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SECTION 3   Article
1. AWARDS (GENERAL PROVISIONS) 5301
2. DEFINITION OF TERMS 5302
3. WEARING AWARDS ON CIVILIAN CLOTHES 5303
4. PRECEDENCE OF AWARDS 5304
5. MILITARY DECORATIONS 5305
6. UNIT AWARDS 5306
7. NON-MILITARY DECORATIONS 5307
8. CAMPAIGN AND SERVICE AWARDS 5308
9. FOREIGN DECORATIONS AND NON-U.S.SERVICE AWARDS 5309
10. MARKSMANSHIP AWARDS (BADGES) 5310
11. AWARDS OF MILITARY SOCIETIES AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS 5311
12. RIBBONS 5312
13. RIBBONS WITH MEDALS 5313
14. LARGE MEDALS 5314
15. MINIATURE MEDALS 5315
16. ATTACHMENTS TO BE WORN ON RIBBONS AND MEDALS 5316
17. LETTER DEVICES 5317
18. CLASPS 5318
19. MISCELLANEOUS DEVICES 5319
 
1.  Authorized Navy Awards.  Those awards described in the Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual SECNAVINST 1650.1 Series are authorized for wear by "U.S. Naval" personnel. Wear them on designated uniforms in the following manner.

2.  Awards From Other Services.  Naval personnel who have received awards from other military services or departments of the United States Government, foreign governments, or other agencies, may wear such awards on the naval uniform only as described in this section.
 
1.  General.  Listed below are definitions of terms used throughout these regulations:
 
a.  Awards.  An all-inclusive term covering any decoration, medal, badge, ribbon or attachments bestowed on an individual.

b.  Decoration.  An award bestowed upon an individual for a specific personal act of gallantry or meritorious service.

c.  Unit Award.  An award made to an operating unit worn only by members of that unit who participated in the cited action.

d.  Service Award.  An award made to those who have participated in designated wars, campaigns, expeditions, etc., or who have fulfilled creditable, specific, service requirements.

e.  Medal.  An award presented to an individual for performing certain duties, acts, or services consisting of a medallion hanging from a distinctively colored suspension ribbon.

f.  Miniature Medal.  Replica of large medal, 1/2 the size of large medal.  There is no miniature Medal of Honor.

g.  Badge.  An award, to an individual for special proficiency, consisting of a medallion hung from bar(s).

h.  Ribbon or Ribbon Bar.  Consists of a portion of a medal's suspension ribbon.

i.  Rosette.  Lapel device made by gathering the suspension ribbon of the medal into a circular shape.

j.  Lapel-Button.  A miniature replica of the ribbon or ribbon bar.

k.  Attachment.  Any item such as a star, letter, clasp or other device worn on the suspension ribbon of a medal or on the ribbon.
 
1.  Miniature Medals and Miniature Breast Insignia.  Wear miniature medals and breast insignia on civilian evening dress (white tie) or civilian dinner dress (black tie) in the same manner as for dinner dress jackets.

2.  Medal of Honor.  The Medal of Honor, for which there is no miniature, may be worn with civilian evening dress (white tie) and civilian dinner dress (black tie) in the same manner as for military uniforms.

3.  Miniature Replicas.  Wear miniature replicas of ribbons made in the form of lapel buttons, or ribbons made in rosette form, on the left lapel of civilian clothes except civilian evening dress (white tie) and civilian dinner dress (black tie).

4.  Miniature Distinguished Marksmanship and Pistol Shot Badges.  Wear miniature distinguished marksmanship and pistol shot badges as a lapel pin or as part of a tie clasp on civilian clothing.

5.  Honorable Discharge and Service Buttons.  Wear honorable discharge and service buttons on left lapel of civilian clothes except civilian evening dress (white tie).
 
1.  General.  Awards issued to naval personnel are listed in this section in order of precedence. (Awards Precedence Chart) Awards received for service performed while attached to units of the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, which are not included in this section, but which are equivalent to Navy awards listed here, may be worn in the order specified by the respective military service subject to the following:
 
a.  In all cases of relative priority Navy awards will take precedence.

b.  Awards for a war, campaign, expedition, etc., will be worn as campaign and service awards.

c.  Only those badges listed in article 5310 may be worn on naval uniforms.

d.  Refer to SECNAVINST 1650.1 Series concerning precedence of Marine Corps awards.

 
1.  General.  Listed below in their order of precedence are the MILITARY DECORATIONS authorized for wear on the naval uniform:
 
Medal of Honor
Navy Cross
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Service Medal
Silver Star Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Distinguished Flying Cross
Navy and Marine Corps Medal
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Combat Action Ribbon

(NOTE 1:  See Requirements for Medals)
 
1.  General.  Listed below in order of precedence are the UNIT AWARDS authorized for wear after all military decorations:
 
Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon
Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon
Navy "E" Ribbon
USPHS Outstanding Unit Citation
USPHS Unit Commendation
 
1.  General.  Listed below are certain NON‑MILITARY DECORATIONS authorized for wear on the naval uniform after all unit awards; precedence shall be the order of date of
acceptance unless you receive two or more decorations from the same agency,
then wear those decorations according to the precedence established by the awarding agency disregarding the date of acceptance.

