Template talk:Ribbon devices

Alignment

Without devices, ribbons will align properly:

{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Southwest Asia Service Medal ribbon (1991-2016).svg|}} {{ribbon devices|ribbon=NCO Professional Development Ribbon.svg}} {{ribbon devices|ribbon=Army Service Ribbon.svg}}

With devices, the ribbon alignment resets to the left:

{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Southwest Asia Service Medal ribbon (1991-2016).svg|number=3|type=award-star}} {{ribbon devices|ribbon=NCO Professional Development Ribbon.svg|number=2}} {{ribbon devices|ribbon=Army Service Ribbon.svg}}

--— Gadget850 (Ed) ^talk - 18:44, 25 April 2008 (UTC)

I tried to fix this... couldn't come up with a solution that works correctly in all situations. This seems to be exactly what display:inline-block is for, but unfortunately it's not well supported yet. – flamurai (t) 07:20, 13 May 2008 (UTC)

My suspicions are confirmed: Safari, which supports display:inline-block displays the ribbons correctly. If you have a compatible browser (see [1]), the ribbons on this page should display correctly. – flamurai (t) 21:23, 13 May 2008 (UTC)

Upgraded to FireFox 3b- that page does display correctly. --— Gadget850 (Ed)talk 22:46, 13 May 2008 (UTC)

That's good to know. When I get some free time I will recode these templates to display correctly (and make them easier to edit), at least in those compatible browsers. Maybe next week. – flamurai (t) 23:12, 13 May 2008 (UTC)

Recode

I am working on a recode of the template in {{ribbon devices/sandbox}}. It takes the total number of subtemplates down from 24 (one for each size-number pair) to 2 (one to render an individual device, and one to layout the devices given the number). Plus, it incorporates the bug fix discussed above. (Check out the test cases to see what I mean if you have a compatible browser.) I just have a bit more grunt work to do and I'll make the new version live. – flamurai (t) 19:16, 14 May 2008 (UTC)

Finished the coding. I could use an extra set of eyes to look over the test cases before I make it live. – flamurai (t) 06:26, 15 May 2008 (UTC)

The sandbox version is working nicely with FireFox 2. --—— Gadget850 (Ed) ^talk - 01:14, 29 May 2008 (UTC)

A few resources

I've been using this template a bit lately, and thought I'd share some of the resources I use for building a ribbon rack:

• One fo the best is the interactive builder at Milthin/Medals of America, which supports devices and multiple-service awards: here (pick the primary service and check the box for more than one branch). Just don't accidentally buy them, they are pricey!
• DoN awards: USN, USMC, and USCG

Hope this can help some of you out with your ribbon-based endeavours. bahamut0013♠♣ 13:16, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

• • Thanks for using my kepler sites  :) DukeEGR93 21:55, 5 August 2009 (UTC)

gold star

I'm curious why the template is using File:Silver-service-star-3d.png and File:Bronze-service-star-3d.png, but not File:Award-star-gold-3d.png and File:Award-star-silver-3d.png. Would anyone mind if I replaced File:Ribbonstar-gold.svg and File:Ribbonstar-silver.svg for consistancy? bahamut0013♠♣ 13:59, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

I've made the swap. Things are consistant now. bahamut0013♠♣ 12:34, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Numerals

Would adding Award numerals be feasable for this template? You could use the numerals at Wikipedia:Ribbons#Adding Numbers to Ribbons. bahamut0013♠♣ 19:55, 24 December 2008 (UTC)

I would be willing to illustrate better numerals to use. Those you cite do not look like the bronze award numerals used by the United States Army. If someone else works out the coding to make it work in the templates, I'll commit to rending some good quality (and accurate) bronze numeral awards. Lestatdelc (talk) 07:56, 25 December 2008 (UTC)

I was going to make the same comment: The illustrated numerals are serif, whereas the proper ones are san serif; I think I can find the proper ones. We should add knots as well— any other devices missing? --—— Gadget850 (Ed) ^talk - 13:29, 25 December 2008 (UTC)

In theory, it's possible. The Air Force uses them in combination with stars and devices like the V, which makes things tricky. The layout gets tricky if you need to put a two digit number, plus award stars, plus a valor device on one ribbon. – flamurai (t) 08:16, 28 December 2008 (UTC)

