Wearing a ribbon or medal you were never issued?

2015-11-30T15:06:37-05:00

So, I have never been the one to wear ribbons or medals I don't rate. There is one that I rated but was never given the certificate for. The volunteer service medal. As per the order I rated the medal. I just needed an officer to put me in for it. I asked 3 to do it for me and they never got around to it before I retired. There is no doubt in my mind about my qualifications as per the order. 3 others that worked with me got it awarded to them. I just fell through the crack.
So, would it be unethical for me to add it to my ribbon stack?
For those who may ask, I started and was the unit commander for a Young Marines unit for 5 years in Ca.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Nov 30 at 2015 3:33 PM

2015-11-30T15:33:44-05:00

SSgt Dan Montague - It is illegal to wear a medal that you have not been awarded.
If you truly feel that you "earned" it and it was simply an oversight, I recommend that you contact your former chain of command and ask that they take action to have the medal awarded to you (it can be done after retirement, if the circumstances justify it).

Would anybody know or complain if you put it on your rack now? Very unlikely and it is not the sort of award that would generate a lot of "stolen valor" accusations. Having said that, to specifically answer the question, it is not authorized. Let your conscience be your guide.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 30 at 2015 3:35 PM

2015-11-30T15:35:39-05:00

We can't just wear awards because we feel like we deserve them. I guarantee you had a ton of coworkers whose work rated NAM's. That doesn't mean they can just slap them on...

Response by SPC Paul Jennings, J.D. made Nov 30 at 2015 3:44 PM

2015-11-30T15:44:36-05:00

If you feel you deserve the medal than the proper course of action is to appeal to the appropriate board of correction for military records. There are systems in place for seperated members to apply for awards, but to otherwise wear the medal when not authorized is an issue of integrity. No matter how much one feels they qualify for a medal, unless properly awarded one they should not wear or display it.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Nov 30 at 2015 5:54 PM

2015-11-30T17:54:34-05:00

"So, would it be unethical for me to add it to my ribbon stack or not?"
Yes, fair? perhaps not, but it really is black and white.
You were awarded it or not.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Nov 30 at 2015 5:58 PM

2015-11-30T17:58:55-05:00

SSgt Dan Montague So far three people have voted "No" to your question "So, would it be unethical for me to add it to my ribbon stack or not?"

I can only assume the question confused them, as no post indicates anyone supported you wearing an unawarded ...award.

Please clarify ...
A "Yes" answer in your poll means?
a "NO" answer in your poll means?

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made Nov 30 at 2015 6:10 PM

2015-11-30T18:10:20-05:00

I am curious as to why it's that important to you - you are out of service? So, you aren't wearing the uniform, correct? What is the benefit now?
it also sounds like you didn't successfully negotiate the final aspects of this award, such as getting an Officer to sign the document...I think you deserve it, but you didn't complete the process at the time.
we cant just go around deciding we deserve something even though we didn't follow the process. Saying 'ooorraahhh' doesn't make someone a marine.

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Nov 30 at 2015 6:28 PM

2015-11-30T18:28:58-05:00

Yes, it would be unethical and at least technically illegal (it is illegal, however the fine ($250 the last I checked) is almost impossible to impose).

I would recommend you gather the appropriate documentation, and submit it as evidence for the award to the appropriate authority for correction of military records for their consideration and adjudication.

Each service has a mechanism for this type of activity, in this case you may have to start with your service personnel command.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2015 7:19 PM

2015-11-30T19:19:35-05:00

Do you have orders for the Medal? If it was awarded to you and you were simply never pinned, I would say that you should wear it. However if there are no orders or regulation which specifically awards you the MOVSM, even though you met the requirements for the award... I don't believe you should wear it.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Nov 30 at 2015 7:30 PM

2015-11-30T19:30:27-05:00

Interesting Dilemma, Technically I would say no but like all things in the world it is not black and white. Lots of Awards and Medals for Units go back and forth whether it was issued, I've seen where they were issued for a Unit, Rescinded and then authorized again. My best Recommendation would be go through the OPNAVs for your unit and see. If you find that you are due one. It will take a lot of paperwork and probably several years but your DD-214 could be upgraded and amended to reflect that award. Lot's of Luck .