2.  NON‑MILITARY decorations may be worn on the uniform if at least one military award is worn at the same time.
 
Presidential Medal of Freedom
Presidential Citizens Medal
National Security Medal
National Sciences Medal
Gold Life Saving Medal
Silver Life Saving Medal
Medal for Merit
National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal
National Intelligence Medal of Achievement
Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award
Navy Award for Distinguished Achievement Science
President's Distinguished Federal Civilian Service Medal
Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award
Secretary of Defense Civilian Meritorious Service Award
Navy Superior Civilian Service Award
Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award
Navy Distinguished Public Service Award
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Distinguished Service Medal
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Flight Medal
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Medal for Exceptional Bravery
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Medal for Exceptional Service
Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal
Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal
Merchant Marine Mariners Medal
Selective Service Distinguished Service Medal      
Selective Service Exceptional Service Award
Selective Service Meritorious Service Award
Congressional Medal of Honor
Department of Commerce Gold Medal
Department of Commerce Silver Medal
Department of Commerce Bronze Medal
NOAA Administrator's Award
NOAA Corps Commendation Medal
NOAA Special Achievement Award
NOAA Unit Citation
USPHS Distinguished Service Medal
USPHS Meritorious Service Medal
USPHS Outstanding Service Medal
USPHS Commendation Medal
USPHS Achievement Medal
Department of Energy Secretary's Gold Award Medal
 
1.  General.  Listed below in order of precedence are the CAMPAIGN AND SERVICE AWARDS authorized for wear on the naval uniform after all non‑military decorations:
 
Prisoner of War (POW) Medal
Good Conduct Medal (Navy and Marine Corps)
Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal  
Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal
Navy Fleet Marine Force Ribbon
Expeditionary Medal (Navy and Marine Corps) 
Navy Occupation Service Medal 
National Defense Service Medal 
Korean Service Medal 
Antarctica Service Medal 
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal 
Vietnam Service Medal 
Southwest Asia Service Medal 
Kosovo Campaign Medal  
Afghanistan Campaign Medal 
Iraq Campaign Medal 
Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal                  
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal 
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal 
Korean Defense Service Medal 
Armed Forces Service Medal 
Humanitarian Service Medal 
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal 
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon 
Naval Arctic Service Ribbon 
Naval Reserve Sea Service Ribbon 
Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon 
Recruiting Service Ribbon (Navy and Marine Corps) 
Marine Corps Security Guard Ribbon 
Navy Recruit Training Service Ribbon 
Navy Ceremonial Guard Service Ribbon  
Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon 
Armed Forces Reserve Medal 
Naval Reserve Medal 
Merchant Marine Gallant Ship Unit Citation 
Merchant Marine Combat Bar 
Merchant Marine Korean Service Bar 
Merchant Marine Vietnam Service Bar 
Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal (Operations DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM) 
 
 1.  Foreign Personal Decoration.  Personnel who have been authorized to accept military decorations from foreign governments (see SECNAVINST 1650.1 Series) may wear them in the order of their receipt after all U.S. service awards.  The awarding country determines the precedence of awards if you have earned two or more from that country.

2.  Vietnam (Personal Military Decorations (only worn by individuals who receive these decorations in their own name)
 
a.  Foreign awards to U.S. military personnel for service in Vietnam, awarded in accordance with SECNAVINST 1650.23 Series, may be retained and worn in the following order of precedence:
 
National Order of Vietnam
Military Merit Medal
Army Distinguished Service Order
Air Force Distinguished Service Order
Navy Distinguished Service Order
Army Meritorious Service Medal
Air Force Meritorious Service Medal
Navy Meritorious Service Medal
Special Service Medal
Gallantry Cross
Air Gallantry Cross
Navy Gallantry Cross
Hazardous Service Medal
Life Saving Medal
Armed Forces Honor Medal
Staff Service Medal
Technical Service Medal
Training Service Medal
Civil Actions Medal
 
NOTE:  Other personal foreign decorations are worn in this category.  They are worn in order earned.

b.  The following Vietnam civilian decorations may be retained but not worn on the uniform:
 
Kim Khanh Medal
Choung My Medal
Justice Medal
Rural Revolutionary Development Medal (Construction Service Medal)
Economy Medal
Dedicated Service Medal
Labor Medal
Agricultural Service Medal
Medical Service Medal (Public Health Service Medal)
Administration Service Medal
Veterans Medal
Police Self Defense Forces Medal
Social Service Medal (Social Welfare Honor Medal)
Psywar Service Medal
Youth and Sports Medal
Finance Medal
Public Works, Communication and Transportation Service Medal
Ethnic Development Medal
Cultural and Education Service Medal
 
3.  Foreign Unit Awards.  The following awards listed in order of precedence do not require individual legislative authorization and may be worn immediately after all foreign personnel decorations:
 
Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation
Korean Presidential Unit Citation
Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Color with Palm)3
Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Actions Color First Class Color with Palm)3
 
4.  Non‑U.S. Service Awards.  The precedence of non‑U.S. Service awards for which naval personnel are eligible to qualify, is immediately after foreign unit awards:

United Nations Service Medal
United Nations Medal
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Medal (Yugoslavia (Bosnia)/Kosovo).  (Wear first initial award and add 3/16" bronze star for subsequent awards)
Multi National Forces and Observer Medal
Inter‑American Defense Board Medal/Ribbon
 

