The Formal Uniforms
The Formal Uniform will consist of the Basic Cover, as with all other uniforms. The shirt will be a formal pleated shirt, with a
standard collar and no ruffles. The tie will be a black, military, bow tie. The shirt will have gold cuff links and gold studs.

The Chapel of Four Chaplains medal may be worn with this uniform, as an option and the Marine Corps League Blazer Crest or
Bullion Seal is optional when miniature medals are worn.

The red mess jacket is worn with this uniform, but the red blazer may be worn as an option, due to the high cost of the red mess
jacket, which is ordered through an outside clothier. If the red mess jacket is worn, it will be a medium weight gabardine
material with Marine Corps League buttons, a gold waist chain and the Sunburst Insignia in locating holes in the jacket collar.
The buttons are sewn on, three to a sleeve and three on either side of the waist, as illustrated.

A gold cummerbund or gold vest front is to be worn with this uniform. They are both sold through National, see the Detachment
Paymaster about ordering.

Black tuxedo pants are worn with this uniform, but black trousers are an accepted option. The belt and buckle can be either of
the belts worn with the Casual Uniform. Shoes and socks are the same as the Casual Uniform.

When wearing the red mess jacket, large medals may be worn as described below. When wearing the red blazer, miniature
medals are authorized as described below, but not the large medals.


Mounting of Large Medals.
When more than one medal is worn, they shall be suspended from a holding bar of metal or other material of sufficient stiffness
to support the weight of the medals. No more than seven medals are to be worn on one row.

When more than seven medals are worn, additional rows shall be used. When more than four medals are on a single row, they
are to overlap evenly, on a four ribbon bar, up to seven medals.

When eight or more medals are worn, the lower row will contain the same number as, or one more than, the upper row and
overlap evenly, up to seven medals. The upper row will be side by side up to four medals, then overlapping if the second row
is more than four medals and less than seven. The upper row, should never be more than one medal greater in number than
the lower row.

In the event that more than fourteen medals are worn, they are to be placed on three rows, with the lower and middle rows
containing the same number of medals and the top row, either the same number or one less than the middle row.

At no time are there to be more than seven medals to a row. Any time there are more than four medals to a row, they are to be
overlapped evenly (no more than 50%) and the upper rows will have no more than one more medal than the next lower row.

Sound confusing? Here it is, all spelled out for you.

One or two medals, 1 row side by side on a 2 ribbon bar.
One to three medals, 1 row side by side on a 3 ribbon bar.
One to four medals, 1 row side by side on a 4 ribbon bar.
One to five medals, 1 row overlapping on a 4 ribbon bar.
One to six medals, 1 row overlapping on a 4 ribbon bar.
One to seven medals, 1 row overlapping on a 4 ribbon bar.
Eight medals, 2 rows on two (2) - 4 ribbon bars (4 up and 4 down)
Nine medals, 2 rows on two (2) - 4 ribbon bars (4 up and 5 down)
Ten medals, 2 rows on two (2) - 4 ribbon bars (5 up and 5 down)
Eleven medals, 2 rows on two (2) - 4 ribbon bars (5 up and 6 down)
Twelve medals, 2 rows on two (2) - 4 ribbon bars (6 up and 6 down)
Thirteen medals, 2 rows on two (2) - 4 ribbon bars (6 up and 7 down)
Fourteen medals, 2 rows on two (2) - 4 ribbon bars (7 up and 7 down)
Fifteen medals, 3 rows on two (3) - 4 ribbon bars (5 each row)
Sixteen medals, 3 rows on two (3) - 4 ribbon bars (5 up, 5 middle and 6 down)
Seventeen medals, 3 rows on two (3) - 4 ribbon bars (5 up, 6 middle and 6 down)
Eighteen medals, 3 rows on two (3) - 4 ribbon bars (6 up, 6 middle and 6 down)
Nineteen medals, 3 rows on two (3) - 4 ribbon bars (6 up, 6 middle and 7 down)
And so on, adding rows as needed.


Wearing of Miniature Medals (Formal Dress Only)
A: Miniature medals may be worn on the left lapel of the red blazer with the medals placed evenly between the left lapel notch
and the top edge of the breast pocket and one inch out from the edge of the inside of the left lapel. In those instances where
regulation size holding bars cannot be accommodated on the lapel, medals may be extended beyond the edge of the lapel to
the left breast of the red blazer.

B: Additional holding bars on the Red Blazer shall be placed under the top row in such a manner that the medallions of the
upper row are in line immediately above the medallions of the succeeding row, unless medal count is uneven.

Note: This applies only if wearing the Blazer.  When wearing the Marine Corps League Mess Jacket, miniatures will be worn as
you would large medals.


Mounting of Miniature Medals
A. When more than one (1) medal is worn, they should be suspended from a holding bar of metal or other material of sufficient
stiffness to support the weight of the medals.

B. When eleven (11) medals are worn, there will be five (5) medals on the first row, and six (6) medals on the second row
(medallions cannot be even top to bottom).

C. The maximum length of the holding bar for medals should be four (4) inches, (3 ribbon bar).  A maximum of firve (5) medals,
side by side, can be accommodated on a holding bar of maximum length, however, a maximum of ten (10) medals can be
accommodated on a holding bar if overlapped.  Overlapping shall be equal (not more than 50%) and the right or inboard medal
shall be shown in full.

D. Mounting of medals by rows:
One to ten medals, 1 row only
One to eleven medals, 2 rows - first row (5), second row (6)
Two medals mounted side by side on a one (1) inch bar ( 1 ribbon bar)
Three medals mounted on a one (1) inch bar (1 ribbon bar) overlapped
Four medals mounted on a two (2) inch bar (2 ribbon bar) overlapped

When more than one (1) of the same medal has been awarded, stars shall be worn for additional awards.
Marine Corps League Authorized Uniforms
Click on each link for information about that uniform.
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