U.S. Navy medals and ribbons are worn on either service or dress uniforms, by men and women, enlisted sailors and officers. They act as symbols of awards granted to the individual. The rules regarding wearing medals, ribbons or both are contained in the U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations.
Instructions
1. Purchase medals, ribbons and devices, for which you qualify, from your local Navy Exchange. Count the number of ribbons you have and purchase the corresponding mounting bar. For instance, if you have two, purchase a double bar. Do the same for the medals.
2. Slide the ribbons onto their corresponding bar in their order of precedence. In general, their order from left to right should be as follows: military decorations, unit awards, nonmilitary decorations, campaign and service awards, foreign decorations, markmanship awards and awards from other organizations. Do the same for the medals.
3. Attach any devices for which you qualify. For instance, the Asia Clasp is used to denote time spent in Asia, over the Navy Occupation Service Medal. Push the devices through the ribbon or top of medal and secure on the back of the bar.
4. If wearing ribbons alone, pin the ribbon bar over the left side of the chest so that the bottom edge of the bar is 1/4 inch above the pocket.
5. If wearing ribbons with medals, pin the ribbon bar on the right side so that the bottom edge of the bar is 1/4 inch above the pocket. Pin the medal bar on the left side so that its bottom edge is on plane with the bottom edge of the ribbon bar.
6. If wearing medals alone, pin it on the left side of the chest, in the same place it would be if it were in line with the ribbons on the right side.
Tags: bottom edge, left side, medals ribbons, that bottom, that bottom edge, above pocket, bottom edge inch