5.  Foreign Service Awards.  Service awards take precedence immediately after non‑U.S. service awards.  Navy personnel are eligible to qualify for:

Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)

(NOTE:  See Requirements for Medals)
 
6.  Manner of Wear.  Naval personnel who have been authorized by law to accept awards from foreign governments wear them in the manner prescribed below:

a.  Wear foreign awards on your uniform if you also wear at least one U.S. award

b.  Foreign awards which are similar in design to U.S. awards may be worn on the same occasions prescribed for wearing of U.S. awards.

c.  Foreign awards which are worn around the neck with long ribbons or sashes or as a pin may be worn on service dress or full dress uniforms while serving in country.  Post‑tour wear is not authorized.  Individuals who have been awarded
the Medal of Honor and a foreign decoration which is worn around the neck, wear the foreign award so that it hangs below the Medal of Honor.

 d.  Naval personnel entitled to wear the Fourragere may wear it on all uniforms requiring medals or ribbons.  To attach the Fourragere to the uniform, sew a button to the left shoulder, of the coat or jumper, under the collar.  Place the Fourragere over the left shoulder, passing the left arm through the large loop of the cord.  The small loop engages the button under the collar and the metal pencil hangs naturally in front.  When wearing aiguillettes, place the Fourragere underneath them.  The Fourragere is a decoration instituted by Napoleon I for units which had distinguished themselves in battle.  It was revived during World War I and was awarded by the French Ministry of War to organizations cited more than once in the Orders of the Army.  Individuals who were present in the organizations when cited twice for the Fourragere are entitled to wear the 'cord' at all times, whether or not they are subsequently attached to other non‑decorated organizations.  Those non-participants who enter an organization which has been decorated with the Fourragere wear the cord on their uniforms while they are attached to that decorated organization.  Upon detachment, those non‑participants are required to surrender the Fourragere and are no longer entitled to wear it.
 
1.  General.  Listed below in order of prece­dence are only marksmanship badges authorized for wear on naval uniforms:
 
U.S. Distinguished International Shooter Badge
Distinguished Marksman Badge
Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge
National Trophy Match Rifleman Excellence in Competition (Gold)
National Trophy Match Pistol Shot Excellence in Competition (Gold)
Interservice Rifleman Excellence in Competition Badge (Gold)
Interservice Pistol Shot Excellence in Competition Badge (Gold)
Navy Rifleman Excellence in Competition Badge(Gold)
Navy Pistol Shot Excellence in Competition Badge(Gold)
Annual Rifle Squad Competition Badge (Gold)
Fleet Rifleman Excellence in Competition Badge(Gold)
Fleet Pistol Shot Excellence in Competition Badge (Gold) (National, Interservice, Navy and Fleet Badges in silver and bronze)
Rifle Qualification Awards
(1) Expert Rifleman Medal
(2) Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon
Pistol Qualification Awards
(1) Expert Pistol Shot Medal
(2) Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon
President's Hundred Award ‑ Rifle (enlisted personnel only)
President’s Hundred Award - Pistol (enlisted personnel only)
 
2.  Manner of Wear

a.  When wearing ribbons, place badges immediately below the bottom row of ribbons in the secondary position.  When wearing badges in secondary position, a secondary warfare device/breast insignia is not authorized to be worn.

b.  When wearing large medals, place badges immediately below the bottom row of medals so that only the medallion of each badge is visible.  When wearing badges in the secondary position, a secondary warfare device/breast
insignia is not authorized to be worn.

c.  Do not wear badges with miniature medals.

d.  Wear up to three badges in a single row.  Only two Excellence in Competition Badges may be worn for a specific weapon if the Distinguished Badge for the same weapon has not been earned.  Wearing Distinguished Badges or
Excellence in Competition Badges received while in another service is optional.  The President's Hundred Award is worn on the left shoulder of enlisted member’s uniforms.
 
1.  General.  Awards from the following organizations may be worn on the uniform.  Medals and ribbons will be worn after all U.S. service awards in the order earned.  Badges will be worn after marksmanship badges, in the order earned.
 
Regular Army and Navy Union
Army and Navy Union of the United States
American Legion, American Legion Citizenship and Scholarship Medal
Veterans of Foreign Wars or other officially recognized Veterans' Organization Corps and Division of the Civil Spanish American Wars
Medical Scientific Societies
Naval Reserve Association
The Reserve Officers Association (TROA)
Society of American Military Engineers (SAME)
Gold Medal for Distinguished Service
Toulmin Medal
Moreell Medal
Sverdrup Medal
Shields Medal
 
2.  Authorized Wear.  Medals, ribbons and badges issued by these societies may be worn only while actually attending meetings or conventions or while participating in parades or other ceremonies as a member of these organizations.
 

1.  Manner of Wear.  Ribbons are worn on the service coat or jumper of Service Dress Blue, Service Dress White, and on the shirts of Service Khaki, Summer White, and the E1-E6 Service Uniform.  Ribbons are not authorized on formal dress, dinner dress, or working uniforms.  Wear up to three ribbons in a single row.  When more than three ribbons are authorized, wear them in horizontal rows of three each.  If ribbons are not in multiples of three, the top row contains the lesser number, and the center of this row sits over the center of the one below it (Figure 5-3-12).  Wear ribbons without spaces between ribbons or rows of ribbons.  Wear ribbons with the lower edge of the bottom row centered 1/4 inch above the left breast pocket and parallel to the deck.  To prevent coat lapels from covering ribbons, ribbons may be aligned so the border to wearer's left is aligned with left side of pocket.  Rows of ribbons where more than 50% of the ribbon is covered by the coat lapel may contain two ribbons each and be aligned with left border (Figure 5-3-13).   On female coats or shirts without pockets, ribbons will be placed centered on the wearer’s left side with the bottom of the lowest row of ribbons placed approximately 6 1/4 inches down as measured from the shoulder seam and adjust height placement as necessary to accommodate proper placement.  (Figure 5-3-14).     On Full Dress uniforms, see article 5313.
 
