Devices worn on the Ribbon Awards of the U.S. Military Services

Devices Worn on Military Ribbons The following are devices that are worn on either or both the ribbon bar and suspension ribbon of Military Decorations. In most cases the individual services prescribe how the device is displayed with the exception of defense awards which are determined by the assistant secretary of defense. A maximum of FOUR devices may be worn on any single ribbon.
	The BRONZE OAK LEAF CLUSTER (OLC) is worn for the second and subsequent awards of the same medal (usually Army, Air Force, and Defense awards) to a maximum of four.
	The GOLD STAR is worn for the second and subsequent awards (usually Navy, USMC, and Coast Guard awards) of the same medal to a maximum of four.
	The SILVER OAK LEAF CLUSTER is worn in the same manner as the Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of 5 awards.
	The SILVER STAR device is worn in the same manner as the Gold Star, in lieu of 5 Gold Stars.
	The BRONZE SERVICE STAR, smaller in size than the Gold Star, is worn to indicate participation in campaigns or operations, multiple qualification, or an additional award of the same medal or ribbon.
	The SILVER SERVICE STAR, smaller in size than the Silver Star, is worn in lieu of 5 Bronze Service Stars.
	The BRONZE "V" device indicates an award for VALOR. It is worn on decorations authorized for both ACTS OF VALOR and other qualifications. It is not worn, for instance, on the Silver Star Medal which is ONLY awarded for combat heroism. The Army Commendation Medal can be awarded for Valor, service, or achievement. The "V" device does not denote a second award, but indicates the award was for combat heroism. Only ONE "V" device may be worn on any ribbon, but may be worn with Oak Leaf Clusters that indicate additional awards of the same medal.
2	A Bronze Numeral Device is worn on the AIR MEDAL and certain other awards to indicate the total number of strike/flight awards.
	The BRONZE ARROWHEAD is worn on service and suspension ribbons of campaign or service awards and indicates participation in an initial assault landing. Only ONE may be worn on any single ribbon.
	The HOURGLASS is worn on each succeeding award of the RESERVE MEDAL of each of the branches of service. A BRONZE Hourglass indicates the 1st Award, SILVER the 2nd, and GOLD the 3rd.
	The GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL CLASP is worn on the ribbons of the Good Conduct Medals of the Army and Air Force to indicate subsequent awards. The number of knots and color indicate the number of awards: Bronze with 1 knot = 1st, with 2 knots = 5th Silver with 1 knot = 6th, with 2 knots =10th Gold with 1 knot =11th, with 2 knots =15th
	GERMANY or JAPAN clasps are worn on the suspension ribbon of the ARMY OF OCCUPATION medal (Army/Air Force).
	EUROPE or ASIA clasps are worn on the suspension ribbon of the NAVY OCCUPATION SERVICE MEDAL (Navy/USMC/CG).
	The gold BERLIN AIRLIFT DEVICE is worn on the appropriate OCCUPATION MEDAL ribbons of the various services.
	The WINTERED OVER device (disc for service ribbon and bar for the suspension ribbon) indicates wintering over on the Antarctic continent. Bronze = 1st winter Gold = 2nd winter Silver = 3rd winter
	The FLEET MARINE FORCE COMBAT OPERATIONS INSIGNIA is worn on certain Navy campaign and service ribbons to note participation by Naval personnel in combat service with Marine Corps units.
	The Silver "O" device is worn on certain Coast Guard commendation awards to recognize OPERATIONAL Distinguishing Service.
M	The Bronze "M" device is worn on the Armed Forces Reserve Medal of each branch of service to indicate reservists MOBILIZED and called to active duty.
	The Silver "W" is worn by Naval Personnel on the Navy and Marine Corps' EXPEDITIONARY MEDALS to indicate participation in the defense of Wake Island.
A	A Bronze "A" device on the Navy's American Defense Service Medal indicates participation with the ATLANTIC FLEET prior to World War II.
E S E S	Bronze and Silver "E" and "S" devices are worn on MARKSMAN SHIP RIBBONS of both Navy and Coast Guard personnel.

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