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2015 8:37 PM

2015-11-30T20:37:26-05:00

No you were not given the award you have done the work but you don't have the paperwork in order so don't wear it. As a general rule if you half to ask if it is OK it is probably wrong.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Nov 30 at 2015 9:12 PM

2015-11-30T21:12:37-05:00

Completely unethical.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Dec 1 at 2015 1:52 AM

2015-12-01T01:52:04-05:00

Simply put, don't wear it. Yes you may fit the criteria but you were never actually awarded it.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2015 6:27 AM

2015-12-01T06:27:00-05:00

Don't do it. If you know it's wrong why wear it? Go through the proper channels to get it official.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Dec 1 at 2015 1:59 PM

2015-12-01T13:59:30-05:00

Sorry that yours fell through the cracks but I am sure you know without any orders for the ribbon technically you shouldn't be wearing it, not the point is how would you feel about wearing it knowing that you didn't actually get awarded through the proper channels.

Response by SSG Kalani Matthews made Dec 1 at 2015 3:25 PM

2015-12-01T15:25:56-05:00

Nope. I was a prior Marine and when I came into the Army somehow I was not added to the Good Conduct 'list' that the Army generically automatically generated monthly. We would get a list that said who was being awarded their good conduct and it was obvious that it was just a computer program somewhere. There would be guys who went AWOL their first week at the company and were never seen since, guys being chapter-ed out, and even a guy in Leavenworth - the company would just forward the medal there. It had no correlation to "Good Conduct". Well I never came up on the list ever, so at every board they asked me why I was not wearing a good conduct medal and I said I have never been awarded one. Promotion board people would always respond "They are automatic". I respond "I know, but I have never been awarded one."

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Dec 1 at 2015 8:45 PM

2015-12-01T20:45:12-05:00

I know Plenty of People who have done it! Mainly to embrace Family and Friends! Especially Girlfriends!

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Dec 2 at 2015 12:47 AM

2015-12-02T00:47:51-05:00

No you do not rate it if it was not awarded to you, regardless of how you feel you have earned it or those you served under mentioned awarding it to you. If you feel that strongly about it get one of the officers you worked for to submit the paperwork to have it awarded retroactively. I know for sure I rate the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) but it was never entered in my records, hence I never wear it.

Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Dec 2 at 2015 1:07 AM

2015-12-02T01:07:02-05:00

SSgt Dan Montague SSgt I once wore the Presidential Unit Citation as I was in the unit that received and I was told I could. I was very new to the unit and Army. So I wore it. But once I understood the Army's way of wearing ribbons and medals, I took it off since I didn't receive the memo authorizing me too. I am soo glad I did and wasn't found I was wearing and not supposed too.

Response by Cpl Tou Lee Yang made Dec 2 at 2015 5:22 AM

2015-12-02T05:22:26-05:00

Who cares, if the medal does not hold a high precedence then it wouldn't matter. People who wear high medals would be asked for certificate and citation for the medal. Personally, I don't really care. I have three rolls and I don't even remember or know where the certificate/citation are.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2015 7:35 AM

2015-12-02T07:35:06-05:00

Sorry for your misfortune, on the other hand, if you weren't awarded the medal, ribbon though you wear it Anyway...That's flat out Breaking the Law! It's a No Go.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Dec 2 at 2015 2:29 PM

2015-12-02T14:29:08-05:00

Sorry, I understand your frustration but without the certificate you shouldn't wear the ribbon or medal. But Thank You for your service. I am a 100% Disabled Viet Nam Veteran, 1973-1979.
Thank You,
Rick

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2015 10:28 PM

2015-12-02T22:28:48-05:00

I feel I should have got a MSM for my last deployment but it didn't happen. I think we shouldn't get wrapped up in badges and awards. It isn't a big deal. You should be proud of your service. I know it is cool to have a good side ribbon rack but that is not what it is all about.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2015 2:09 AM

2015-12-03T02:09:28-05:00

No official orders for the award, no award on the rack. Not legally that is.

Response by SFC Jay Spreitzer made Dec 3 at 2015 6:51 AM

2015-12-03T06:51:04-05:00

Not only unethical it is illegal. I'm sure there are many awards we all should have received and didn't. No big deal, like the motto of one of my old units "Deeds Above Words". You dont have to have a medal, be satisfied with your actions being honorable and move on.

