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Medal ribbon

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For the bar or decoration used to indicate the campaigns or reasons a medal was awarded, see Medal bar.
A general's service ribbons

A United States Army Reserve general's service ribbons

A purple rectangle with thin white edges
The U.S. Purple Heart's service ribbon

A medal ribbon, service ribbon or ribbon bar is a small ribbon, mounted on a small metal bar equipped with an attaching device, which is generally issued for wear in place of a medal when it is not appropriate to wear the actual medal.[1] Each country's government has its own rules on what ribbons can be worn in what circumstances and in which order. This is usually defined in an official document and is called "the order of precedence" or "the order of wearing." In some countries (particularly in North America and in Israel), some awards are "ribbon only," having no associated medal.

Design[]

Template:Globalize According to the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the U.S. military's standard size for a ribbon bar is 1 3⁄8 inches (35 mm) wide, 3⁄8 inch (9.5 mm) tall, with a thickness of 0.8 mm.[2]

The service ribbon for a specific medal is usually identical to the suspension ribbon on the medal. For example, the suspension and service ribbon for the U.S. government's Purple Heart medal is purple with a white vertical stripe at each end (see photo).

However, there are some military awards that do not have a suspension ribbon, but have an authorized ribbon and unit award emblem. The Soviet Order of Victory is a badge that was worn on the military parade uniform. However, a ribbon bar representing the Order of Victory was worn on a military field uniform.

Colors[]

Ribbon bars come in a variety of colors. In the case of the U.S. government, it maintains a specific list of colors used on its ribbons, based on the Pantone Matching System and Federal Standard 595 color systems:

Colors used on U.S. military ribbons[3]
Name[3] Color[3] RGB value[3] Pantone MS value[3]
Air Force Yellow      255,205,0 116
Apple Red      213,0,50 119
Army Green (Uniform)      40,71,52 553
Aspic Green      191,184,0 397
Black      0,0,0 5445
Blue HQ      183,201,211 289
Blue HX      12,35,64 3105
Blue Turquoise      104,210,223 542
Bluebird      123,175,212 542
Bottle Green      17,87,64 343
Brick Red      134,38,51 202
Brittany Blue      163,199,210 551
Bronze      139,111,78 874
Brown      96,61,32 161
Buff      185,151,91 465
Burnt Orange      227,82,5 166
Cannes Blue      123,175,212 542
Cardinal Red      186,12,47 200
Chamois      242,199,92 141
Cobalt Blue      0,32,91 281
Corsaire Blue      0,45,114 288
Crimson      165,0,80 220
Dark Blue      0,38,58 539
Eggshell      221,203,164 468
Emerald      100,167,11 369
Flag Blue      4,30,66 282
Flame Red      255,88,93 178
Forget-Me-Not Blue      154,219,232 304
Garnet      111,38,61 209
Gherkin Green      74,119,41 364
Gold      133,113,77 872
Gold Brown      184,97,37 471
Golden Orange      255,158,27 1375
Golden Yellow      255,205,0 116
Goldenlight      255,198,88 135
Graphite Blue      0,38,58 539
Grebe Gray      84,88,90 425
Green      33,87,50 357
Grotto Blue      0,193,213 3115
Imperial Blue      0,61,165 293
Imperial Purple      152,29,151 254
Irish Green      0,132,61 348
Ivory      255,255,255
Jasmine      253,210,110 134
Khaki      176,170,126 452
Lemon Yellow      251,221,64 114
Light Blue      91,127,149 5415
Light Green      146,172,160 5575
MC Antique White      233,223,151 461
Mahogany      127,48,53 491
Marine Corps Scarlet      228,0,43 185
Maroon      87,41,50 504
Midnight Blue      0,38,58 593
Mintleaf      164,214,94 367
Mosstone Green      122,154,1 377
Myrtle Green      0,122,51 356
Natural      202,199,167 454
Navy Blue #1      4,30,66 282
Navy Blue #2      4,30,66 282
Nugget Gold      255,209,0 109
Old Blue      162,170,173 429
Old China Blue      123,175,212 542
Old Glory Blue      1,33,105 280
Old Glory Red      186,12,47 200
Old Gold      132,117,78 871
Olive      78,91,49 574
Olive Drab      105,91,36 455
Orange      252,76,2 1655
Oriental Blue      0,114,206 285
Oriole Orange      229,114,0 152
Ostende Blue      123,175,212 542
Paprica      250,70,22 172
Parrot Blue      136,219,223 318
Peacock Blue      0,146,188 313
Primitive Green      0,154,68 347
Prophet Green      67,176,42 361
Purple      95,37,159 267
Putty      178,168,162 407
Rally Red      111,38,61 209
River Blue      0,111,98 562
Scarlet      186,12,47 200
Silver Gray      158,162,162 422
Smoke      84,88,90 425
Soldier Red      111,38,61 209
Spicebrown      115,56,29 168
Spring Green      197,232,108 374
Spruce Green      0,76,69 3302
Star Yellow      253,218,36 115
Steel      124,135,142 430
Tarragon Green      137,144,100 5773
Teal Blue      0,62,81 3035
Terra Cotta      150,56,33 174
Toast      155,90,26 154
Ultramarine Blue      0,20,137 Reflex Blue
Victory Medal Blue #1      0,75,135 301
Victory Medal Blue #2      0,75,135 301
White      255,255,255
Yale Blue      0,114,206 285
Yellow      255,199,44 123