 
Figure 5-3-12 Ribbon Placement (when not in a row of three)
Figure 5-3-12 Ribbon Placement (when not in a row of three)
 
 
Figure 5-3-13  Ribbon Placement (more than 50% of ribbon covered by lapel)
Figure 5-3-13  Ribbon Placement (more than 50% of ribbon covered by lapel)
 
 
Figure 5-3-14 Ribbon Placement (female shirt/coat without pockets)
Figure 5-3-14 Ribbon Placement (female shirt/coat without pockets)
 
 


2.  Placement on Ribbon Bar.  Ribbons will be arranged on a bar(s) and attached to uniforms.  Ribbons will not be impregnated with preservatives which change their appearance, or have any transparent covering.

3.  Arrangement.  Arrange ribbons in order of precedence in rows from top down, inboard to outboard.  Wear either the three senior ribbons, or all ribbons if you have earned three or more.

4.  No Symmetrical Color Designs.  Display ribbons which have a symmetrical color design or have stars as part of the design, as follows:

a.  American Campaign Service Medal.  The dark blue stripe in the center is to the wearer's right.
b.  Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.  The blue stripe in the center is to the wearer's right.
c.  Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.  The dark blue stripe in the center is to the wearer's right.
d.  Combat Action Ribbon.  The outermost blue stripe is to the wearer's right, even when worn on the right side when large medals are worn.
e.  European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.  The blue stripe in the center is to the wearer's right.
f.  Korean Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon.  The red portion of the circular device in the center is uppermost, and the ribbon has a gold frame.
g.  Kosovo Campaign Medal.  The broad blue stripe is to the wearer's right.
h.  Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait).  The black stripe is uppermost.
i.  Inter-American Defense Board Ribbon.  The red stripe is to the wearer’s right.
j.  Medal of Honor Ribbon.  The star should form an M with the single ray of all stars pointing up.
k.  Merchant Marine Combat Bar.  The light blue stripe is uppermost.
l.  Merchant Marine Mariner's Ribbon.  The red stripe is to the wearer's right.
m.  Navy and Marine Corps Ribbon.  The blue stripe is to the wearer's right.
n.  Navy Occupation Service Ribbon.  The black stripe is to the wearer's right.
o.  Philippine Defense Ribbon.  The stars form a triangle, base down.
p.  Philippine Liberation Ribbon.  The blue stripe in the center is to the wearer's right.
q.  Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon.  The blue stripe is to the wearer's right, worn with gold frame.
r.  Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon.  The blue stripe is uppermost.
s.  World War II Theater Ribbon.  The blue stripe in the center is to the wearer's right.
 

5.  Ribbons on Non‑Military Uniforms.  Personnel who earned service ribbons while a member of the Navy may wear the ribbons on non-military uniforms if the organization sponsoring the non-military uniform permits the custom.

6.  Ribbons with Breast Insignia.  When you wear ribbons with breast insignia, comply with Section 2 of this Chapter.  (Figure 5-1-1).
 
1.  Manner of Wear.  Wear both large medals and ribbons that do not have corresponding large medals on Full Dress Uniforms.  Center ribbons on the right breast in the same relative position as the holding bar of the lowest row of medals.  Arrange ribbons in order of precedence in rows from top down and inboard to outboard.  Wear either the senior ribbon or all ribbons.  These ribbons include: Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy "E", Navy Fleet Marine Force Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Foreign Unit Awards, Marksmanship, etc.  Personnel awarded only ribbons that do not have corresponding large medals will wear the ribbons on the right side as mentioned above.
 
2. Do not wear ribbons on uniforms requiring miniature medals.
 
1.  Manner of Wear.  Large medals are worn on the wearer’s left side of the service coat and jumper of Full Dress uniforms.  When wearing more than one medal, suspend them from a holding bar that supports the medals' weight.  Place the holding bar of the lowest row of medals centered 1/4 inch above the left breast pocket and parallel to the deck.  On female coats without pockets, medals will be placed on the wearer’s left side with the lower horizontal holding bar placed approximately 6-1/4 inches down as measured from the shoulder seam and centered over the front seam.  The bars measure 4-1/8 inches wide, and each row of medals is 3-1/4 inches long from the top of the suspension ribbons to bottom of medals, so that bottom of medals dress in a horizontal line.  Multiple rows of medals should be grouped with the same number of medals in each row, with the lesser number in the top row if necessary.  A maximum of three medals may be worn side by side in a single row with no overlap.  Arrange four or more medals (maximum of five in a single row) following the layout in Table 5-3-1.  Overlapping will be proportional and the inboard medal will show in full.  Mount the medals so they cover the suspension ribbons of the medals below.
 