I was also wanting to add the Hourglass Devices and Mobilization Device, but I can't find any adequete images to use. The ones I do have look horrid when shrunk down to size, or lack a transparent background (I don't have any editing software available better than MS Paint). bahamut0013^words_deeds 12:33, 17 February 2009 (UTC)

Added Numerals

I added bronze numerals 0-9 today. Ncohistory (talk) 16:24, 23 September 2011 (UTC)

The numbers were added to the documentation at Template:Ribbon devices/device/doc, but do not actually work in the Template:Ribbon devices/device yet.  :( — MrDolomite • Talk 19:40, 7 March 2012 (UTC)

Template

If the numerals were added, will they implemented into the template as well? Many condolences for Bahamut's passing; is someone carrying his torch now? Bullmoosebell (talk) 19:16, 8 January 2012 (UTC)

Streamers

I was wondering if anyone could figure out how to make the spacing work for streamers?? I can get the devices to space properly in the vertical, but not the horizontal:

I was thinking that if we can get it to work, we can adapt the |type parameter to accept |type=streamer for this. Any thoughts? bahamut0013^words_deeds 13:28, 21 February 2009 (UTC)

Multiple Awards / Other Device Placement For Navy / Marine Corps

One quick note - for 8 awards (ribbon + "7" in stars) for Navy and Marine Corps ribbons, the silver star should be in the center, surrounded by the two gold stars. For example, in

the silver one should be central:

At least according to the Permanent Marine Corps Uniform Board - specifically Paragraph 5401.1.b. A subsequent award would go on the wearer's left:

Similarly, with

I believe the layout should actually be - viewed from the front -

since the "V" should be centered and the additional awards, starting with silver, surround it, starting to the wearer's right (viewer's left) (Paragraph 5402.3.d). However - I read somewhere that no more than four devices can be worn at a time. One fewer award would thus look like:

Assuming I've read the regs correctly... I'll get better confirmation on the "no more than four" part. Thoughts? DukeEGR93 21:10, 5 August 2009 (UTC)

• OK - got a souce for the Army (AR 600-8-22, Section II, Subsection 6-3)

If the number of authorized Oak Leaf Clusters exceeds four, a second ribbon is authorized for wear. When wearing the second ribbon, place it after the first ribbon; the second ribbon counts as one award. Wear no more than four Oak Leaf Clusters on each ribbon. If the receipt of future awards reduces the number of Oak Leaf Clusters sufficiently (that is, a silver oak leaf cluster for five awards), remove the second ribbon and place the appropriate number of devices on a single ribbon.

In the nigh-on unthinkable case that someone in the Army has nine or ten Bronze Stars (at least one of which for Valor), they'd have:

or

respectively. At eleven, it would go back "down" to one ribbon:

which...feels like a lot of code to me. I can, for example, image a case for, ten Good Conduct ribbons causing issues with space on the ribbon. DukeEGR93 03:27, 6 August 2009 (UTC)

• Found photographic evidence of the issue - Gen Krulak has three Bronze stars, including at least one for valor. The template produces:

but the picture clearly has:

I think I am getting the hang of that template now; might be as "simple" as adding a switch for service. DukeEGR93 14:33, 6 August 2009 (UTC)

Do you think you could manage a parameter like |branch=aaf or |branch=nmc to differentiate between Army/Air Force and Navy/Marine Corps rules?

I doubt very much we'd have to worry about coding for more than one ribbon... seems like it's nigh impossible that someone would earn a single award so many times. And if that were the case, then the editor using the template can just use two instances of it without mucking in the code. bahamut0013^words_deeds 05:10, 7 August 2009 (UTC)

I definitely think that's doable. I had one other thought about the template - specifically, about the "number" parameter. Probably not worth it to make the change, but I feel it would kind of make sense for "number" to be the number of awards rather than the number of awards minus one the way it is now... To make it backwards compatible, maybe adding something like an "awards" parameter and a switch to figure out which one is active? DukeEGR93 14:47, 7 August 2009 (UTC)

Here, "number" refers to the number of iterations of the devices, not awards. I think it makes sense, because when I use the template, I think to myself "how many stars do I need to add" rather than "how many times has this been awarded"... but it may just be me. When I adapt prose or lists into a ribbon rack, it's usually worded along the lines of "Bronze Star with two gold stars [in leiu of repeat awards] and valor device", so I don't have to do any mental gymnastics: bronze star image with two stars and a V becomes {{ribbon devices|number=2|type=award-star|ribbon=Bronze Star ribbon.svg|other_device=v|width=106}}. Of course, I don't even do that anymore... I made a cheat sheet. bahamut0013^words_deeds 15:16, 7 August 2009 (UTC)

(small edit above - changed number to "2")... True - the only time that gets a little strange is when the silver devices come into play; seven awards of a Good Conduct medal will only have two devices - and the "number" will be 6...

