Ribbons, Lapel Button, and "V" Device
- Neck ribbon: Since 1944, the Medal of Honor has been attached to a light blue colored moiré silk neck ribbon that is 1.1875 inches (30.16 millimetres) in width and 21.75 inches (552 millimetres) in length. The center of the ribbon displays thirteen white stars in the form of three chevrons. The Medal of Honor is one of only two military neck order awards and is the only neck order that is awarded to members of the armed forces. The other, the Commander's Degree of the Legion of Merit, is presented to foreign dignitaries.
- Service ribbon and lapel button: On May 2, 1896, Congress authorized a "ribbon to be worn with the medal and rosette or knot to be worn in lieu of the medal". The service ribbon is light blue with five white stars in the form of an "M". It is placed first in the top position in the order of precedence and is worn for situations other than full-dress military uniform. The lapel button is a 1/2 inch, six-sided light blue bowknot rosette with thirteen white stars and may be worn on appropriate civilian clothing on the left lapel.
- "V" Device: Currently, no more than one Medal of Honor may be awarded to an individual. However, as of 2010, "for each succeeding act that would otherwise justify award of the Medal of Honor, the individual receiving the subsequent award is authorized to wear an additional Medal of Honor ribbon and/or a "V" device on the Medal of Honor suspension ribbon." The "V" device is a 1/4 inch high bronze miniature letter "V" with serifs. The Medal of Honor is the only decoration to use the "V" device to designate subsequent awards in such fashion. Nineteen individuals, now deceased, were double Medal of Honor recipients.
Read more about this topic: Medal Of Honor, Appearance
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