2.  Arrangement.  Arrange medals in order of precedence in rows from top down, inboard to outboard, within rows.  Service members possessing more than five medals may either wear the five senior medals or all of them.

3.  Medal of Honor with Large Medals.  When wearing either large or miniature medals, wear the Medal of Honor pendant on a suspension ribbon placed around the neck.  When wearing this medal with the male and female service dress white coat, place the ribbon outside the coat collar.  Place the ribbon between the shirt and coat collar with all other coats.
 
4.  Polishing Medals.  The wear of anodized, plated, or highly polished medals is prohibited except for personnel permanently assigned to the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard in Washington, D.C.
 
5.  Medals with Breast Insignia.  When wearing large medals with breast insignia, comply with Section 2 of this Chapter figures 5-3-1, 2, 3-a, 3-b and 4.in a single row with no overlap.  Arrange four or more medals (maximum of five in a single row) following the layout in Table 5-3-1.  Overlapping will be proportional and the inboard medal will show in full.  Mount the medals so they cover the suspension ribbons of the medals below.
      
Figure 5-3-1 Full Dress Blue Male Officer and CPO
  

Figure 5-3-1 Full Dress Blue Male Officer and CPO

  
   
Figure 5-3-2 Full Dress White Male Officer and CPO (CPOs wear collar insignia)
  
Figure 5-3-2 Full Dress White Male Officer and CPO (CPOs wear collar insignia)
  
   
Figure 5-3-3-a Full Dress Blue Female Officer and CPO
  
Figure 5-3-3-a Full Dress Blue Female Officer and CPO
  
   
Figure 5-3-3-b Full Dress White Female Officer and CPO (CPOs wear collar insignia)
  
Figure 5-3-3-b Full Dress White Female Officer and CPO (CPOs wear collar insignia)
  
   
Figure 5-3-4 Full Dress White or Blue (Jumper) (E1-E6)
  
Figure 5-3-4 Full Dress White or Blue (Jumper) (E1-E6)

 
 		  
   
             
 
1.  Manner of Wear.  Wear miniature medals with all formal dress uniforms and dinner dress uniforms.  Each row of miniatures is 2-1/4 inches long, from top of the suspension ribbons to bottom of medals, so the bottom of medals dress in a horizontal line.  Position medals so they cover the suspension ribbons of the medals in the rows below.
          a.  Males.  On formal and dinner dress jackets, place the holding bar of the lowest row of miniature medals 3 inches below the notch, centered on the lapel, parallel to the deck, figure 5-3-5.  On blue and white service coats, center the lower horizontal hold­ing bar 1/4 inch above the left breast pocket parallel to the deck, figures 5-3-6 and 5-3-7.
 
Figure 5-3-5 Dinner Dress Jacket (Male)
Figure 5-3-5 Dinner Dress Jacket (Male)
 
Figure 5-3-6 Dinner Dress Blue Male Officer and CPO
Figure 5-3-6 Dinner Dress Blue Male Officer and CPO
 
Figure 5-3-7 Dinner Dress White Male Officer and CPO (CPOs wear collar insignia)
Figure 5-3-7 Dinner Dress White Male Officer and CPO (CPOs wear collar insignia)
 
b.  Females.  On formal dress or dinner dress jackets, place the holding bar of the lowest row of miniature medals in the same relative position as on the men's dinner dress jackets, down 1/3 the distance between the shoulder seam and coat hem,figure 5-3-8. On the female Service Dress Blue coat, center the holding bar of the lowest row of miniature medals 1/4 inch above the left pocket flap parallel to the deck, figure 5-3-9-a.  On the female Service Dress White (Choker) Coat, miniature medals will be placed on the wearer’s left side with the holding bar of the lowest row of miniature medals placed approximately 6-1/4 inches down from the bottom intersection of the front seam and shoulder seam and centered over the front seam, figure 5-3-9-b.

 
 
Figure 5-3-8 Dinner Dress White and Blue Jacket (Female)
  
Figure 5-3-8 Dinner Dress White and Blue Jacket (Female)
 
  
   
Figure 5-3-9-a Dinner Dress Blue Female Officer and CPO
  
Figure 5-3-9-a Dinner Dress Blue Female Officer and CPO
 
  
   
Figure 5-3-9-b Dinner Dress White Female Officer and CPO (CPOs wear collar insignia)
  
Figure 5-3-9-b Dinner Dress White Female Officer and CPO (CPOs wear collar insignia)
 
 
   
 
c.  E1-E6 Jumper Uniforms.  On jumper uniforms, men and women place the holding bar of the lowest row of miniature medals 1/4 inch above the pocket parallel to the deck, figure 5-3-10.
Figure 5-3-10 Dinner Dress Blue and White (Jumper) (E1-E6)
Figure 5-3-10 Dinner Dress Blue and White (Jumper) (E1-E6)
 
 

2. Arrangement.   Wear up to five miniature medals in a row with no overlap.  Arrange six or more miniature medals following the layout in Table 5-3-1.  Arrange medals in order of precedence in rows from top down, inboard to outboard, within rows.  Service members possessing five or more medals may either wear the five senior medals or all of them.  On the dinner dress jacket, center up to three miniature medals on the lapel.  Position four or more miniatures starting at the inner edge of the lapel extending beyond the lapel on to the body of the jacket.
 
