Uh, folks? Not only are you given a ribbon at the time of the medal award, you can purchase replacements through any Exchange. After a bit of day-to-day wear they kinda get a little grungy depending on where you're working. And you wouldn't want the actual medals dangling off a work uniform.
With a credit card and a total lack of shame one can look like a gen-yoo-wine war hero. Of course, you're in a bit of a bind if anyone should happen to look into the citation, and some of us can get downright testy about that...
Now and then you'll see a medal in a pawn shop. I get a knot in my gut every time I do.
Roger that!
Here in Kalifornicate, I saw high level medal sets on a "junk and trinket table" at the flea market!
I nearly collapsed.....
When I attempted to buy everything on her counter, so that I could destroy them with some dignity -- the woman sensed what was going on and informed me that she BUYS THEM over the Internet. When I looked more closely, you could tell they were brand new, and in unworn, unburnished/undinged condition.
The next time you see them in a pawn shop - think of that, or think that perhaps some junky stole them and hocked them....
I can't bear to think that a warrior hero was ever reduced to selling mementos of one of the most defining moments of his life.... That's just too disheartening to bear....
Semper Fi
Whose medals was Michael Jackson wearing at his arraignment? Disgusting.