US military insignia

**BBNC** · 2nd June 13, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by Friday

What I see and it would be interesting to hear a lawyer argue this, the main hing of this is "unauthorized personnel" and "unless otherwise authorized by law." However, the US Veterans Administration, an arm of the Federal Government has, since 2006, requested/reminded veterans to wear their medals as part of the Veterans Pride Initiative. The Veterans Pride Initiative asks veterans to wear their medals on Independence Day, Memorial Day and Veterans Day, and when attending other patriotic events. The VA "encourages the 24 million living Americans who have served in the armed forces to display their medals on the Fourth of July by pinning them on their civilian clothing over their left breast".

I believe that this is authorization by the United States Federal Government for veterans to wear and display their medals. It is my opinion that above is aimed more toward the stolen valor act and wearing of military medal by those who did not serve or did not earn or be awarded medals they wear.

Edit: The US Military Discharge (DD 214) section 24 lists ( old copy and the wording may not be exact) Commendations, medals, awards . . . awarded or authorized.

I wasn't aware of the Veterans Pride Initiative, but apparently it extends "authorized" out further. I think the gist is this: If any government agency has authorized a pin, badge, decoration or patch for civilian wear, then you can wear it with a kilt in an appropriate manner for the occasion. The entire subject is somewhat murky, especially these days. I wore an uncle's Navy white hats when I was a kid. but in the 50's a lot of kids wore them because copies were available as civilian clothing. Mine just happened to be the real thing.

**flyrod6057** · 2nd June 13, 05:08 PM

I haven't worn ribbons, badges, or medals since I retired from the Marines. I would wear miniature medals if the right opportunity arose...but that opportunity is as of yet unrealized. Miniature medals are permitted IAW Marine Corps uniform guidance for civilian attire. If something comes up, I'll post pics.

Having said that, I do wear my gold Gunnery Sergeant chevron (worn on epaulettes with the dress blue sweater) as a kilt pin on my Leatherneck tartan kilt. I earned it; I'm wearing it. It's kind of a theme thing I guess. I wouldn't wear it on my other kilts; it wouldn't make sense. I also wear a Marine Corps emblem cap badge on my black balmoral. Since achieving the rank of "Mister" I don't sweat the details. I just make the effort to ensure I don't cast any discredit on my beloved Corps. For those who might question my interpretation of USMC regulations: remember, the Gunny is always right.

Semper Fidelis

**Starhunter451** · 3rd June 13, 06:25 PM

This is what I wear daily, missing one unit pin.

0603131916.jpg

**Starhunter451** · 3rd June 13, 06:38 PM

This may sound wrong. But I do wear it in pride. It also feels good when someone comes up and thanks me for my service. Until 2010, I did not hear much of anything about it.

**MacGumerait** · 3rd June 13, 11:00 PM

Originally Posted by flyrod6057

For those who might question my interpretation of USMC regulations: remember, the Gunny is always right.
Semper Fidelis

Amen to that !

**thescot** · 4th June 13, 07:41 PM

Originally Posted by flyrod6057

. . . For those who might question my interpretation of USMC regulations: remember, the Gunny is always right.

Semper Fidelis

The Gunny is always right.

**Woot22** · 11th June 13, 06:17 PM

CMM.jpg

Slightly off topic, but I thought there might be some of you who find it interesting. Last summer I had the opportunity to work with the ADF and we got to talking about how I like the way they court mount their medals. So they took my old ones from when I was in the US Army and sent them off to be court mounted. Now it must be said that I will not be wearing these with a kilt nor any uniform for that matter, but just did it because it looks nice and will make a great display on my wall. Court mounting is of course not allowed by the US Army but again, this is simply a neat and different way to display my medals in a shadow box. Figured some of you may or may not get a kick out of seeing US medals court mounted.