3.  Medal of Honor with Miniature Medals.  When wearing miniature medals, wear the Medal of Honor as described in article 5314.3.

4.  Polishing Medals.  The wear of anodized, plated, or highly polished medals is prohibited except for personnel permanently assigned to the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard in Washington, D.C.

5.  Miniature Medals with Breast Insignia.  When wearing miniature medals with breast insignia, comply with Chapter 5, Section 2.
 
 
1.  General.  Wear stars, oak leaf clusters, clasps, letters and other miscellaneous devices on the suspension ribbon of large and miniature medals, and on the ribbon bars as follows:

2.  Manner of Wear.
a.  Center a single device on the ribbon:  stars with two rays pointing down; oak leaf clusters as horizontally as possible with stems of the leaves pointing to the wearer's right.
 
b.  Place multiples of the same attachment in a horizontal line close to and symmetrically about the center of the ribbon.  Multiple oak leaf clusters may be tilted slightly downward to the wearer's right for placing the maximum
allowed number of clusters and other devices on the ribbon.  If oak leaf clusters on one ribbon are tilted, clusters on all ribbons will be tilted for standardization.

c.  When wearing stars or oak leaf clusters with other devices, such as the bronze letter "V", arrange them symmetrically on the ribbon in relation to the centered device; the first star (cluster) to the wearer's right;
the second to his left, etc.  (Figure 5-3-11).

d.  When wearing bronze/gold star or bronze oak leaf cluster attachments, in addition to a silver star or silver oak leaf attachment, arrange the bronze/gold stars (bronze oak leaf clusters) symmetrically
on the ribbon in relation to the centered silver device; the first star (cluster) to the wearer's right; the second to the wearer's left, etc.  (Figure 5-3-11).
 
e.  When medals overlap, wear all attachments to the wearer's left centered on the visible portion of suspension ribbons.  If all attachments are not visible after moving to the left, they may be worn vertically.

f.  There are two types of "attachments" for ribbons - "individual" attachments or "single-constructed" (two or more devices manufactured together).  When individual attachment(s) is affixed to the ribbon, the attachment(s)
will be equally spaced on the ribbon.  If a single‑constructed attachment is used, it will be centered on the ribbon.  If a single-constructed attachment is used on one ribbon, it will be used on all ribbons worn.  (Exception: 
Single-constructed attachments may be mixed with "individual" attachments if combination of devices authorized to be worn on a ribbon are not available as a "single-constructed" device.  For example, a silver and bronze
device cannot be purchased as single-constructed attachment.)
 
3.  Large Medals and Ribbons

a.  Oak Leaf Clusters (Large)

(1) Wear large (7/16 inch) bronze oak leaf clusters on the suspension ribbons of large medals and 5/16 inch on ribbons (ribbon bars) of the following for second and subsequent awards
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Joint Meritorious Unit Award(2) A silver oak leaf cluster is worn in lieu of five bronze oak leaf clusters.

b.  Stars(1) Gold Stars.  Wear (5/16 inch) gold stars for second and subsequent awards of any Navy Military Decoration (see article 5305).

(2)  Silver Stars.  Wear silver stars in lieu of five gold or five bronze stars.  Silver stars are the same size as the gold or bronze stars which they replace.  Individuals who have received a letter of commendation
from the Secretary of the Navy for performance of duty during WWI wear a 3/16 inch silver star for each citation on the suspension ribbon and ribbon (ribbon bar) of the WWI Victory Medal.

(3) Bronze Stars

(a) Wear 3/16 inch bronze stars on the suspension ribbons of medals and on ribbons (ribbon bars) of the following for second or subsequent awards: Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon
Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon
Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon
Prisoner of War Medal
Navy Good Conduct Medal
Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal
Navy Expeditionary Medal
China Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Southwest Asia Service Medal
Armed Forces Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
Naval Reserve Sea Service Ribbon
Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon
Navy Recruiting Service Ribbon
Navy Recruit Training Service Ribbon
Navy Ceremonial Guard Service Ribbon
Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)Medal

(b) Wear bronze stars on the suspension ribbon of miniature medals and on ribbons (ribbon bars) of the following awards in lieu of the clasp authorized on the suspension ribbon of large medals: World War I Victory Medal
American Defense Service Medal

4.  Miniature Medals.  Attachments for miniature medals are 1/8 inch except the bronze and silver oak leaf clusters and numerals which are 5/16 inch.  If four oak leaf clusters are worn on the suspension ribbon on minia­ture medals, the
fourth one will be placed above the middle oak leaf cluster in a row of three.

5317.  LETTER DEVICES

1.  General.  Letter devices are worn on the suspension ribbons of medals and on the ribbons (ribbon bars) specified below.

2.  Manner of Wear.  Center a letter device on the ribbon.

3.  Bronze Letter "A".  Individuals who served on vessels in actual or potential belligerent contact with Axis forces in the Atlantic Ocean wear a bronze letter "A" on the suspension ribbon and on the ribbon (ribbon bar) of the American Defense Service Medal. 
When wearing the "A", do not wear a star.

