US military insignia

[Geoff Withnell]

Could some kind person refresh my failing memory on what is "court mounted" and swing mounted"? I can't seem to find a definition.

[Chas]

Swing mounted is as it says - the medals swing. And bash into each other. As a child I can remember parades and only hearing the CHING, CHING, CHING as the troops marched along. For parades and such - no problem. In fact it probably helps the troops keep time.

But, when there was a Dining-In Night or formal dinner the noise could be quite load and distracting.

It started with the miniatures (for formal or Mess Dress). The medals are in fact sewn down to a board so that they cannot swing. They also have longer ribbons which fold over the back giving a backdrop to the medal (no gaps for uniforms to show through)

These are mine:



See how the ribbon forms a backdrop.

In the UK, they very soon went over to court mounting for all ranks, full sized and miniatures.

[Starhunter451]

One is a service ribbon correct? What are the others?

[Chas]

One is a service ribbon correct? What are the others?

Is this to me Starhunter?

If so, the first (from the left) is the General Service Medal with the Northern Ireland Bar. I was a radio operator with a foot patrol. I was the only survivor when we were blown up by a car-bomb. I spent three weeks in a coma.

The middle medal is the South Atlantic Medal with the Silver Rosette. The rosette signifies active service on Falklands Island or South Georgia Island. We came under fire twice in one day. On the second occasion, a bullet parted my hair, just about where my bald patch is starting!

The medal on the right is the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal. I was recommended for this one by my Section, Flight, Squadron, Station and Group.

I was a very lucky Airman.

[creagdhubh]

Swing mounted is as it says - the medals swing. And bash into each other. As a child I can remember parades and only hearing the CHING, CHING, CHING as the troops marched along. For parades and such - no problem. In fact it probably helps the troops keep time.

But, when there was a Dining-In Night or formal dinner the noise could be quite load and distracting.

It started with the miniatures (for formal or Mess Dress). The medals are in fact sewn down to a board so that they cannot swing. They also have longer ribbons which fold over the back giving a backdrop to the medal (no gaps for uniforms to show through)

These are mine:



See how the ribbon forms a backdrop.

In the UK, they very soon went over to court mounting for all ranks, full sized and miniatures.

I've always been rather fond of this style of mounting medals, but sadly the U.S. Marine Corps does not allow it. Here are mine swing mounted (large anodized):

[Starhunter451]

Yes. Very lucky.

I did not have any similar, except the general servise. We call it the basic service ribbon.

I do have overseas and a couple others, but not for combat. (greatfully)

I would have to look up what they are.