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The small metal attachments pinned to a ribbon, and the ribbon itself. What unites them is that each is a modifier rather than an award: a clasp names the action, a star or a cluster or a numeral counts repeats, a rosette signals the award in miniature on civilian dress. Almost every question a reader brings to a row of medals is really a question about one of these, because the medal is the part that is easy to look up and the little devices on it are not. The one distinction worth carrying away is the difference between a device that counts and a device that names — and neither is a rank marker, which is the error the service star attracts most.
How the parts of a medal group fit together — medal, ribbon, clasp, device and the order they are worn in.
A row of short ribbon lengths worn in place of the medals themselves.
A metal bar fixed across a medal's ribbon, naming a campaign or action.
A small star worn on a military medal ribbon to count campaigns or awards.
A small cluster of oak leaves worn on a ribbon to mark a repeat award.
A small circular ribbon knot worn on civilian dress to indicate an honour.
A small bronze palm frond worn on a ribbon, chiefly in French and Belgian systems.
A small metal numeral on a ribbon, counting awards or tours.
How a medal hangs from its ribbon — ring, straight bar or ornate suspender.
A half-size copy of a medal, worn with evening dress.