Response by COL John Hudson made Dec 3 at 2015 8:39 AM

2015-12-03T08:39:12-05:00

Dan, there are ribbons/medals that are 'automatic' in the sense they recognize a conflict, period of service, or an individual position by virtue of assignment (completion of a service school or type of required training). I left Basic Army Training with a good conduct ribbon and two others due to the Vietnam war. More to the point, they do not have to be submitted for approval or have them pinned by anyone and exist simply by order of higher authority. In some cases, it only requires an entry on your personnel record by the Unit's Personnel Clerk. If you are no longer on active duty, you need only send a copy of the applicable DD214 and any other item you possess that would serve to document your service to Dept. of the Army, Awards and Decorations Branch along with your explanation of why you are should have the award. During my 30 years of service, I had occasion to do exactly that, and had no problems at all in being confirmed and awarded the appropriate ribbon or medal. While reviewing microfiche of my military service, I discovered a joint commendation medal I knew nothing about (I had left Vietnam and it never caught up to me personally in future assignments). I did as I noted above by sending the printout forward and Bingo! DA A&D Dept. sent me the medal and ribbon set along with the green folder containing the award certificate. I don't believe anyone would have a problem with you wearing the ribbon under the circumstances you have given, so long as you have the proper documentation to support the requirement for having it plus the fact you've applied for more "official" recognition. Absent that, I believe it would raise too many questions otherwise and would not put it on.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Dec 3 at 2015 11:38 AM

2015-12-03T11:38:00-05:00

You are only authorized those awards for which you are awarded. Even if you qualify for the award, unless you were submitted and approved for the award, you can not wear it.

Response by SGM Ray Whitaker made Dec 3 at 2015 12:53 PM

2015-12-03T12:53:42-05:00

No orders, it never happened. However, go through retirement services and plead your case with proof. They may be able to help or at least point you in the right direction.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2017 4:33 PM

2017-05-02T16:33:08-04:00

Legally, I'd say no. I've had a few medals and awards I certainly qualified for but never received. The only thing to do is suck it up or bitch to your COC till you get it. That was the only way I managed to get my AAM 6 hours before I was supposed to leave my station. (Though I should've had it months prior.)

Response by SPC John Cummings made May 7 at 2017 12:34 PM

2017-05-07T12:34:17-04:00

On the flip side, post discharge I received orders for an ArCom from jumping into Afganistan. I only deployed to Iraq. I was expecting to find an AAM from my time as a PFC in Korea. My guess is PAC had a coffee break or fire drill in between completing my paper. I will never put a device on for that ArCom and I have an AAM in my Class A pocket. I know most people find that award trivial, but I am passionate about soldiers being awarded when the y deserve it

Response by CPT Robert Boshears made Jul 25 at 2017 12:20 AM

2017-07-25T00:20:21-04:00

I was given a paper that said I was wounded in combat and it basically quotes from the PH wording.
This was March of 1973 listed as during 3 Special Operations at Yankee Station Vietnam. (I was in the Navy first). My DD214 was not complete, and I was Commissioned in Army later. The paper came from Walter Reed hospital, when I was medically separated... referencing the same. It essentially reads exactly what is necessary for a PH. The trouble is, this was March of 73, and is one of three ops that aren't expounded on. I was an E2, the action was never officially recognized but, CAPT W. A. Kanakanui signed the special operations, but the Army gave me the paper, with nothing else,... I was long gone by then. Kind of curious, a DD214 and 215 are a real mess, but according to the paper just under 30 years after I was hit, it appears to me being wounded in combat is the wording necessary for a PH. I never wore the medal as I was already out.

Any suggestions? As a former S1, you don't need the medal presented to have earned it. Suggestions?

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Mar 10 at 2019 3:06 AM

2019-03-10T03:06:45-04:00

I have never worn any ribbon that isn't on My Military Personnel record and won't. I have though gone to have military records corrected to add some that wen't awarded that should have been, the correction was added and they issued Me the hanging medals and ribbons for every award I was ever given plus a Military personnel Center printout of everything I was authorized including how many devices. The hanging medals are still in the boxes they came in ,some day when I die I'll leave them to My oldest son. The ribbons I do wear on My American Legion uniform. The last time I wore My ribbons on My Air Force uniform was the day i retired, the uniform still fits but it just hangs in a closet.

Response by SGT Duane Wilson made Jun 1 at 2020 3:55 PM

2020-06-01T15:55:53-04:00

Regardless of opinion on if you "rated" an award. If you can wear the ribbon without questioning yourself and integrity, then wear it. Personally, I couldn't/wouldn't. To each their own.