Construction[]

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There is a variety of constructions of service ribbons. In some countries, service ribbons are mounted on a "pin backing", which can be pushed through the fabric of a uniform and secured, with fasteners, on the inside edge. These ribbons can be individually secured and then lined up, or they can be all mounted on to a single fastener. After the Second World War, it was common for all ribbons to be mounted on a single metal bar and worn in a manner similar to a brooch. Other methods of wearing have included physically sewing each service ribbon onto the uniform garments.

Display[]

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"Orders of wearing" define which ribbons may be worn on which types of uniform in which positions under which circumstances. For example, miniature medals on dinner dress, full medals on parade dress, ribbons on dress shirts, but no decorations on combat dress and working clothing. Some countries (such as Cuba) maintain a standard practice of wearing full service ribbons on combat utility clothing. Others strictly prohibit this. These regulations are generally similar to the regulations regarding display of rank insignia and regulations regarding saluting of more senior ranks. The reasoning for such regulations is to prevent these displays from enabling opposing forces to easily identify persons of higher rank and therefore aid them in choosing targets which will have a larger impact on the battlefield. In times of war, it is not uncommon for commanders and other high value individuals to wear no markings on their uniforms and wear clothing and insignia of a lower ranking soldier.

Service medals and ribbons are generally worn in rows on the left side of the chest. In certain commemorative or memorial circumstances, a relative may wear the medals or ribbons of a dead relative on the right side of the chest. Medals and ribbons not specifically mentioned in the "Order of wear" are also generally worn on the right side of the chest. Sequencing of the ribbons depends on each country's regulations. In the United States, for example, those with the highest status—typically awarded for heroism or distinguished service—are placed at the top of the display, while foreign decorations (when allowed) are last in the bottom rows. When medals are worn (typically on the left side of a shirt or jacket), ribbons with no corresponding medals are worn on the right side. Miniature medals are typically mounted and suspended from a barrette.[4]

Collecting[]

The study, history and collection of ribbons, among other military decorations, is known as phaleristics (sometimes spelled faleristics by users of U.S. English).[5]

Notable examples[]

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Australia[]

