Wear of non-medals with medals on civilian attire?

2023-06-09T11:04:44-04:00

My father has a few months left to live, and as a Navy veteran, he will be buried with military honors. Since we have time, we are all trying to be proactive.

I am retired from the Army, but no longer fit in my uniform, after losing the battle of the bulge. So I am planning on mini-medals in a civilian suit. (I checked with mom, dad, and siblings, and all encourage this.)

I have checked both my memory and online and everything mentions only medals. I obviously will not be throwing ribbons like ASR or NCOPDR on there. But should I be adding EIB and/or AASLT wings?

I would think no mention = no wear, but I also want to do things right. I am not worried about how much "bling" I have, just want to do things the Right Way.

If I *do* wear the badges, I assume mini-medals also = mini-badges?

Update: The funeral was a week ago. (August, 2023, for the archives....). I appreciate everyone's feedback and input. I ended up going with just mini medals with no badges. I went with 4 medals - top 2 (DMSM, MSM), and then campaign medals for Iraq and Afghanistan because my dad was proud of my deployments.

It was well received by everyone, and my immediate family was thankful to me for doing so.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Jun 9 at 2023 11:10 AM

2023-06-09T11:10:30-04:00

Mini-mini.

Response by COL Randall C. made Jun 9 at 2023 11:34 AM

2023-06-09T11:34:02-04:00

You are allowed to wear either full-sized or miniature medals - the choice is yours. If you were dressing more formally, the recommendation is to stay with miniature ones.

The general guidance from all the services is that the wear of them (medals) is not an everyday occurrence and should be reserved for military-related holidays (Veterans Day, Memorial Day, etc.) and those occasions that are more formal/organized and are of a military nature (you really shouldn't be wearing your medals to a picnic). How much is too much? That's not specified, but most usually go with only a couple/few or even just the highest precedence one.

Although this is only specifically mentioned in the Army regulations, the general guidance is if you do wear them, they should be on 'appropriate' clothing (for instance, pinning them to your t-shirt wouldn't be appropriate).

From your post, everything you're describing is absolutely within the intent of honoring the Service and your father. I can't think of a single individual that would bat an eye at you wearing a suit that is adorned with a few miniature medals.

Regarding badges - the best recommendation is using a lapel pin, but you can wear them just as you would wear a medal - in the appropriate location on civilian attire as you would on a uniform. The wear of a lapel pin is perfectly acceptable for everyday (as opposed to medals just for certain occasions).

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Jun 9 at 2023 12:39 PM

2023-06-09T12:39:25-04:00

Keep it subtle. There are numerous sources for mini medals out there. I recommend keep it at your senior 4 or 5 with devices. Non-anodized.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Jun 9 at 2023 3:48 PM

2023-06-09T15:48:47-04:00

Good afternoon SFC Casey O'Mally. Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this. I would have to say mini. Because medals are usually reserved for like a chain of command ceremony. Or a Military ball. For example, for Navy chain of command ceremony medals are worn for each corresponding ribbon that has one.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2023 5:49 PM

2023-06-09T17:49:00-04:00

Personally I'm a big fan of full sized medals and I think they should be worn more often.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Jun 10 at 2023 8:45 AM

2023-06-10T08:45:11-04:00

My condolences for your father's and your family's situation. I think, and would recommend, miniatures of whatever you end up using. Pin them on your suit and look at the result. If you sense there is to much, remove the badges and go with the medals only. This is your father's and family's ceremony, you are wearing the military accruements because you are celebrating your father's military service. You are absolutely correct in avoiding becoming a distraction from the honor being bestowed upon your father and should be personally comfortable with your appearance.

Response by CWO3 Robert Fong made Jun 13 at 2023 11:02 AM

2023-06-13T11:02:01-04:00

Keeping this real simple, that is, not too many moving parts. If you wear a Tux, Tails, Morning suit, or Dinner jacket (Mess Dress then wear your mini medals and mini devices as you would on a Mess Dre3ss uniform. Business suites are considered bad form and is a no-no. That said, party on!

