Opinion! A Phony Hero for a Phony War

[Betonov]

Originally Posted by August

If it were up to me I would limit ribbons to three rows, qualification badges to two only.

But weren't those ribbons earned

[Oberon]

Someone's hard-drive needs defragging...


Still, can't beat the Soviets for medal collections:


Zhukov, who never managed to get through airport security unscathed.

Earned, though, no doubt about that.

[August]

Originally Posted by Oberon

Earned, though, no doubt about that.

I'm sure they were although wearing the actual medal instead of the ribbon is only for special occasions. This is how he would have normally have dressed.



Now note that many of Zukov's medals are duplicates. In our army subsequent awards are identified by a oak leaf cluster pin or similar indication on the medal or ribbon itself. If we wore our awards like the Soviets did then Petraeus would have so many ribbons you wouldn't be able to tell what color his uniform was.

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with a General having a lot of medals, just with displaying all of them all the time. It makes them look cheap and showy (imo).

[Oberon]

Originally Posted by August

I'm sure they were although wearing the actual medal instead of the ribbon is only for special occasions. This is how he would have normally have dressed.



Now note that many of Zukov's medals are duplicates. In our army subsequent awards are identified by a oak leaf cluster pin or similar indication on the medal or ribbon itself. If we wore our awards like the Soviets did then Petraeus would have so many ribbons you wouldn't be able to tell what color his uniform was.

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with a General having a lot of medals, just with displaying all of them all the time. It makes them look cheap and showy (imo).

I hear you, and I agree. There's such a thing as going a tad too far with medals and ribbons, but really I think it's at the disgression and taste of the wearer. Having absolutely zero medals and ribbons to my name (well...aside from the badge to the left of this post ) I can't really say how I'd wear them, but I tend to think of this pic:

[August]

Originally Posted by Betonov

But weren't those ribbons earned

Sure they are, but that doesn't mean they have to wear every single one they ever received, some, like the national defense ribbon for just being in the military.

[Betonov]

Originally Posted by August

Sure they are, but that doesn't mean they have to wear every single one they ever received, some, like the national defense ribbon for just being in the military.

Only 3 rows of top achievements, got it