I'm not sure about the other branches of service, but the Marine Corps uniform regulations describe the proper wearing of miniature medals on formal civilian attire. Obviously, once you out of the service you are not subject to enforcement of these regulations, but I abide by them because I think it is the right thing to do. I see no mention in the regs of wearing full-size medals on civilian attire and I do not wear my full-size medals. I believe this is a Commonwealth practice.

See link below for full uniform regs, I have pasted the applicable sections.

http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SIT...er%205.asp5203.


WEARING MINIATURE MEDALS. (See fig. 5-4)

5. Wear on Civilian Evening Clothes

a. Males. Miniature medals may be worn on the left lapel of the civilian evening coat on ceremonial occasions, but only when strictly appropriate to the occasion. On the full dress and tuxedo coats, miniatures will be worn centered on the wearer's left lapel, placed horizontally and one inch below the end of the collar gorge. The top edge of the holding bar will completely cover the buttonhole. If current styles preclude wearing on the lapel, miniatures will be placed in the same relative position as if there was a lapel.

b. Females. Miniature medals may be worn on civilian evening attire on ceremonial occasions, but only when strictly appropriate to the occasion. Miniatures will be worn in approximately the same position where they would be worn on the uniform. If current styles preclude the wearing of miniatures in a place approximating the position where they would be worn on the uniform, miniatures will not be worn.

c. If a second row of miniatures is worn, it will be placed 1 inch below the first row. In no case will more than two rows of miniatures be worn on civilian attire.

It would be worth checking the Army and Navy regs to see if they are as explicit.

Cordially,

David