UK Victoria Cross ribbon bar AUS Order of Australia (civil) BAR Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 ribbon
Korea Medal United Nations Service Medal Korea ribbon General Service Medal 1962 BAR Vietnam Medal BAR
Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 ribbon UK Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal ribbon UK Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal ribbon QEII Diamond Jubilee Medal ribbon
UK Queen EII Platinum Jubilee Medal ribbon UK King Charles III Coronation Medal BAR AUS Centenary Medal ribbon DFSM with Rosette x 2
National Medal (Australia) ribbon Australian Defence Medal (Australia) ribbon Meritorious Service Medal (UK) Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct - Army (UK) ribbon
Distinguished Service Cross ribbon Silver Star Medal ribbon Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star (South Vietnam) Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon, with 60- clasp
Armed Forces General Service Medal (Oman) Armed Forces Endurance Medal (Oman) Pingat Jasa Malaysia ribbon Republic of Korea War Service Medal ribbon
AUS Order of Australia (civil) BAR AUS Order of Australia (military) BAR
UK Royal Victorian Order ribbon Military Cross ribbon Order of St John (UK) ribbon -vector Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 ribbon
Vietnam Medal BAR Australian Active Service Medal ribbon INTERFET Medal ribbon Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 ribbon
AUS Centenary Medal ribbon DFSM with Fed Star National Medal (Australia) ribbon Australian Defence Medal (Australia) ribbon
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon, with 60- clasp New Zealand Order of Merit ribbon US Legion of Merit Commander ribbon Tong-il Security Medal Ribbon
Legion Honneur Officier ribbon PRT Order of Prince Henry - Grand Cross BAR Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) ribbon Order of Timor-Leste
GC.OrdineS.GregorioMagno TON Order of the Crown of Tonga ribbon ARG Order of the Liberator San Martin - Grand Cross BAR PRT Order of Liberty - Grand Cross BAR

Canada[]

Canadian Jump Wings
CAN Order of Canada Officer ribbonCAN Order of Military Merit Commander and Officer
Order of St John (UK) ribbon -vectorGrand Officer National Order of Québec Undress ribbonCAN Meritorious Service Cross (military division) ribbon
Special Service Medal RibbonCPSM RibbonUNOMUR Medal bar
UNAMIR Medal bar125canada ribbonUK Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal ribbon
QEII Diamond Jubilee Medal ribbonCAN Canadian Forces Decoration ribbon with two barsUs legion of merit officer rib

Denmark[]

Order of the Dannebrog S.K DK Haederstegn for god tjenesteRESOFF ASS R
DKFredsprismedalje RibbonOrdre national du Merite GO ribbonEST Order of the Cross of the Eagle 1st Class BARUS Legion of Merit Commander ribbon
Comm Medal for Adv Lv Mem NATOUNFICYP Medal barONZ Medal w Służbie Pokoju UNPROFOR BARVierdaagse Medal BAR

Ecuador[]

Moncayoribbons

Egypt[]

Sinai Libration Militarycourage Militaryduty Militaryduty

Trainingdeco Trainingdeco DestinServ Longevandexemp

OctWar-SilverJubileeOct Militarydec5 Kuwaitlibr Training Decoration

Goldenjubile23 Medaldec OctWar-SilverJubileeOct Goldenjubile23

Sinai Libration Militarydec4 Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) ribbon Militarydec2

India[]

IND Raksha Medal Ribbon
IND Sangram Medal Ribbon IND Sainya Seva Medal Ribbon Indian Independence medal 1947 IND 25th Anniversary Independence medal
IND 20YearsServiceMedalRibbon IND 9YearsServiceMedalRibbon

Indonesia[]

Iran[]

IRIA Zulfaqar Ribbon Order of Fat'h (1st Class) Order of Fat'h (2nd Class) Order of Fat'h (3rd Class)

Israel[]

Zrm Zrm Medal of Distinguished Service Zrm Zrm

Six day war ribbon Hatasharibon Yomkippurribon Lebanon war ribbon US Legion of Merit Commander ribbon

Malaysia[]