{{ribbon devices|number=6|type=award-star|ribbon=Marine Corps Good Conduct ribbon.svg|width=106}}

but, really, the people most likely to add ribbons are also most likely going to be able to figure this out and I agree with you that, the template being named "devices" it makes sense for the number to reflect the number of awards represented by the devices. The arrangement is the bigger fish - going to start working on that now. DukeEGR93 16:54, 7 August 2009 (UTC)

Commonwealth Ribbons

The current template is designed only for US ribbons. Is there a possibility of either modifying it to handle Commonwealth (primarily UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand) ribbons or creating a new version specifically for Commonwealth ribbons? I can assist with insignia imagery and with layout requirements, I just don't have the coding experience necessary. Cheers, AusTerrapin (talk) 07:20, 18 July 2010 (UTC)

I was under the impression that Commonwealth awards didn't use dynamic devices (i.e. the device on the Victoria Cross is permanent, and already part of the ribbon image). If there are, then please provide me with a link to the device images and I can add them. bahamut0013^words_deeds 15:16, 18 July 2010 (UTC)

You are quite right, the current images are fixed. This is a bad idea for exactly the same reasons as with US ribbons. I will need to do some work to get all the device images ready and loaded. Is png acceptable or do you need svg? Cheers, AusTerrapin (talk) 21:34, 18 July 2010 (UTC)

Either would be fine, but SVG is usually preferable if available. bahamut0013^words_deeds 00:08, 19 July 2010 (UTC)

(some of the) Oz devices

Just passing by. I'm not sure that I understand the request, so the following may not be what you're after. Please advise.
There are other devices too - e.g. for Mentioned in Despatches. I'll add them when I can find examples.
Cheers, Pdfpdf (talk) 14:21, 27 July 2010 (UTC)

Clasps	Years service	Defence Force Service Medal	Reserve Force Medal	Reserve Force Decoration	Defence Long Service Medal	Cadet Forces Service Medal	Years service	National Medal
	15-19						15-24
		Round rosettes cupro-nickel	Oval rosettes cupro-nickel	Oval rosettes cupro-nickel	Round rosettes cupro-nickel	Round rosettes cupro-nickel		Round rosettes bronze
1	20-24						25-34
2	25-29						35-44
3	30-34						45-54
4	35-39						55-64
		Federation Star silver	Federation Star silver	Federation Star silver	Federation Star silver	Federation Star silver		?
5	40-44						65-74	?
6	45-49	In theory, 2 Fed stars, but I've never seen anyone with 6 clasps.					75-84	?
7	50-54	In theory, 3 Fed stars ... Etc.					85-94	?

Well, that's a good display of the fixed images, but without an image of just the rosettes (one each in silver round, silver oval, and bronze round) and star, I won't be able to adapt the template to superimpose the device image(s) onto the ribbon. And, of course, that is only a small sample, I believe? bahamut0013^words_deeds 19:39, 27 July 2010 (UTC)

Fair comment.

I'll rattle user:PalawanOz's cage - he created almost all of these, so presumably he has "the bits".

And yes, there are others.

Cheers, Pdfpdf (talk) 13:04, 28 July 2010 (UTC)

Africa Star

Africa Star ADF NZDF

218x60px File:Africa Star BAR.svg File:Africa Star 1st ARMY BAR.svg File:Africa Star 8th ARMY BAR.svg File:Africa Star 8th 1st BAR.svg File:Africa Star N-AFRICA 42-43 BAR.svg

There are a few (not many) other example at User talk:Pdfpdf/Ribbons. Cheers, Pdfpdf (talk) 13:34, 28 July 2010 (UTC)

Despite the image above, the rules for the Africa Star were that an individual was, at most, entitled to one clasp - the first for which they earned eligibility. Thus the ribbon is only ever worn plain, with a numeral 1, with a numeral 8 or with a silver rosette, never with more than 1 insignia. Cheers AusTerrapin (talk) 14:03, 28 July 2010 (UTC)

FYI: Dwight D. Eisenhower and pl:Dwight_Eisenhower seem to think Eisenhower was awarded it. (That doesn't mean he was, just that some wikipedians think he was ... ) Cheers, Pdfpdf (talk) 14:30, 28 July 2010 (UTC)

Am I misunderstanding, or are the "8" and "1" devices unique to this award (to put another way, the numerals not used with other ribbons)? If this is the case, then it would probably be better to stick with the SVGs as they are, and not institute a template, both for the reliability of the code and for the sake of performance (though we need not worry about the latter too much, having to parse the template more often then necessary does have a noticable negative effect on page load times).

