It would seem to me that American's are xenophobic or find that wearing medals is pretentious. This is from asking other vets. Perhaps this was caused by Viet Nam and Korea era troops returning home and their lack of a warm welcome. Perhaps it could be the presumed pretentiousness seen by those outside the armed forces (not all are that way, nor am I insinuating it) but I personally have encountered civilians questioning my integrity on wearing my minatures. Perhaps it's like the European look at keeping the cigar ring on the cigar while smoking as being a show off.....Americans generally leave the ring on for conversational purposes, I'm digressing. As I am currently serving, I am limited as to what I can wear. Perhaps when I retire I might wear the full size gongs, but two branches, two wars and 20 years of service, I look more like Generalisimo Santa Ana (no offence McJore) than a regular joe. Anyway, these are my thoughts on this subject. Xenophobia exists everywhere.