4.  Bronze Letter "C"  (Combat Conditions Device).  The bronze letter "C" may be worn on the following ribbons if the citation specifically authorizes the "C" for meritorious service or achievement under combat conditions: 
Decorations awarded after 07 January 2016:  Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and
Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.  Arrange gold, bronze or silver stars, or the oak leaf cluster indicating subsequent awards of the medal (except Air Medal (see article 5319.7),
in a horizontal line beside the "C" symmetrically in the center of the suspension ribbons of large and miniature medals (position as detailed below).  Arrange them in a horizontal line on the ribbon bar with the "C" in the center and the first star to the wearer's right,
the second to the wearer's left, and so on. 
If previous or subsequently awarded medal with "V" and/or "R" device, arrange the "C" after the "V" but before the "R", then arrange the stars to the wearer's right and left, and so on.
5.  Gold Letter "N".  Individuals who earned the Presidential Unit Citation awarded to USS NAUTILUS (SSN-571) for having participated in the cruise of that vessel under the Arctic Ice cap from 22 July to 5 August 1958, are authorized to wear a gold block letter "N"
centered on the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon (ribbon bar).
6.  Bronze Letter "R" (Remote Impact Device).  The bronze letter "R" may be worn on the following ribbons if the citation specifically authorizes the "R" for direct hands-on employment of
a weapon system, or for other warfighting activities that had a direct and immediate impact on a combat operation or other military operation not exposing the individual to hostile action or place him or her at significant risk to hostile action: 
Decorations awarded after to 06 January 2016:  Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service medal, Meritorious Service
Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.  Wear only one "R".  Arrange gold, bronze, or silver stars, or the oak leaf cluster indicating
subsequent awards of the, in a horizontal line beside the "R" symmetrically in the center of the suspension ribbons of large and miniature medals (position as detailed below).  Arrange them in a horizontal line on the ribbon bar with the "R" in the center and the first
star to the wearer's right, the second to the wearer's left, and so on.  If previous or subsequently awarded medal with "V" and/or "C" device, arrange the "R" after the "V" and/or "C", then arrange the stars to the wearer's right and left, and so on.
7.  Bronze Letter "V"  (Valor Device).  The bronze letter "V" may be worn on the following ribbons if the citation specifically authorizes the "V" for valor (heroism):  Decorations awarded prior to 1974:  Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy
Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal.  Decorations awarded after 1974:  Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal.  Wear only one "V".  Arrange gold, bronze or
silver stars, or the oak leaf cluster indicating subsequent
awards of the medal (except Air Medal (see article 5319.7), in a horizontal line beside the "V" symmetrically in the center of the suspension ribbons of large and miniature medals (position as detailed below).  Arrange them in a horizontal line on the ribbon bar with the
"V" in the center and the first star to the wearer's right, the second to the wearer's left, and so on.
Figure 5-3-11 will be updated to show the arrangement of multiple lettered awards and/or stars on medals for proper placement.

*5318. CLASPS

1.  General.  Wear clasps on the suspension ribbon of large medals only, and below other attachments.  Place bronze stars, letters, or other devices in lieu of clasps on the suspension ribbon of miniature medals and on ribbons (bars) as shown in Figure 5-3-11.

2.  American Defense Service Medal.  Wear "Fleet" and "Base" clasps with this medal to denote service in the fleet and overseas bases respectively.

3.  Antarctica Service Medal.  Personnel who have stayed on the Antarctica continent during the winter months are eligible to wear a bronze "Wintered Over" clasp with this medal.  A gold clasp is authorized for a second wintering over period and silver clasp for
three or more wintering over periods.  Not more than one clasp is worn on the ribbon.

*5319. MISCELLANEOUS DEVICES

1.  Airlift Device.  Navy personnel serving at least 90 consecutive days with units in direct support of the Berlin Airlift between 26 June 1948 - 30 September 1949 are eligible to wear a gold color miniature of a "C-54" type aircraft centered on the suspension
ribbon of the Navy Occupation Service Medal and on the ribbon (bar) with the nose pointing upward at a 30 degree angle and toward the wearer's right.  If a clasp is worn on the suspension ribbon of the medal, center the airlift device above it.

2.  Fleet Marine Force Combat Operation Insignia.  Navy personnel who have been attached to a Fleet Marine Force Unit in active combat with an armed enemy beginning with World War II are authorized to wear a 1/8 inch
bronze miniature Marine Corps emblem centered on the suspension ribbon of the World War II Area Campaign Medal, Korean Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Southwest Asia Service Medal. 
Only one device is centered on a ribbon or medal.  Other attachments (stars, etc.) are arranged on either side, with first to wearer's right, second to wearer's left, and so on.

3. Hour Glass and "M" Devices
a.  Naval Reserve personnel may be awarded an hour glass device in lieu of a subsequent Armed Forces Reserve Medal (AFRM) for each 10 years of service.  The initial AFRM and ribbon are designed with a bronze hour glass
attachment centered on the suspension ribbon of the medal and centered on the ribbon for the first 10-year period.  For the second 10-year period, a silver hour glass is awarded; third 10-year period, a gold hour glass is award­ed;
and fourth 10-year period, a gold hour glass followed by a bronze hour glass is awarded.  A bronze "M" device, if awarded, may be worn on the AFRM with a number indicating the number of times it is awarded.

b.  Appropriate wear of the AFRM:(1) Not entitled to "M" device, but entitled to AFRM:  AFRM with appropriate bronze/silver/gold hour glass centered on ribbon bar and suspension ribbon.(2) Entitled to "M" device and
AFRM (based upon qualifying years of service):  AFRM with "M" device and appropriate hour glass device positioned on the wearer's right with "M" device centered.(3) Entitled to "M" device, but not otherwise entitled to AFRM:  A
FRM with "M" device centered on the ribbon bar and suspension ribbon.(4) Subsequent Awards:  Indicated by a bronze Arabic number positioned on the wearer's left.  Numbers will begin with 2" and continue.

