Medals & Awards

The Society's Regulations concerning the wearing of SAR medals and awards can be found in the official handbook, along with the requirements for each of these awards. The handbook is updated periodically and republished. A current edition can be downloaded from the NSSAR web site (www.sar.org), and may be purchased from the Merchandise Department.

With the exception of a few medals that were struck for specific events, medals are available from the NSSAR Merchandise Department. Things that should be observed concerning the wearing of SAR medals include when to wear them and how to wear them. The wearing of SAR medals is encouraged and they should be worn at all appropriate occasions such as SAR and other lineage society events. It is meaningless for Compatriots to present medals as recognition for good works, if they don't wear their own SAR medals. Medals should be worn on formal and semi­formal occasions.

The full size medals should be worn on informal attire, but for appearance sake, should be only worn on a suit or sports coat. Once a member has been awarded three or more medals, he should have them mounted on a ribbon bar. Each medal is sewn on the bar to present uniform appearance. The NSSAR Merchandise Department provides mounting service for a minimal charge. Miniature medals should be worn on formal attire. They should be mounted on ribbon bars, with the lowest bar worn slightly above the breast pocket. Full size medals should be worn in the same manner. Additionally, when wearing your medals, you should limit the number of "pins" to just one.

Every member of the Society is entitled to wear the membership badge. Chapter Presidents, State and National officers wear their membership badge suspended from a neck ribbon also shown. All others use a traditional ribbon drape on which stars representing each supplemental ancestor recorded at NSSAR headquarters may be worn. Items that may be worn on the neck ribbon in addition to the Supplemental stars include the past Vice Presidents emblem, past Chapter and State Presidents emblem, and Trustees emblem. No more than three of the emblems may be worn at one time.

Many of us also belong to other Societies that present medals. Protocol dictates that when combining medals from various Societies, the official founding date of each society establishes the order in which the medals should be worn. When you become a Compatriot of the SAR you were probably given a "Rosette" which is worn on the left lapel of the jacket. It is a very effective recruiting tool as you will be asked what it represents. You are encouraged to wear it as often as possible. The NSSAR Merchandise Department also offers a very attractive embroidered breast crest that adds a "touch of class" to any blazer. It may be worn when you wear your medals.

Those that have served in our Armed Forces are entitled to wear their military decorations/medals. These always take precedence over all SAR medals.

The National Color Guard Committee recommends that when guardsman are wearing their Revolutionary War uniforms that they forego wearing any medals. When in your Revolutionary War uniform you are representing and honoring the memory of your patriot ancestor, who predates medals. You are not displaying your own achievements.