[longtermmemmory]

Does anyone know if you HAVE to wear such medals if you are in active service?

[Bokababe]

"Does anyone know if you HAVE to wear such medals if you are in active service?"

I tried looking that up, as I don't have husband here for info on it.

It appears that you don't have to wear all the medals that you receive, and if you have too many, you actually have to choose which ones to wear. However, there is a required order to them -- and it appears that you are not allowed any voluntary "gaps" between the medals.

The soldier here seems to have kept the conspicuous voluntary gap where that medal ought to be, in order to make a point. I would think that this would be against regulations for someone on active duty.

Obviously, one has to feel very strongly about something to do what he has done, even though he is retired from the Navy. There is honor in what he has done.

[ma bell]

You do not and are not required to wear ribbons nor medals. It is up to the individual soldier, Marine etc... However, if during a CG or BN Inspection etc... they can order you to wear them on your Alphas, Charlies etc...

I personally do not care about wearing ribbons..what do they prove? absolutely nothing.