The Gallant Order of Military Service - Courageous Commander (Malaysia) MY Darjah Yang Mulia Pangkuan Negara (Defender of the Realm)- PMN Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia - PSM
MY Darjah Jasa Negara - Order of Meritorious Service - PJN MY-SEL Order of the Crown of Selangor - Knight Grand Commander - SPMS MY-KEL Order of the Noble Crown of Kelantan - SPKKMY-KED Glorious Order of the Loyal Warrior of Kedah - SSPK
MY-TER Order of Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu - Knight Grand Companion ribbon MY-PERA Order of Taming Sari - SPTS (2017 version) MY-MAL Exalted Order of Malacca The Gallant Order of Military Service - Loyal Commander (Malaysia)
MY-KED Glorious Order of the Loyal Warrior of Kedah - DSPK MY-FED Darjah Mahkota Wilayah - Grand Commander - SMW My-KEL Gallant Order of the Crown of Kelantan - DPKK - PKK The Gallant Order of Military Service - Warrior (Malaysia)
The Gallant Order of Military Service - Officer (Malaysia) MY Darjah Yang Mulia Pangkuan Negara - Officer (K.M.N.) MY Pingat Jasa Malaysia (Malaysian Service Medal) ribbon MY UN Missions Service Medal - PNBB ribbon bar
Pingat Perkhidmatan Setia - PPS Pingat Perkhidmatan Am - PPA Pingat Pertabalan Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj YDPA ke-11 Malaysia 1999 MY Pingat Pertabalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong XII ribbon
MY Pingat Pertabalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong XIII ribbon MY Pingat Pertabalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVII ribbon MY-PERA Sultan Nazrin Shah Installation Medal 2015 UN MONUC Medal ribbon
  • Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, 8th Prime Minister of Malaysia

Ribon darjah kebesaran TSMY Nov 2019

Nigeria[]

Order of the Federal Republic (military) - Nigeria - ribbon bar Defence Service Medal (Nigeria 1967-1970) - ribbon bar Forces Service Star (Nigeria) - ribbon bar

General Service Medal (Nigeria) - ribbon bar National Service Medal (Nigeria 1966-1970) - ribbon bar Order of the Federal Republic (military) - Nigeria - ribbon bar Order of the Bath UK ribbon

Norway[]

Krigskorset med 3 sverd St Olavs Orden kommandør stripe Politiets hederskors stripe Forsvarets hederskors stripe

Forsvarsmedaljen med laurbærgren stripe Deltagermedaljen med rosett stripe Haakon VIIs 70-årsmedalje stripe Kongens erindringsmedalje 1940-1945 stripe

Medal of Freedom stripe sølvpalme USSOCOM Medal BAR POL Medal Pro Memoria BAR DSO stripe

39-45 Star BAR Defence Medal BAR Norges forsvarsforenings hederstegn stripe St. Hallvard-medaljen

Philippines[]

Philippines Presidential Unit Citation PHL Martial Law Unit Citation PHL People Power I Unit Citation PHL People Power II Unit Citation

PHL Legion of Honor - Chief Commander BAR Panglima Gagah Angkatan Tentera (Malaysia) PHL Distinguished Service Star BAR

PHL Gold Cross Silver Cross (Philippines) Ribbon PHL Bronze Cross PHL Military Merit Medal

PHL Military Commendation PHL Silver Wing Medal ribbon bar PHL Gawad Sa Kaunlaran PHL Sagisag Ulirang Kawal

PHL Military Civic Action Medal Parangal sa Kapanalig ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas AFP Long Service Medal Anti-dissidence Campaign Medal

Luzon Anti-dissidence Campaign Medal Mindanao Anti-dissidence Campaign Medal Jolo Campaign Medal Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Operations Ribbon

Sweden[]

For Zealous and Devoted Service of the Realm ribbon FMGUSM - Försvarsmaktens grundutbildningsmedalj (Sverige) FMintBM bar Frivilliga motorcykelkårernas riksförbunds förtjänstmedalj
SWE Home Guard Royal Medal of Merit ribbon Swedish Air Force Volunteers Association Medal of Merit ribbon Helikopterflottiljens förtjänstmedalj Swedish Air Force Volunteers Association Badge of Merit ribbon
SWE Home Guard Silver Medal ribbon Förbundet Sveriges reservofficerares förtjänsttecken

United Kingdom[]

