Headed to the Navy Ball again

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

If the invitation to the Navy Ball says "medals" then they probably should be worn. This is the only way others-- especially those in uniform-- will have of identifying you as having served your country.

When attending a military function in civilian attire, where the wearing of medals is either required or requested, one should wear only those medals that would be worn on their service uniform. When attending a non-military function, such as a tartan ball, where the wearing of medals may be requested, then one may wear, in addition to his/her military medals, any other medals to which they are entitled.

The rules governing how medals are placed on civilian attire are different than those governing the placement of medals on military uniforms, which varies slightly between the different branches of the United States armed forces.

When worn on a coatee (or similar) with a kilt the medals should be centered on the left lapel, approximately 2-inches below the the notch of the lapel, with the top of the medal bar parallel with the floor. Depending on the number of medals worn, the medal bar may have to be adjusted slightly to the left to insure that the bottom-most row of medals remain on the lapel, and do not overhang onto the shirt.

After 6PM only miniature size medals are worn with civilian attire.