This is all just opinon--

Getting back to the original poster's statement, he's looking to outfit his father. I'd say let dad decide what to do and not do with his medals, minis and ribbons. Help point him toward regulations, but in the end, its up to him.

Many of us who have served in the armed forces and received medals take these things personally. As a boy, I often wondered why my grandfather kept his medals in a drawer about as ceremoniously as a used eraser. After he passed away, I researched his military service. He served in some of the bloddiest actions in WWII. He had his reasons for how he kept his memories.

It wasn't until I ended my service that I understood. I'm not telling anyone else what to do with medals they earned. But for me--the last thing I would want to do is to place them on a civilian garment and walk about with them. They mean something more to me than that.

Some day if my young nephew and niece want to know about them, and they're ready to hear, I'll sit down with them and explain what they were won for. My hope is that it may serve to help them understand the cost of serving one's country. Then I will give the medals to them so they don't forget.

Again, just my own opinion--let dad decide what he wants to do.