As you may have seen in an earlier discussion, I am seeking award numerals and Strike/Flight numerals for use in this template, so it may be a moot point in that they are needed anyway. However, the American numerals seem to be more silver than gold, and I'm not sure that the fonts are really interchangable. bahamut0013^words_deeds 14:14, 28 July 2010 (UTC)

I don't know, but I suspect you are correct. e.g. My father was awarded an Africa star with an "8", (though it was a silver 8, not a gold one), but I'm not aware of the 8 (of either colour) being worn with any other ribbon. Pdfpdf (talk) 14:30, 28 July 2010 (UTC)

I believe the bronze 1 and 8 (they aren't gold) are unique to the Africa Star, though like Pfpdf, the 8 on my grandfather's ribbon is a silver colour (I suspect it is actually aluminium). Replica medal companies advertise bronze hardware, so I suspect that this is one of those anomalies of mass production and potentially war time austerity measures. There may also be a country specific dimension to it. Silver (or similar shaded metal) numerals are slightly more prevalent, in particular for use on UN awards, though not too many would have a figure 8 (only UN mission staff, not attached military staff, could credibly achieve the service requirement that this would entail). Silver and gold rosettes are common to a number of British awards, whilst the radial pattern rosette and federation star is common to a number of Australian long service awards. Australian decorations have insignia unique to each decoration to indicate multiple awards. My intent is to put together the insignia and then come back with the details required to program the template - unless Pdfpdf or PalawanOz beat me to it. Cheers, AusTerrapin (talk) 14:49, 28 July 2010 (UTC)

continuing ...

It may be worth researching any sort of regulations that may have been issued regarding the issue/wear of such awards to see what type of metal is authorized... it may indeed be the case that there is no standard, in which case, I'd be happy with anything compatible with American numerals so that we don't have to code two distinct types. bahamut0013^words_deeds 17:05, 28 July 2010 (UTC)

Yes, a "universal standard" would be wonderful!

It may be worth researching any sort of regulations that may have been issued regarding the issue/wear of such awards to see what type of metal is authorized - I think that information is already captured on WP pages, so no further research is required - just some analysis and synthesis of the already available information.

it may indeed be the case that there is no standard - Sorry. Beaureaucrats are involved here. There is undoubtedly some sort of "standard". The issue, of course, is whether the so-called "standard" bears any relationship to anything else ...

in which case, I'd be happy with anything compatible with American numerals so that we don't have to code two distinct types. - Hmmm. Well, I personally know nothing about "American numerals". So what do you suggest? Cheers, Pdfpdf (talk) 13:34, 30 July 2010 (UTC)

I've done a little bit of digging. Based on the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals in Time of War regulations for Campaign Stars and the Defence Medal dated May 1945, the ribbon numerals were silver (which begs the question where did bronze/gold come from). I've updated the Africa Star page accordingly with references. However the numeral font is different to that for US award numerals. An example is shown here. I note that this template does not currently apply US award numerals. I wonder, given the concerns with parsing performance, whether it may not be better to create a new template, or alternatively a separate sub-template with a switch to select between the US and Commonwealth sub-templates. Cheers, AusTerrapin (talk) 17:01, 31 July 2010 (UTC)

I'll have to check into American numerals a bit more, but I think that they are similar enough in font and color that fudging in one direction or the other wouldn't stress anyone too much. I think the majority of the metal color confusion on both sides is simply a matter of availability to verterans and the fact that poor photography can make bronze look like gold, gold like silver, etc. I think creating a sub-template might actually be counter-productive in this case, but I like to stick to the KISS method when talking about parser functions. And the only reason it doesn't have US numerals either is simply because I have yet to find any adequete images... which is why I'm excited at the prospect of you finding some for Commonwealth medals, because it will end my search! :P So for now, why don't you just find the images you need, I'll implement them, and I will tweak a copy if necessary for the US numerals... probably just label them with a method like "8s" for a silver eight and "3g" for a gold 3, etc if they do need to be distinct. bahamut0013^words_deeds 20:17, 31 July 2010 (UTC)

