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Military Ribbon Bars

A military ribbon bar is a small metal bar equipped with an attaching device, which is generally issued for wear in place of a medal when it is not appropriate to wear the actual medal. At Army Surplus World we have military ribbon bars for 1 ribbon up to 26 ribbons. The military ribbon bars are made of metal with pin backs. Shop our great selection of Military Ribbon Holding Bars in our 14,000 sq ft store if you need it today or let us ship it to you. We are your source for military medals, ribbons and ribbon bars.

FAQ

What is a military ribbon bar, and when is it worn instead of a full medal?

A military ribbon bar is a small metal-backed bar worn in place of a full-size medal when wearing the actual decoration is not appropriate, such as on service dress uniforms for daily wear. It represents the same earned award as the medal itself and is positioned over the left breast of the uniform. Ribbon bars are the standard everyday alternative to full medals across all military branches.

What is the difference between a flush-spaced ribbon mount and a standard single ribbon mount?

A single ribbon mount holds one ribbon or medal and uses a straight pin with a clutch back for easy attachment. Flush-spaced ribbon mounts are multi-ribbon bars where ribbons sit side by side with no gap between them, creating a clean, neat rack appearance. Flush-spaced mounts are available in configurations holding multiple ribbons, allowing veterans with several awards to display them in a single organized bar.

How do ribbon bar mounts attach to a uniform?

The ribbon bar mounts at Army Surplus World use a straight pin with a clutch back, the same attachment style used on standard military uniform hardware. The pin slides through the uniform fabric and the clutch back snaps into place to hold it securely. This method allows the bar to be quickly attached, repositioned, or removed without damaging the uniform.

Can ribbon bar mounts also be used to display miniature medals?

Yes, the ribbon bar mounts are compatible with both standard-size ribbons and miniature medals. A single mount, for example, can hold one ribbon or two miniature medals, while larger multi-position mounts accommodate proportionally more. This makes them a flexible option for veterans who want to display miniature medal sets on dress uniforms or in display cases.

Can ribbon bars be used in display cases as well as on uniforms?

Yes, the ribbon bar mounts are suitable for both uniform wear and display case use. The pin-and-clutch attachment works on fabric uniforms, but the bars can also be positioned in shadow boxes or medal display cases to organize and present a veteran's service ribbons. This makes them a practical choice for families preserving a loved one's military record.