Oh man, I got a ton of that shit when I went Army. USMC, two NG units over ten years, and yes, I earned stuff that I refused to remove for anyone. Paper backs it up, but the experiences that earned it, will always be the best part. It's funny when some Army Staff Sertgent tells ya to get at Parade rest, and you stand there looking like WTF? Because two weeks ago you were wearing the same damn stripes, but Army saw fit to hand ya E freakin 4, and told ya to earn it all back. I truly almost took a walk that day. Parade Rest, for THIS POG? FUUUck THAT! I'm glad I sucked it up, hung out for a while. I met some great guys and gals, and had some times.
I looked at my old Uniform jacket the other day, and actually counted...21 total ribbons. Half way to the shoulder. All I could think was, Damn, I did all that in 26 years, Wow. A few friends told me,"Dude, you had a very highly decorated career" I just do not see it. No Bronze Stars, no V devices, just basic stuff for pretty much being somewhere or doing some job that needed to be done when it needed doing. Many have earned far less, but far more important awards than I, and it is those men and women who have also earned a ton of respect.
If I ever see some little asshat wearing that kind fo shit, I am just going to hit him, just once. really hard.
Anyone asks me about my Corps Service, I reply as such,"Yes, K-Bay Marine, 2nd Marine Air Division, HMM165, 31st MAU, Semper FI, Brother!"