Mini Medals

[Jock Scot]

Jock,
Absolutely - that's what I meant by "our veterans". Even the French.
Cheers, ColMac

PS - That's moi in the grey hose.

Thank you Colonel. I, for one, appreciate that.

[Laird O'the Cowcaddens]

The British are as a rule, somewhat FRUGAL in the issuing of Decorations. This is not a bad thing, my decorations mean a hell of a lot to me,for just that reason. I may, in comparison to servicemen from other countries, look like an orphan in the Decoration dept,but my Campaign ribbons mark my service. I am not sure that ribbons for basic skills and courses for promotion should be worn as Decorations. Perhaps I am wrong in my belief that when dressed in Muffti, Campaign and Decorations for Valor are sufficient evidence of Service. I wonder if it was a Decorated veteran who wrote the instructions, for the proper way to mount and display Awards of Service and Valor. These are my personal thoughts and are NOT meant to offend ANYONE.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

The British are as a rule, somewhat FRUGAL in the issuing of Decorations. This is not a bad thing, my decorations mean a hell of a lot to me,for just that reason. I may, in comparison to servicemen from other countries, look like an orphan in the Decoration dept,but my Campaign ribbons mark my service. I am not sure that ribbons for basic skills and courses for promotion should be worn as Decorations. Perhaps I am wrong in my belief that when dressed in Muffti, Campaign and Decorations for Valor are sufficient evidence of Service. I wonder if it was a Decorated veteran who wrote the instructions, for the proper way to mount and display Awards of Service and Valor. These are my personal thoughts and are NOT meant to offend ANYONE.

Broadly speaking, in the military and naval forces of the United States, DECORATIONS are generally awarded for Valor (the Navy Cross), whilst Medals are usually awarded for achievement (the Good Conduct Medal). It should also be pointed out (to those not familiar with U.S. military awards) that not all service ribbons are accompanied by a medal.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

There is a world of difference between wearing medals with civilian attire and when in uniform. The reason for this is the variance in cut for the different styles of civilian jackets. Because of this, the following guidelines, for civilian attire, are generally followed:

FULL SIZE MEDALS (DAY WEAR ONLY):

The top of the medal bar to be approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch below the notch of the lapel. The right hand edge of the medal group to be 1/2 to 3/4 inch from the inside edge of the lapel. Three (or fewer) medals to be centered on the lapel, 1/2 to 3/4 inch below the notch of the lapel.

MINIATURE MEDALS (EVENING WEAR ONLY):

The same spacing as for full size, except in the case of three (3) or fewer medals, in which case they should be centered on the lapel 1/2 to 3/4 inch below the notch of the lapel.

* * * * * *

This applies to civilian wear only. If one is in full uniform than he/she should respect the regulations of their branch of service and wear their medals accordingly. It is, incidentally, wrong (and against regulations) for former service personal to wear their service uniform jacket (or mess dress jacket) with their kilt as part of civilian attire.

Service ribbons should not be worn with civilian attire, except as part of a uniform (pipe bands, colour guards, Scottish American Military Society, etc. and then in strict accordance with their regulations). Generally speaking Masonic insignia should not be worn to other than Masonic events, again, in accordance with appropriate Grand Lodge regulations.

[Nervous Jock]

Both my Full size and miniatures are court mounted, I see very few with medals that are not. its much smarter

[kiltedmapleleaf]

Both my Full size and miniatures are court mounted, I see very few with medals that are not. its much smarter

I agree fully that medals look way smarter as full court mounts, some regiments only allow part court or losse mount

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Both my Full size and miniatures are court mounted, I see very few with medals that are not. its much smarter

Generally speaking, court mount medals are worn by officers and civilians in the UK, and swing mounts are worn by other ranks. In the Royal Navy, regulations stipulate that only officers may wear court mount medals.

Referring to SPINK'S GUIDE TO THE WEARING OF ORDERS, DECORATIONS AND MEDALS it is clear that "Miniature badges of all Orders, Decorations, and Medals are worn from a medal bar on the left lapel" (emphasis added). This applies to evening dress for civilians as well as military and naval personnel (with some variation for those mess uniforms which lack lapels).

The same placement is used by civilians for the day-time wearing of full size medals-- "The full-size badges of Orders, Decorations, and Medals are worn from a medal bar on the left lapel" (again, emphasis added).

The wearing of medals on the breast (above the pocket) applies only to full-size medals worn on the service uniform. Miniatures are always worn on the lapel, both with military uniform and when in civilian attire.

[Highland Logan]

In the Canadian Forces it is now required that all medals be court mounted.

Frank

[English Bloke]

In the Canadian Forces it is now required that all medals be court mounted.

Frank

... And everybody full court mounts in the British Forces too. Never saw a swing mount on a serving soldier in all the time I was in.

[planemaker]

It was optional in the Canadian Forces when I left, but I thought that they looked much better, than having them loose.

BTW HRH Prince Phillip is a serving Royal Navy Officer, and while some of his medals, are "Thanks for coming out" medals, he did earn a number in the second world war, and in the 50's/60's.

I am also a Gold Standard of the Duke of Edinburgh award, which is his award for youth 13 to 25 in the Commonwealth.

Cheers!

Paul