2008 Army Signal Ball Manhattan Kansas

**Sir Robert** · 7th January 08, 01:08 PM

Hey, wear the full sized medals, you will never get another chance. Think about it, where have you worn them in the past and when will you wear them in the future?

I have enough ribbions to match or exceed a Hero of the Soviet Union, but the hanging medals look better still. If you don't beleive me put them in order 3 to a row, go down and to the left 1/2 ribbon length so there is an overlap. Depending on the size of the jacket wear 9 or 12, and crome do-dads like CIB and marksmanship badges top and bottom respectively when you get the look you want, stop, don't over do it.

**macwilkin** · 7th January 08, 01:47 PM

When wearing a Prince Charlie jacket, mini-medals are the only way to go. Full-size gongs are best left for uniforms and daywear.

But, only wear your medals if the invitation says that medals and decorations are appropriate.

T.

**davedove** · 7th January 08, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

But, only wear your medals if the invitation says that medals and decorations are appropriate.

That is the rule. However, since this is an Army Ball, I would say that they would be appropriate.

**macwilkin** · 7th January 08, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by davedove

That is the rule. However, since this is an Army Ball, I would say that they would be appropriate.

Good point, Dave.

T.

**ShaneRollins** · 7th January 08, 02:29 PM

I'm trying to remember when the Army SB was in my area what the invitation said and I do believe it did mention that they were appropriate but that was a fear years ago.

I do enjoy my SportKilt for what I use it for, Sports. Judging by how much good press USA Kilts get, you made the right choice.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 7th January 08, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by Sir Robert

Hey, wear the full sized medals

Full size medals are never worn on mess dress. Military regulations are pretty clear about what and when medals are to be worn, and by extension this applies to the wearing of medals issued by the Federal Government when worn on civilian attire.

And as a general observation:

The Congress of the United States has recently enacted a new law concerning the wearing of medals and decorations by individuals not entitled to same. See STOLEN VALOR ACT on any search engine.

I personally find it distastful in the extreme when I attend a Scottish function and see men wearing medals and/or service ribbons to which they are not entitled, especially when they try to explain away their phony status as a memorial, or tribute, to their father, etc. These people are beneath contempt.

My father's medals live in a frame on the wall of my library. When I die, mine will go in a frame next to his. That's how you honour or revere the memory of someone who served in the military.

As far as wearing a military mess jacket (Canadian, US, British or commonwealth forces) with a kilt is concerned-- the less said, the better.

I have nothing against converting a mess jacket into something else, but just wearing a miliarty mess jacket with your kilt in the hopes it will make you somehow look, what? Impressive? Manly? Butch? Only makes you look laughable, and the object of silent derision by the real soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines in the room.

If I have offended any wannabe warriors, I can assure you that I have not offended you nearly as much as the false wearing of medals offends most servicemen.

**macwilkin** · 7th January 08, 08:06 PM

I personally find it distastful in the extreme when I attend a Scottish function and see men wearing medals and/or service ribbons to which they are not entitled, especially when they try to explain away their phony status as a memorial, or tribute, to their father, etc. These people are beneath contempt.

My father's medals live in a frame on the wall of my library. When I die, mine will go in a frame next to his. That's how you honour or revere the memory of someone who served in the military.

Scott -- I hope you do not think ill of this young man then:

It's a long-standing tradition for the children & grandchildren in Australia to wear their dad's/grandad's medals and march with their old mates in ANZAC Day parades. Notice that the gongs are worn on the right lapel.

These young people are not being phony in their tribute.

Regards,

Todd

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 7th January 08, 09:29 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

Scott -- I hope you do not think ill of this young man then:

It's a long-standing tradition for the children & grandchildren in Australia to wear their dad's/grandad's medals and march with their old mates in ANZAC Day parades. Notice that the gongs are worn on the right lapel.

These young people are not being phony in their tribute.

Regards,

Todd

Todd,

No one could possibly be offended by the young man in the photo. He is taking part, according to custom and tradition, in a memorial service commemorating the service and sacrifice of soldiers, sailors and airmen who honorably served their country when called upon to do so.

However I am sure you will agree that there is a world of difference between this young man taking part in an ANZAC Day commemoration, or the old soldier marching in a Remembrance Day parade, and some kilted "wanna be warrior" showing up at a local highland games wearing medals/ribbons he is not entitled to.

(As an aside, I do not believe there is any "official" sanction for wearing the medals of a deceased relative or old comrade on the right. As I recall it was a practice that started after the Great War, and was encouraged by the British Legion to remind the nation of the great sacrifice made by family and loved ones who were, truly, left behind when the boys marched off to war.)

**macwilkin** · 8th January 08, 04:50 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

Todd,

No one could possibly be offended by the young man in the photo. He is taking part, according to custom and tradition, in a memorial service commemorating the service and sacrifice of soldiers, sailors and airmen who honorably served their country when called upon to do so.

However I am sure you will agree that there is a world of difference between this young man taking part in an ANZAC Day commemoration, or the old soldier marching in a Remembrance Day parade, and some kilted "wanna be warrior" showing up at a local highland games wearing medals/ribbons he is not entitled to.

(As an aside, I do not believe there is any "official" sanction for wearing the medals of a deceased relative or old comrade on the right. As I recall it was a practice that started after the Great War, and was encouraged by the British Legion to remind the nation of the great sacrifice made by family and loved ones who were, truly, left behind when the boys marched off to war.)

Glad to hear it, Scott. I would never condone the wearing of unearned medals, but these young people in Australia, as you said, are taking part in a good custom.

I'll ask an e-mail buddy of mine who is ex-RAN about whether the Returned Services League (RSL) has officially sanctioned the practice of wearing medals on the right for dependents.

We in America would do well to follow in their example.

T.

**James MacMillan** · 8th January 08, 07:05 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

We in America would do well to follow in their example.

In your opinion!

In my opinion - I think it is wrong for anyone to wear awards or medals or ribbons or rank insignia, other than the person who earned the same awards or medals or ribbons or rank insignia.

Just because another location has a tradition does not mean that others should follow it. We should learn from mistakes made! -And I think wearing something (for what-ever reason) that you have not earned, is a mistake.

We will have to agree to disagree on this one. But we can do so and still remain civil.