Width request

Would it be possible to create a new width that is either 75 or 76 so that this Template would better-fit the Userbox template? 106 and 80 are too large to fit three in a row and 60 is a little too small. You can technically use 75 or 76 now but if you have a star then it will not work correctly. Also, is there any effort to include the various pins/warfare designators/etc? Evan.oltmanns (talk) 22:48, 20 March 2011 (UTC)

"O" device

Does the possibility exist to add the Operational Distinguishing Device? Mr. D. E. Mophon (talk) 08:04, 25 March 2011 (UTC)

If you can find a suitable image of the device to use, I can add it. By "suitable", I mean high quality; SVG would be preferable. bahamut0013^words_deeds 20:26, 25 March 2011 (UTC)

What would the "filter" ("other_device"?) be called (in the template)? Allen (talk) 00:50, 3 March 2012 (UTC)

I found http://www.iragreen.com/images/upload/sized/074bb4adcd67e9e7dcf00a472a2ce650.jpg, http://64.20.46.230/images/OperationalDevice.gif, and http://militarywired.com/i/dir/Silver-Letter-O. Allen (talk) 21:26, 7 March 2012 (UTC)

Can the image be put as a device for certain ribbons? Allen (talk) 04:56, 10 March 2012 (UTC)

It appears that someone added "odd" as an option for "other devices" (see Template:Ribbon devices/device), but it doesn't render when using that option from the template. Does anyone know if the project to add the Operational Distinguishing Device still in progress? Rlctheory (talk) 18:56, 15 June 2014 (UTC)

Here it is, it looks good at 60, okay at 106, and not as good at 80. It still won't render right with award stars, the template is not set up for the naval service arrangement of devices. EricSerge (talk) 00:31, 25 June 2014 (UTC)

Request

First, this is a great and much needed template. Kudos to User:Bahamut0013 and anyone else who made this and keep it going!

Second, I'm wondering if there's a way to modify the vertical centering of the devices. For instance:

 {{ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|ribbon=Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|width=80}}

Results in:

The device is obviously closer to the top than towards the center for this ribbon, which has a "gold border" and is therefore perhaps not quite "normal". It's of course a small thing, but definitely noticeable, and likely will carry over to the numerous unit awards that come with "borders." Keep up the good work! Erudy (talk) 15:18, 23 March 2012 (UTC)

Why does V appear as OakLeaf Cluster on Distinguished Flying Cross?

The V device is authorized by the United States Air Force on the Distinguished Flying Cross. Why does putting a V as the type of device appear as

?

Sorry, don't know nothin' 'bout programming, I'm just here for content. --Lineagegeek (talk) 15:54, 23 October 2012 (UTC)

Because you need to use other_device, not type:

Thanks.--Lineagegeek (talk) 20:03, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

Award stars are invisible

If you set |type=award-star, the stars do not appear. If you mouse over the position they're supposed to be in, the links are there, but the stars themselves are invisible. Any idea why?

Examples:

{{Ribbon devices|number=2|type=award-star|ribbon=Navy Distinguished Service ribbon.svg|width=60}}

{{Ribbon devices|number=3|type=award-star|ribbon=Legion of Merit ribbon.svg|width=60}}

—[AlanM1(talk)]— 06:26, 4 July 2013 (UTC)

Update: The problem is that the image specified in the src attribute is http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/Award-star-gold-3d.svg/13px-Award-star-gold-3d.svg.png, and this image is just all white. Actually, any size less than 15px comes out all white. How do I tell what to render them correctly? —[AlanM1(talk)]— 07:48, 4 July 2013 (UTC) (edited) —[AlanM1(talk)]— 08:03, 4 July 2013 (UTC)

Update 2: This, of course, happens only when the ribbon is small enough and the screen size/resolution is such that the resulting stars must be smaller than 15px. Also discussed at Commons:Help desk § File does not render below 15px. —[AlanM1(talk)]— 12:05, 5 July 2013 (UTC)