Order of the Garter UK ribbon Order of the Bath UK ribbon Galó de l'Orde del Mèrit (UK) 1000px ribbon bar of the Order of Maria Anna
Order of the Indian Empire Ribbon Royal Victorian Order ribbon sm Dso-ribbon Order of St John (UK) ribbon -vector
British War Medal BAR World War I Victory Medal ribbon 39-45 Star BAR Atlantic Star BAR
Africa Star BAR Burma Star BAR Italy Star BAR Defence Medal BAR
War Medal 39-45 w MID BAR Naval General Service Medal 1915 BAR UK King George V Coronation Medal ribbon UK King George V Silver Jubilee Medal ribbon
GeorgeVICoronationRibbon UK Queen EII Coronation Medal ribbon UK Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal ribbon Indian Independence medal 1947
U.S. Army Distinguished Service Medal ribbon US Legion of Merit Chief Commander ribbon Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal ribbon Greek War Cross 1940 3rd class ribbon
Order of George I Silver Cross ribbon Bronze Star Medal ribbon Legion Honneur GC ribbon Croix de Guerre 1939-1945 ribbon
Order of the Cloud and Banner 1st PRT Military Order of Aviz - Grand Cross BAR Order of the Netherlands Lion ribbon - Knight Most Refulgent Order of the Star of Nepal
POL Polonia Restituta Kawalerski BAR DNK Order of Danebrog Grand Cross BAR Order of the Star of Romania - Ribbon bar ESP Isabella Catholic Order GC

Thailand[]

Order of Chula Chom Klao - 1st Class (Thailand) ribbon Order of the White Elephant - Special Class (Thailand) ribbon Order of the Crown of Thailand - Special Class (Thailand) ribbon Order of Rama 6th Class ribbon
Freeman Safeguarding Medal - 1st Class (Thailand) ribbon Border Service Medal (Thailand) ribbon Crown Prince Investiture Medal BE2515 (Thailand) Elevation to Princess Maha Chakri Medal (Thailand) ribbon
84th Birthday HRH Boromarajjonnani Medal (Thailand) ribbon King Rama IX 60th Birthday Medal (Thailand) ribbon King Rama IX Golden Jubilee Medal (Thailand) ribbon King Rama IX 72nd Birthday Medal (Thailand) ribbon
Queen Sirikit 72nd Birthday Medal (Thailand) ribbon Ribbon bar of Red Cross Medal of Appreciation, 1st Class (Thailand) KHM Royal Order of Sahametrei - Knight The Gallant Order of Military Service - Courageous Commander (Malaysia)
MY-KEL Order of the Crown of Kelantan - Star of Muhammad Bintang Kartika Eka Paksi Utama rib Tong-il Security Medal Ribbon SWE Order of the Polar Star (after 1975) - Commander Grand Cross BAR
Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) ribbon Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) ribbon US Legion of Merit Commander ribbon Order of the Dannebrog K1

United States[]

's ribbon rack worn in the standard U.S. Navy style, rows of three with no spacing or staggering.

Commander Richard Marcinko's ribbon rack worn in the standard U.S. Navy style, rows of three with no spacing or staggering.

In the United States, the different federal uniformed services have different standards for wearing ribbon bars on uniforms.

  • In the United States Navy, they are worn in rows of three with no staggering or spacing between rows (with the exception of the top row, which may be staggered to the wearer's left if covered by a lapel). Holders of more than three ribbons may elect to wear only their three highest-ranked ones, instead of all of them. If their top three ribbons are obscured by a lapel, they can stagger the top row.
  • In the United States Marine Corps, they can be worn in rows of three or four, with optional staggering and optional space between rows.
  • In the United States Army, they can be worn staggered with spacing between rows.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ↑ U.S. Army Regulation 600-8-22, 2006, P. 72&73, 6--2 Service ribbons, a.
  2. ↑ Defense Logistics Agency (2015). "MIL-DTL-11589". Defense Logistics Agency. http://quicksearch.dla.mil/qsDocDetails.aspx?ident_number=9015. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "COLOR CONVERSION LIST-8/14/95". Archived from the original on December 7, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181207082456/http://www.frontiernet.net/~ericbush/pages_images/Ribcolor.htm. 
  4. ↑ "Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal Regulations". The Governor General of Canada. 5 October 2017. https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/canadian-honours/directory-honours/exemplary-service-medals/peace-officer/peace-officer-exemplary-service-medal-regulations. 
  5. ↑ Matikkala, Antti (2008) (in en). The Orders of Knighthood and the Formation of the British Honours System, 1660-1760. Boydell & Brewer Ltd. p. 16. ISBN 978-1-84383-423-6. 

External links[]

Template:Orders

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