How to Store Military Medals Without Damaging Them.

How to Protect and Preserve Military Awards

Military medals are lasting reminders of honorable service, sacrifice, and achievement. Whether they were earned during decades of military service or passed down through generations, these awards deserve proper care and protection. Unfortunately, many medals become damaged because they are stored incorrectly. Exposure to moisture, sunlight, heat, dust, and improper handling can cause ribbons to fade, metals to tarnish, and important historical items to deteriorate.

Proper storage doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. By using the right materials and following a few simple preservation practices, you can keep military medals in excellent condition for decades. Whether you’re storing a single Purple Heart, an entire retirement collection, or a family heirloom from World War II, this guide explains the best ways to preserve military awards for future generations.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Military medals are made from a combination of metals, fabric ribbons, enamel, and mounting hardware. Each of these materials reacts differently to environmental conditions.

Poor storage can lead to:

Tarnished metal finishes
Faded ribbons
Rust or corrosion
Mold and mildew
Bent suspension bars
Scratched surfaces
Loose mounting hardware
Lost medals or ribbon devices

Many of these problems are permanent and can reduce both the historical and sentimental value of military awards.

Choose the Right Storage Location

Where you store military medals is just as important as how you store them.

The ideal storage area should be:

Cool throughout the year
Dry with low humidity
Clean and dust-free
Away from direct sunlight
Protected from large temperature changes

A bedroom closet, home office, or climate-controlled storage room is usually an excellent choice.

Avoid storing medals in:

Attics
Garages
Basements
Storage sheds
Vehicles
Damp crawl spaces

Extreme temperatures and humidity are among the biggest threats to long-term preservation.

Use Acid-Free Storage Materials

Ordinary cardboard boxes and paper products often contain acids that slowly damage fabrics and metals over time.

Instead, choose archival-quality storage materials such as:

Acid-free storage boxes
Acid-free tissue paper
Museum-quality storage sleeves
Archival foam inserts
Cotton storage bags
Lignin-free paper

These materials are designed for long-term preservation and are commonly used by museums and archives.

Store Medals in Individual Compartments

When medals are stacked together, they can scratch one another or become tangled.

Whenever possible:

Store each medal separately.
Use divided storage trays.
Wrap medals individually with acid-free tissue.
Keep ribbon bars from rubbing against metal medals.

Separating awards helps preserve their original finish and prevents unnecessary wear.

Protect Ribbons From Damage

Ribbon fabric is often more fragile than the medal itself.

To keep ribbons in excellent condition:

Avoid folding ribbons sharply.
Keep them away from sunlight.
Prevent moisture exposure.
Do not place heavy objects on top of them.

If ribbons become crushed during storage, restoring their original appearance can be difficult.

Control Humidity

Moisture is one of the greatest enemies of military medals.

High humidity can cause:

Rust
Bronze disease
Mold growth
Ribbon deterioration
Corrosion of metal components

Aim for indoor humidity between 35% and 50% whenever possible.

If you live in a humid climate, a dehumidifier can help protect valuable collections.

Avoid Plastic Bags

Many people place medals inside ordinary zip-top plastic bags.

Although this seems like a good idea, some plastics can trap moisture and encourage corrosion.

Instead, use:

Archival storage containers
Museum-quality polyethylene sleeves
Acid-free envelopes
Archival display cases

These products allow for safer long-term storage.

Handle Medals Carefully

Even proper storage begins with careful handling.

Before touching military medals:

Wash and dry your hands, or
Wear clean cotton gloves.

Hold medals by their edges whenever possible to avoid leaving fingerprints on the metal or oils on ribbon fabric.

The less a medal is handled, the longer it will retain its original appearance.

Label Your Collection

If you own multiple military medals, organization becomes increasingly important.

Consider labeling storage boxes with:

Veteran’s name
Military branch
Years of service
Conflict or war
Award group
Storage date

Keeping a written inventory can also help with insurance purposes and family records.

Store Documentation Separately

Many medals are accompanied by valuable paperwork, including:

Award certificates
Citation documents
Military service records
Discharge papers
Award orders
Photographs

These documents should also be stored using archival materials but kept in separate folders or sleeves to avoid transferring inks or moisture to the medals.

Whenever possible, scan important documents and save digital copies as a backup.

Display vs. Storage

Many collectors wonder whether medals should remain in storage or be displayed.

Both options have advantages.

Storage

Storage provides the highest level of protection and is ideal for:

Rare medals
Antique awards
Family heirlooms
High-value collections

Display

Displaying medals allows family members to enjoy and appreciate military service while preserving important memories.

If displaying medals, use:

UV-protective glass
Acid-free backing
Climate-controlled rooms
Secure shadow boxes

Properly displayed medals can remain in excellent condition for many years.

Travel and Moving

Military medals are often damaged during moves.

When transporting medals:

Wrap each medal individually.
Use padded storage boxes.
Prevent medals from shifting.
Avoid placing heavy items on top of the collection.

If shipping medals, use sturdy packaging with adequate cushioning and tracking.

Inspect Your Collection Regularly

Even medals stored correctly should be inspected from time to time.

Check for:

Tarnish
Corrosion
Mold
Ribbon fading
Loose mounting hardware
Insect damage
Moisture

Early detection allows small problems to be corrected before permanent damage occurs.

Common Storage Mistakes

Avoid these common errors:

Storing medals in damp basements
Leaving medals in direct sunlight
Using acidic cardboard boxes
Wrapping medals in newspaper
Allowing medals to rub together
Using ordinary plastic bags for long-term storage
Storing medals near chemicals or cleaning supplies
Handling medals with dirty hands

Small mistakes repeated over many years can significantly shorten the life of military awards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to store military medals?

The best method is to place medals in an acid-free archival storage box or display them in a shadow box with UV-protective glass while keeping them in a cool, dry, climate-controlled environment.

Should military medals be stored in plastic bags?

Ordinary plastic bags are not recommended for long-term storage because they can trap moisture. Archival-quality storage materials are a safer choice.

Can humidity damage military medals?

Yes. High humidity can cause corrosion, tarnish, mold, and ribbon deterioration. Keeping humidity between 35% and 50% helps preserve medals.

Is it okay to stack military medals together?

No. Stacking medals can scratch metal surfaces and crush ribbons. Store medals separately whenever possible.

How often should I inspect stored medals?

Inspect your collection at least once or twice a year to check for signs of corrosion, fading, moisture, or other damage.

Final Thoughts

Military medals preserve the history of those who served and deserve the same care and respect shown during the service in which they were earned. Proper storage protects medals from unnecessary damage, ensuring they remain in excellent condition for future generations.

Whether you’re preserving a single award or an entire military collection, investing in archival-quality storage materials, maintaining a stable environment, and handling medals carefully will help safeguard these important pieces of military history for years to come.

.Military Medal Storage Guide