4.  Gold Globe Device.  Personnel entitled to the Presidential Unit Citation awarded to the USS TRITION (SSN(N)586) wear a gold globe centered on the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon (bar).

5.  Antarctica Wintered Over Disc.  Personnel who stayed on Antarctica during the winter months are eligible to wear a bronze disc, with an outline of the Antarctica inscribed on it, on the suspension ribbon of the
miniature medal and on the ribbon bar.  A gold disc is authorized for a second winter period and a silver disc for three or more winter periods.  Wear no more than one disc on the ribbon. 
Center the disc on the ribbon or the miniature medal so the peninsula points up.

6.  Strike/Flight Numerals.  Personnel receiving Strike/Flight awards of the Air Medal wear a bronze 5/16 inch Arabic numeral on the Air Medal indicating the total number of awards received after 9 April 1962. 
Position numerals on the ribbon bar of the Air Medal as far to the wearer's left as possible without overlapping the edge.  On the suspension ribbons of large and miniature medals,
place the numerals symmetrically below the center of the suspension ribbon.

7. Single Mission/Individual Awards.  Personnel receiving Single Mission/Individual awards of the Air Medal wear a 3/16 inch bronze star on the Air Medal for first award, and 5/16 inch gold
Arabic numerals to denote the total number of individual awards.  For initial award only, center the bronze star.  When second award is earned, replace the bronze star with gold Arabic numeral. 
If wearing Bronze Letter "V" (Combat Distinguishing Device), center "V" on the ribbon bar and arrange stars symmetrically in relation to the "V"; first star to the wearer's right, second to left, etc. 
On the suspension ribbons of large and miniature medals, center the Bronze Letter "V" directly below the Single Mission/Individual star/stars (Figure 5-3-11).

8.  Gold Bar.  Wear gold bar on suspension ribbon for each subsequent award of the Silver Life Saving Medal.

9.  Silver Bar.  Wear silver bar on suspension ribbon for each subsequent award of the Gold Life Saving Medal.

10.  Gold Compass Rose.  Wear a gold compass rose on the suspension ribbon and ribbon bar for each subsequent award of the National Security Medal.

11.  Planet Symbol.  Wear a ball-shaped object symbolizing a planet, with wing configuration, on the suspension ribbon and ribbon bar for each subsequent award of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Distinguished Service Medal.

12.  Vietnamese Gallantry Cross.  Wear this award with the appropriate device designating the level for which the award was presented.  In order of precedence, a palm indicates "cited before the Army",
a gold star indicates "cited before the Corps", a
bronze star indicates "cited before the Regiment".  For personnel who have been cited at several levels, recognition is afforded as outlined below:

a.  Wear only one Gallantry Cross award (medal or ribbon bar) regardless of the number received.  For multiple awards, wear as many authorized devices that will fit on one medal or ribbon bar. 
Wear the devices for subsequent awards in order of seniority from the wearer's right.

b.  Wear a 3/4 inch palm device for multiple awards, on the suspension ribbon of the large medal, and a 3/8 inch palm on the ribbon bar or suspension ribbon of the miniature medal. 
The star devices (gold, silver, or bronze) remain the same size as authorized for the initial award.

c.  Wear gold frames with the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation of the Gallantry Cross and Civil Action with palm.  The palm for this award measures 9/16 inch in length with a 1/8 inch stem and four front leaves a­ttached like a branch. 
No medal is authorized for this citation.  The stem of the palm is to the wearer's right.

13.  Navy "E".  The Navy "E" ribbon is designed with a 3/16 inch silver "E" attachment centered on the ribbon.  Members who earn the second and third award add an additional 3/16 inch silver "E" attachment for each award.  Place multiple "E"
attachments in a symmetrical, horizontal line in the center of the ribbon.  For four or more awards, wear only one 3/16 inch silver wreathed "E" attachment centered on the ribbon.

14.  "S" and "E".  Qualifications for marksmanship awards are listed in OPNAVINST 3591.1C.  Those who quali­fy for marksman rate a ribbon with no attachment.  Those who qualify for sharpshooter rate a ribbon with a 1/4 inch bronze "S" attachment. 
Those who qualify for expert rate a ribbon and medal.  The ribbon has a 1/4 inch silver "E" attachment and the medal has no attachments.

15.  Gold Wreath Awards.  Personnel receiving “Gold Wreath” awards for superior productivity will wear a bronze 5/16 inch Arabic numeral on the Recruiting Service Ribbon indicating the total number of awards received after 1 January 1980. 
(Note:  This corresponds to the period of service for the Recruiting Service Ribbon).  Position numerals on the Recruiting Service Ribbon as far as to the wearer’s left as possible without overlapping the edge.  Personnel receiving Individual Awards of the
Recruiting Service Ribbon wear a 3/16 inch bronze star for second and subsequent awards.
 
LOCATION OF RIBBON ATTACHMENTS
 
LOCATION OF RIBBON ATTACHMENTS
 
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