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How to Mount Large Navy Medals

Perhaps you are a collector, you want to display your collection of medals or, perhaps, when your great-great Uncle So-and-So left you his Navy medals, you did not know what to do with them. In any case, there are several options for displaying military medals. If you remember that there is a specific etiquette concerning the order and display of Navy medals, their mounting and display will represent a fine tribute.

Things You'll Need

Display case or table
Military ribbon holder
Miniature decorative lock and hasp (if necessary)

Instructions

How to Mount Large Navy Medals
- 1
  Pick a type of display method. Medals are usually displayed in a shadow box or frame with a glass cover to protect the contents or in a display table. If the display is being created for someone who is currently a service member, leave room to add any additional medals he may be earn.
- 2
  Use a chart to help you get them in the right order. The most current and accurate chart is provided by the Navy's Bureau of Personnel (BUPERS), which includes awards dating back to World War I. The Pentagon has a precedence chart online that includes decorations dating back to 1782 (the Purple Heart) and include all campaigns and awards for any military action undertaken in the history of the United States.
- 3
  Mount large medals only (the miniatures are for wear on the mess dress uniform and informal wear by retirees on formal wear) . Mount the medals using the mounting pin on their back where possible. Plastic clips are available commercially for those medals that have lost their mounting pin.
- 4
  Use a ribbon holder to display ribbons. Not all decorations have medals, but all medals have a ribbon. Using a ribbon holder will allow you to display both. Ribbon holders are available through Naval Exchanges, commercial medal suppliers and most military surplus companies.
- 5
  Choose a locking display, regardless of the display method you choose. Most display cases are accessed from the rear, making access a bit more secure. Even so, invest in a small hasp and a miniature lock to minimize the possibility of unmonitored access.

Collecting Memorabilia