These small, colorful strips of fabric represent military decorations and campaign service awarded to personnel who served during a major global conflict. Typically worn on uniforms in lieu of full-sized medals, they provide a readily visible record of an individual’s accomplishments and participation. A common example includes a blue, white, and red striped award signifying service in the European Theater of Operations.
These fabric emblems served as an efficient way to display honors, fostering morale and esprit de corps within the armed forces. They allowed for the quick recognition of individual contributions while minimizing the weight and bulk of full medals. Examining the combination and order of these decorations provides insight into a veteran’s specific experiences and timeline of involvement in the conflict.