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I've been out over a year now, and the nostalgia factor has set in. I'm looking to build my own shadow box; it seems like an awesome idea to display my time in the Army, as well as something to pass down to my children.
I've looked at a ton of them online and some include unit awards (see attached photo). I was planning on putting the patches and DUIs of the units I served in but wasn't sure of including unit awards. I would like to display them because of the historical value (one of my units was awarded a French fourragère in WWII) but do not want to appear as though I am taking credit for the awards. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has thought of this and wanted to get some other points of view before I start building my box. What is your opinion on this?
What items would you include? What would you leave out? Any other input on shadow boxes is also greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance.
I've looked at a ton of them online and some include unit awards (see attached photo). I was planning on putting the patches and DUIs of the units I served in but wasn't sure of including unit awards. I would like to display them because of the historical value (one of my units was awarded a French fourragère in WWII) but do not want to appear as though I am taking credit for the awards. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has thought of this and wanted to get some other points of view before I start building my box. What is your opinion on this?
What items would you include? What would you leave out? Any other input on shadow boxes is also greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance.
Awards
Medals
Unit Awards
Military service
Ribbons
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 15
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I think DUI are fine, as you served in those units, but I wouldn't carry forward any unit awards unless they were earned while you were a part of the unit. I've seen them done a lot better than mine, but here it is:
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SGT Richard H.
SPC Chris Ison - No reason, really. Just because I had them and had space to fill. and I guess, partly because the two aren't worn at the same time and not all ribbons have corresponding medals.
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Brad Miller
SPC Chris Ison - I counted 11 ribbons and only 7 medals. Some ribbons don't have a "dangly bit", correct?
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SPC Chris Ison
Brad Miller - All medals have a ribbon, but not all ribbons have a medal. In the Navy when one wears full medals, one also wears ones ribbons on the right side of the uniform.
the over seas service ribbon is a good example of a ribbon without a medal. As are NCO school ribbons, and the army service ribbon.
One never wears a medal ribbon and the medal at the same time; and that is why i inquired.
I am thinking of just putting my medals in the box, and keeping the ribbons for non medals like you would actually wear it on a uniform.
the over seas service ribbon is a good example of a ribbon without a medal. As are NCO school ribbons, and the army service ribbon.
One never wears a medal ribbon and the medal at the same time; and that is why i inquired.
I am thinking of just putting my medals in the box, and keeping the ribbons for non medals like you would actually wear it on a uniform.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
LTC Jason Mackay neither had I which is why I kind of wanted to do it. I set up both my Army and JROTC uniforms in shadow boxes like that.
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I've included two examples. Mine has the more modern medals, rank, etc. One change I would make to mine is to have the ranks progress from left (2 LT) to right (LTC) instead of right to left. The medals are in order of precedence with the highest on the left as you're looking at the box. The other stuff depends on what's important to you. Unit insignia may be important and should be included. Qualification and specialty badges should be included. The ribbon rack in important because it includes the ribbons for which there is no medal and helps to tell the entire story.
The second shadow box is one my son and I made from items that belonged to my Grandfather, who served in WW I. Only one medal, WWI Victory with France clasp. The book in the box is a diary he kept. We worked with what we had available and put together a fitting tribute and a way to preserve some family history.
The second shadow box is one my son and I made from items that belonged to my Grandfather, who served in WW I. Only one medal, WWI Victory with France clasp. The book in the box is a diary he kept. We worked with what we had available and put together a fitting tribute and a way to preserve some family history.
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SSG Raymond Tobin
That is very well thought out and an incredible display of family history. Absolutely unique and amazing.
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