Can Soldiers Wear Medals from Other Nations' Uniforms?

Service members often wonder about wearing medals awarded by foreign nations. This is a complex issue with several stipulations and administrative processes required to do so. In this article, we explore the rules surrounding the wearing of foreign medals and the unique circumstances under which they can be worn.

Regulations and Limitations

Members of the armed forces are generally not permitted to wear foreign country or entity-issued medals unless explicitly granted permission by Congress. This process is rigorous and involves specific administrative procedures. For instance, if a soldier earns a medal from another nation, they may only wear a limited number of such awards at any given time. These restrictions ensure that only authentic and approved decorations are displayed on the uniform.

Examples of Approved Medals

There have been instances where Congress has approved the wearing of foreign decorations. France, South Korea, South Vietnam, Kuwait, and the United Nations are some organizations that have issued medals for US service members. These approvals are typically given after thorough deliberation and validation of the authenticity and relevance of the medals.

Personal Stories and Historical Context

The history of foreign awards is rich with stories of valor and sacrifice. A common example in the U.S. Army is the German Marksmanship Award. This rare and prestigious award, while not issued by the U.S. military, is worn as a testament to the exceptional skills of the recipients.

A notable personal story comes from Great Uncle Albert, who served with the Royal Welch Fusiliers during the Somme Offensive in World War I. He was awarded the prestigious Victoria Cross, as well as the Croix de Guerre from France and the Cross of St. George from Russia. These important medals were kept as a proud keepsake and are now displayed in the Regimental Museum in Caernarfon Castle, Wales. This story underscores the lasting significance of such medals in the annals of military history.

Acceptance of Foreign Medals

Service members can indeed accept foreign medals, provided they are approved by their respective military departments. For example, many U.S. soldiers wear Vietnamese Unit Citations and even Kuwait Desert Storm medals. However, some awards, such as the one authorized by the Iraqi government for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom, require the issuing country to provide the initial issue, which was not feasible in this case.

Conclusion

The rules governing the wearing of foreign medals are nuanced and multifaceted. While there are restrictions and administrative processes in place, there is an acknowledgment of the historical and personal significance of these awards. Whether earned in the heat of battle or issued through special Congressional approval, foreign decorations play a vital role in commemorating the brave deeds of service members.