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jun 15 at 2023 8:43 AM

2023-06-15T08:43:51-04:00

You do not need to be asking on here as I am confident you will do the right thing by your father, by yourself, and for the country. That said, I like the small conservative presentation and wear in short what you are most proud of.

Response by SGT Juan Robledo made Jun 18 at 2023 10:59 AM

2023-06-18T10:59:59-04:00

Wear the most significant ones, leave the others out, if you received like the Bronze Star or Purple Heart that’s what I would wear, unless you have your dress Greens fitted, then wear your ribbons, all you received

Response by SSG William Hommel made Jul 14 at 2023 10:18 AM

2023-07-14T10:18:44-04:00

Wait.. so my old 97E/96C interrogator MOS was renumbered yet again to 35M?
I'm sure your dad, being a brother vet, would be happy with any of your choices what you wear.

Response by SSG Ramon Torres made Jul 14 at 2023 2:36 PM

2023-07-14T14:36:08-04:00

Look sharp, act sharp be sharp...keep it professional...

Response by PO3 Michael MacKay made Jul 15 at 2023 8:23 PM

2023-07-15T20:23:25-04:00

If I were you, I would buy a uniform that fits and wear it properly with all of your medals. Honor your father in the best way...that's just what I would do and you are legally allowed to wear your uniform.

Response by SPC Stephen Hall made Jul 16 at 2023 2:07 AM

2023-07-16T02:07:18-04:00

Mini copies might be OK, but full size metals worn on civis, I don't think so!

Response by PO1 Kevin Arnold made Jul 19 at 2023 5:24 PM

2023-07-19T17:24:41-04:00

So, can I wear my miniature Submarine Dolphins on the back of my U.S. Navy Retired Hat?

Response by SPC Vonnie Jones made Aug 17 at 2023 6:55 PM

2023-08-17T18:55:36-04:00

My condolences, it seems by asking the question you want to honor your dad in the best way possible. Your dad is being honored at this moment so all eyes will be on him. Mini will not distract from the guest of honor. If your battle of the bulge is anything like mine don't waste time, especially during this time trying to find dress greens that will fit. Remember civilians always want to know what medal means what so mini is better.

Response by CDR William Kempner made Aug 30 at 2023 1:08 PM

2023-08-30T13:08:57-04:00

Rule of thumb-mini medals and ONE device(CIB, Wings etc) while wearing a suit, tux. nice sport jacket and tie in summer-ALWAYS acceptable for a former serviceman. Forget the stand-alone ribbons. IF YOU wear them correctly and conduct yourself well, you will look fine and be well received. Full size medals? USUALLY at a parade, Vets Day observance. Again, one device best. TWO at the most . (rules are different for retirees) Respects to your fatherr.

Response by Sgt Robert Beckwith made Aug 31 at 2023 4:02 AM

2023-08-31T04:02:13-04:00

I wear a black suit with the mini-ribbons. I don't wear the shooting badges because in mini form they are cheesy. My good Seebee friend had a expert rifle ribbon. So I got one in mini form and wear it last. When I get challenged on this I know I'm talking to a Marine.

Please don't hate me because I'm pretty. B

Response by Brig Gen Joe Callahan made Aug 31 at 2023 10:14 AM

2023-08-31T10:14:02-04:00

You can wear any medals you wish. I would wear the civilian medals on the right side under your nameplate (optional). This is a funeral. I would approve any recoconition desired.

Response by CPT Derek Wren made Oct 12 at 2023 8:07 PM

2023-10-12T20:07:59-04:00

I know this is after the fact, however, most likely, I’m sure there’s some sort of information out there pertaining to the wear of metals on civilian attire. That being said, you earned them you wear them, and respectfully if anybody gives you any shit about it wearing them to your father’s funeral, I’ll leave it up to you, but you can be creative as to what you tell them and I’ll leave at like that.
I’m Sorry for your loss.