ARTICLE

Finding an old military medal often raises an important and emotional question: who did this medal belong to? Whether the medal was inherited, discovered in a collection, or purchased at auction, uncovering the identity behind it can transform an object into a personal piece of history. This guide explains how to find out who a … Read more

One of the most common questions asked by people who inherit or collect military medals is simple: why are military medals unnamed? Finding an old medal with no name engraved on it often leads to confusion and concern about authenticity or value. In reality, unnamed military medals are completely normal, especially for certain countries and … Read more

Finding old military medals can raise an important question: how much are they worth? Whether the medals belonged to a family member, were inherited, or discovered in a collection, valuing military medals requires more than a quick online search. Age alone does not determine value, and some common medals can be worth very little, while … Read more

Replica military medals are widely bought and sold by collectors, families, reenactors, and museums. However, many people hesitate before purchasing them because of one important question: are replica military medals legal? The short answer is yes, replica military medals are legal in most countries—but there are important legal and ethical rules you must understand. This … Read more

When identifying a World War II medal, the ribbon is often more important than the medal itself. Many WWII medals share similar shapes, sizes, and inscriptions, but ribbon colors and stripe patterns are usually unique to each award. This guide explains how to identify WWII medals by ribbon colors, even when the medal is unnamed, … Read more

You’ll spot movies and TV shows with military characters wearing rows of medals. Sometimes Hollywood gets it right, but sometimes they toss history and regulations aside for drama. Official ceremonies, Veterans Day parades, and even news stories usually feature real military decorations. If you spot a ribbon or medal you don’t recognize, sites like The … Read more

When U.S. military members take part in UN peacekeeping or allied operations, they can be eligible for joint service or foreign medals. Wearing these often comes with extra paperwork and permissions, and the rules for showing them off are laid out in each branch’s dress regulations.

The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, and Coast Guard all have their own takes on what needs to be recognized, and how. For instance, the Navy and Marine Corps can award the Navy Cross, while the Air Force offers its Air Force Cross. Looking at official instructions and visual charts is really helpful … Read more

The order that awards and decorations are worn matters a lot. Precedence puts the biggest honors closest to the heart where they get the most attention. Following the guidelines shows both respect for tradition and lifts up the achievements of the wearer.

Learning about military awards can be tricky because there are so many traditions, rules, and exceptions. Here are some common things people find confusing and a few ways to tackle them: Understanding Precedence: Awards are worn in a special order, with the highest honors closest to the heart. Each branch publishes charts or pamphlets outlining … Read more