told, looks just like the Medal of Honor's ribbon pattern. Can you imagine the conflict and confusion with that? Hoo-boy!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 25 at 2016 7:36 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 07:36:14 -0400

http://www.marines.mil/Portals/59/Publications/MCO%20P1020.34G%20W%20CH%201-5.pdf

Chapter 5.

http://www.marines.mil/Portals/59/Publications/SecNavInst%201650.1H.pdf

If I am reading it correctly, State Level Awards are not authorized for wear by DoN personnel (by exclusion from the regulation).

Response by Jim McMahon made Mar 25 at 2016 9:28 AM

Jim McMahon — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 09:28:12 -0400

Being a resident of Connecticut I just want to say thanks.

Response by Cpl Jon Westbrook made Mar 25 at 2016 1:00 PM

Cpl Jon Westbrook — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 13:00:26 -0400

Short answer is no. MCO P1020.34g is the standard. It lists everything authorized and not authorized pertaining to Uniform Standards. If it isn't listed as authorized, I wouldn't wear it.