What do the ribbons on war medals mean?
Their own colours often have a symbolic significance: the equal stripes of the ‘1939 to 1945 Star,’ for example, are dark blue to represent the service of the Royal and Merchant Navies, red, to represent that of the Armies and light blue to represent that of Air Forces.
What is a medal ribbon called?
Bars: They are single-faced metal bars carried on a ribbon attached to the medal, indicating the recipient’s service in a particular campaign or battle.
How long is a medal ribbon?
Length of Ribbon The overall length measured from the top of the ribbon showing to the bottom edge of all medals, stars and decorations should be four inches. The bottom edge of all awards should form a straight line.
Are Army medals real gold?
Most military medals will be made from one of four different materials. These materials are gold, silver, bronze, and lead. Medals that are made from gold, silver, bronze, and lead are cast from molds.
Are World War 1 medals worth anything?
Individuals who saw service in the First World War were entitled to claim medals for their service. The most common medals were affectionately known as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred (1914 and 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal). Campaign medals are very common, so they aren’t worth huge sums of money.
What is a bar to a DFC?
A bar is added to the ribbon for holders of the DFC who received a further award, with a silver rosette worn on the ribbon when worn alone to denote the award of each bar. Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters “DFC”.
Can you wear ribbons and medals at the same time?
The use of large medals and badges is reserved for daytime attire, but ensure not to wear large medals and ribbons at the same time. The exception is the wear of unit ribbons on the right side on the Army uniform. When wearing civilian attire, ensure you comply with the same rules as if you were in uniform.
Which side should I wear my father’s medals?
The rule is that war medals should only be worn on the left breast by the person upon whom they were conferred. Technically this honour remains with the individual and does not pass to a widow, parent or relative upon death.
What ribbons are given in the Army?
The Army Service Ribbon, sometimes called the Basic Training Ribbon , was approved by the Secretary of the Army in April, 1981. Although this award is nearly always regarded as an automatic award given to enlisted personnel upon successful completion of basic training (boot camp), the eligibility extends to officers, as well.
What ribbons do you get for deployment?
For example, the Army, Navy, and Marines award an Overseas Service Ribbon to those who have completed a Tour of Duty of 2-3 years outside the continental United States. General deployment ribbons also include the Air Force’s Expeditionary Service Ribbon or Arctic Service Ribbon for deployment associated with exceptional challenges.
What is the order for medals?
To help you maintain the correct order of precedence for your military awards, Dorothy’s Military Medals Store has compiled this chart that places medals in the proper order. Medal of Honor. Army Distinguished Service Cross. Navy Cross. Air Force Cross. Defense Distinguished Service Medal.
What do my military ribbons mean?
Military ribbons are awarded to recognize successful completion of a standard service, such as training, deployment, or special programs. A service ribbon is different from a military badge or medal given for a single act of bravery or performance. Military ribbons are narrow bars of metal covered in a swath of fabric.