How to Properly Display Military Insignia
Symbolic display of military insignia, awards and citations is a tradition of respect and identification dating back to the 11th century. At that time, advancements in military headgear and body armor had progressed to the extent that combatants were not easily identifiable to one another. The warrior shield became a standard location for display of allegiance, accomplishment and valor both in ceremony and on the battlefield. In the United States, regulations for respectful display of military insignia are defined by military code; the rules are supported by guidance and historical information provided by the Institute of Heraldry.
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Instructions
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Review the standard order of precedence. Each United States military branch directs display of unit decorations differently, but the overall order of precedence for categories of insignia is standard for all branches. Medals should be organized in the following order: U.S. military decorations (including unit decorations); U.S. non-military decoration; Prisoner of War Medal; Good Conduct Medal; U.S. Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal; U.S. service medals and service ribbons; U.S. Merchant Marine decoration; foreign decorations (excluding service medals and ribbons; and non-U.S. service medals and decorations.
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Purchase an appropriate display case. The display case or shadow box should be large enough to place your insignia according to category, with space for arrangement of ribbons and rank designation according to your own design. Look for manufacturers specializing in insignia display for the best choices of frames, mirrors, velvet backing and options including flag display.
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Arrange your medals and service medals by category, according to your preference. Order of precedence should be generally maintained in left-to-right orientation in the display case. Depending on the style of case you choose, however, it is acceptable to orient rank and ribbons in a central location, with medals and awards flanking primary identification of service.
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Fasten insignia to the case backing. Each element should be attached to the board in manner that is secure, without damaging the insignia itself. Some medals can be attached using the attached pin; others will require use of external pins. Glue is acceptable for patches and related decorations.
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