Medal ribbon

File:Brigadier General Stephen E. Strand United States Army Reserve (USAR) Deputy Commanding General, 88th Regional Support Command Fort McCoy, WI 160601-A-UY332-639 (cropped).jpg

A United States Army Reserve general's service ribbons

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. 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

According to the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the U.S. military's standard size for a ribbon bar is wide, tall, with a thickness of 0.8 mm.

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
Name	Color	RGB value	Pantone MS value
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

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

"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.

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).

Notable examples

Australia

• Keith Payne

File:UK Victoria Cross ribbon bar.svg File:AUS Order of Australia (civil) BAR.svg File:Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 ribbon.png

File:Korea Medal.svg File:United Nations Service Medal Korea ribbon.svg File:General Service Medal 1962 BAR.svg File:Vietnam Medal BAR.svg

File:Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 ribbon.png File:UK Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal ribbon.svg File:UK Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal ribbon.svg File:QEII Diamond Jubilee Medal ribbon.svg

File:UK Queen EII Platinum Jubilee Medal ribbon.svg File:Coronation of Charles III Medal ribbon.png File:AUS Centenary Medal ribbon.svg File:DFSM with Rosette x 2.png

File:National Medal (Australia) ribbon.jpg File:Australian Defence Medal (Australia) ribbon.png File:Meritorious Service Medal (UK).png File:Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct - Army (UK) ribbon.png

File:Distinguished Service Cross ribbon.svg File:Silver Star ribbon.svg File:Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star (South Vietnam).png File:Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon with 60- clasp.svg

File:General Service Medal (Oman).png File:Endurance Medal (Al-Sumood) (Oman).png File:Pingat Jasa Malaysia ribbon.png File:Republic of Korea War Service Medal ribbon.svg

• General Sir Peter Cosgrove

File:AUS Order of Australia (civil) BAR.svg File:AUS Order of Australia (military) BAR.svg

File:UK Royal Victorian Order ribbon.svg File:Military Cross ribbon.png File:Order of St John (UK) ribbon -vector.svg File:Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 ribbon.png

File:Vietnam Medal BAR.svg File:Australian Active Service Medal ribbon.png File:INTERFET Medal ribbon.png File:Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 ribbon.png

File:AUS Centenary Medal ribbon.svg File:DFSM with Fed Star.png File:National Medal (Australia) ribbon.jpg File:Australian Defence Medal (Australia) ribbon.png

File:Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon with 60- clasp.svg File:New Zealand Order of Merit ribbon.svg File:US Legion of Merit Commander ribbon.png File:Tong-il Security Medal Ribbon.svg

File:Legion Honneur Officier ribbon.svg File:PRT Order of Prince Henry - Grand Cross BAR.svg File:Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) ribbon.png File:Order of Timor-Leste.png

File:GC.OrdineS.GregorioMagno.png File:TON Order of the Crown of Tonga ribbon.svg File:ARG Order of the Liberator San Martin - Grand Cross BAR.png File:PRT Order of Liberty - Grand Cross BAR.png

Canada

• The Honourable Romeo Dallaire, OC, CMM, GOQ, MSC, CD

Canadian Jump Wings
File:CAN Order of Canada Officer ribbon.svgFile:CAN Order of Military Merit Commander and Officer.png
File:Order of St John (UK) ribbon -vector.svgFile:Grand Officer National Order of Québec Undress ribbon.pngFile:CAN Meritorious Service Cross (military division) ribbon.svg
File:Special Service Medal Ribbon.pngFile:CPSM Ribbon.pngFile:UNOMUR Medal bar.gif
File:UNAMIR Medal bar.svgFile:125canada ribbon.pngFile:UK Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal ribbon.svg
File:QEII Diamond Jubilee Medal ribbon.svgFile:CD-ribbon and 2 bars.pngFile:Us legion of merit officer rib.png

Denmark

• Sir Hans Jesper Helsø former General and Chief of Defence.

File:Order of the Dannebrog S.K.svg File:DK Haederstegn for god tjeneste.svgFile:RESOFF ASS R.png

File:DKFredsprismedalje Ribbon.pngFile:Ordre national du Merite GO ribbon.svgFile:EST Order of the Cross of the Eagle 1st Class BAR.pngFile:US Legion of Merit Commander ribbon.png

File:Comm Medal for Adv Lv Mem NATO.pngFile:UNFICYP Medal bar.svgFile:ONZ Medal w Służbie Pokoju UNPROFOR BAR.svgFile:Vierdaagse Medal BAR.svg

Ecuador

• Ecuadorian General of the Army Paco Moncayo

File:Moncayoribbons.png

Egypt

• Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, former commander-in-chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces, Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, and Minister of Defense

File:Sinai Libration.jpg File:Militarycourage.jpg File:Militaryduty.jpg File:Militaryduty.jpg

File:Trainingdeco.jpg File:Trainingdeco.jpg File:DestinServ.jpg File:Longevandexemp.jpg

File:OctWar-SilverJubileeOct.jpg File:Militarydec5.jpg File:Kuwaitlibr.jpg File:Training Decoration.jpg

File:Goldenjubile23.jpg File:Medaldec.jpg File:OctWar-SilverJubileeOct.jpg File:Goldenjubile23.jpg

File:Sinai Libration.jpg File:Militarydec4.jpg File:Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) ribbon.svg File:Militarydec2.jpg

India

• Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw

Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt File:IND Raksha Medal Ribbon.svg
File:IND Sangram Medal Ribbon.svg	File:IND Sainya Seva Medal Ribbon.svg	File:Indian Independence medal 1947.svg	File:IND 25th Anniversary Independence medal.svg
File:IND 20YearsServiceMedalRibbon.svg	File:IND 9YearsServiceMedalRibbon.svg	Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt

Indonesia

• General Andika Perkasa, 21st Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces

Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Template:Ribbon devices/alt

Iran

• Major-General Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force

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

Israel

• Chief of Staff and Prime Minister Ehud Barak

File:Zrm.svg File:Zrm.svg File:Medal of Distinguished Service.svg File:Zrm.svg File:Zrm.svg

File:Six day war ribbon.svg File:Hatasharibon.svg File:Yomkippurribon.svg File:Lebanon war ribbon.svg File:US Legion of Merit Commander ribbon.png

Malaysia

• General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, 22nd Chief of Defence Forces

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

• Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, 8th Prime Minister of Malaysia

File:Ribon darjah kebesaran TSMY Nov 2019.png

Nigeria

• Ibrahim Babangida, President of Nigeria and Chief of Army Staff

File:Order of the Federal Republic (military) - Nigeria - ribbon bar.gif File:Defence Service Medal (Nigeria 1967-1970) - ribbon bar.png File:Forces Service Star (Nigeria) - ribbon bar.png

File:General Service Medal (Nigeria) - ribbon bar.png File:National Service Medal (Nigeria 1966-1970) - ribbon bar.png File:Order of the Federal Republic (military) - Nigeria - ribbon bar.gif File:Order of the Bath UK ribbon.svg

Norway

• Captain Gunnar Sønsteby, World War II hero

File:Krigskorset med 3 sverd.svg File:St Olavs Orden kommandør stripe.svg File:Politiets hederskors stripe.svg File:Forsvarets hederskors stripe.svg

File:Forsvarsmedaljen med laurbærgren stripe.svg File:Deltagermedaljen med rosett stripe.svg File:Haakon VIIs 70-årsmedalje stripe.svg File:Kongens erindringsmedalje 1940-1945 stripe.svg

File:Medal of Freedom stripe sølvpalme.svg File:USSOCOM Medal BAR.svg File:POL Medal Pro Memoria BAR.png File:DSO stripe.svg

File:39-45 Star BAR.svg File:Defence Medal BAR.svg File:Norges forsvarsforenings hederstegn stripe.svg File:St. Hallvard-medaljen.png

Philippines

• General Eduardo Año, Chief of Staff

File:Philippines Presidential Unit Citation.png File:PHL Martial Law Unit Citation.png File:PHL People Power I Unit Citation.png File:PHL People Power II Unit Citation.png

File:PHL Legion of Honor - Chief Commander BAR.png File:Panglima Gagah Angkatan Tentera (Malaysia).png File:PHL Distinguished Service Star BAR.svg

File:PHL Gold Cross.png File:Silver Cross (Philippines) Ribbon.png File:PHL Bronze Cross.gif File:PHL Military Merit Medal.gif

File:PHL Military Commendation.gif File:PHL Silver Wing Medal ribbon bar.png File:PHL Gawad Sa Kaunlaran.gif File:PHL Sagisag Ulirang Kawal.gif

File:PHL Military Civic Action Medal.gif File:Parangal sa Kapanalig ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas.jpg File:AFP Long Service Medal.gif File:Anti-dissidence Campaign Medal.png

File:Luzon Anti-dissidence Campaign Medal.png File:Mindanao Anti-dissidence Campaign Medal.png File:Jolo Campaign Medal.png File:Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Operations Ribbon.gif

Sweden

• General Micael Bydén, former Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces

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

United Kingdom

• Admiral of the Fleet The Right Honourable Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, KG, GCB, OM, GCSI, GCIE, GCVO, DSO, PC, FRS

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

Thailand

• General Surayud Chulanont, President of the Privy Council, TCW, MPCh, MVM, RM

File:Order of Chula Chom Klao - 1st Class (Thailand) ribbon.svg File:Order of the White Elephant - Special Class (Thailand) ribbon.svg File:Order of the Crown of Thailand - Special Class (Thailand) ribbon.svg File:Order of Rama 6th Class ribbon.svg

File:Freeman Safeguarding Medal - 1st Class (Thailand) ribbon.svg File:Border Service Medal (Thailand) ribbon.svg File:Crown Prince Investiture Medal BE2515 (Thailand).svg File:Elevation to Princess Maha Chakri Medal (Thailand) ribbon.svg

File:84th Birthday HRH Boromarajjonnani Medal (Thailand) ribbon.svg File:King Rama IX 60th Birthday Medal (Thailand) ribbon.svg File:King Rama IX Golden Jubilee Medal (Thailand) ribbon.svg File:King Rama IX 72nd Birthday Medal (Thailand) ribbon.svg

File:Queen Sirikit 72nd Birthday Medal (Thailand) ribbon.svg File:Ribbon bar of Red Cross Medal of Appreciation, 1st Class (Thailand).svg File:KHM Royal Order of Sahametrei - Knight.png File:The Gallant Order of Military Service - Courageous Commander (Malaysia).svg

File:MY-KEL Order of the Crown of Kelantan - Star of Muhammad.svg File:Bintang Kartika Eka Paksi Utama rib.svg File:Tong-il Security Medal Ribbon.svg File:SWE Order of the Polar Star (after 1975) - Commander Grand Cross BAR.png

File:Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) ribbon.png File:Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) ribbon.png File:US Legion of Merit Commander ribbon.png File:Order of the Dannebrog K1.svg

United States

File:Dick Marcinko's ribbon rack.png

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

• Phaleristics
• Order (distinction)
• List of military decorations
• Awards and decorations of the United States Armed Forces

External links

• Danish service ribbons