Update 3: Previously, File:Award-star-gold-3d.svg was used for gold award stars. At this time, though, the image does not render to PNG format correctly below about 100px, causing it to render either gray or white or not at all and without 3D effects, depending on size. I've replaced it (in {{Ribbon devices/device}}) with File:Award star-gold-3d.svg, which renders correctly at all sizes. —[AlanM1(talk)]— 11:06, 8 July 2013 (UTC)

Sandbox has fixed vertical centering in 60px and 80px widths

I fixed the vertical positioning of the devices being too low in the 60px and 80px width cases in {{Ribbon devices/device layout/sandbox}}. The testcases at Template:Ribbon devices/testcases § 60px tests and Template:Ribbon devices/testcases § 80px tests show the diffs, which look good on Win7/FFox20/1366x768 LED, as well as WinXP/FFox7(!)/1600x1200 LCD. Any problems with the appearance anywhere? —[AlanM1(talk)]— 08:58, 9 July 2013 (UTC)

Since nobody commented, I'm going to copy the sandbox changes into production. —[AlanM1(talk)]— 07:22, 17 July 2013 (UTC)

I didn't see this discussion at the time, but have subsequently noticed a dramatic lowering of the ribbon devices in Windows 8/FFox7/1280x768 LCD. Has anyone experienced a similar problem and/or found a solution? Thewellman (talk) 16:19, 27 April 2014 (UTC)

I had noticed the same thing, but I hadn't realized that it has been going on for that long. Since I didn't see any recent changes to any part of the template I figured it was just related somehow to my browser (IE8) going out of date and becoming unsupported. Gecko G (talk) 19:28, 27 April 2014 (UTC)

@Thewellman and Gecko G: I, too, noticed some time ago that the devices all dropped a bit so they're hanging over the bottom of the ribbon in some case. This was definitely not the case when I fixed the templates and created the testcases, and there have been no changes to the templates since then. I suspect there was a change to the skin stylesheet(s) that is causing the issue. Before I "fix" the templates by moving everything up 6 pixels again, I'll run it by the folks at VPT for some input. —[AlanM1(talk)]— 11:19, 20 June 2014 (UTC)

@Thewellman and Gecko G: Fixed. The problem was the line-height style, changed in the recent typography update. The template now sets it to what it was previously. —[AlanM1(talk)]— 01:40, 21 June 2014 (UTC)

@AlanM1: - The Bronze service 3⁄16 star looks good. However, is it just my imagination or does the silver service 3⁄16 star, Arrowhead device, V device, and gold award 5⁄16 star all look too low? (the bronze award 5⁄16 star seems ok). Or is it just an optical illusion because I got used to seeing the Bronze stars soo low? Gecko G (talk) 22:15, 24 June 2014 (UTC)

There are a few issues here. The 5/16" silver and gold stars are rendering as two different sizes, as are the 3/16" versions. Also, the sandbox and live versions render at slightly different vertical positions. Does someone know exactly what 3/16" high is supposed to mean? Is it:

1. the point-to-2-points-away distance (i.e. the max distance between two points; 1.236 * #2);
2. the distance from a point to a perpendicular line between the opposite two points; or
3. the distance from one point to the one beside it (1.453 * #2)?

—[AlanM1(talk)]— 11:52, 25 June 2014 (UTC)

@AlanM1: - hmm.... That's a good question. Everything I can find just refers to the size "in diameter" (if it mentions any such at all). Might need to figure out and find which E.O. or W.D.G.O. they were first authorized in/for/by, as those often have more details. Gecko G (talk) 00:14, 28 June 2014 (UTC)

After I posted, it dawned on me to go look at where the 3⁄16 inch stars came from- the mini-stars on the middle of the larger Silver and Bronze Star medals. While those descriptions of the mini-stars just refer to diameter, the larger star shaped medals are specified (right before) as 1½ inch circumscribed diameter, so the implication is that the smaller one's must also be circumscribed diameter. Gecko G (talk) 01:06, 28 June 2014 (UTC)

Would the DoD spec sheets help? Title:Ribbon Attachment, Star EricSerge (talk) 01:12, 29 June 2014 (UTC)

Amazing find there E.S.! It took a couple of read throughs for me to figure out what's what on in that (hint, open Revision L, and read note #3 first), but basically the relevant entries are:

 • The Bronze 3⁄16" Star is Dash 1

 • The Silver 3⁄16" Star is Dash 2

 • The Bronze 5⁄16" Star is Dash 14

 • The Silver 5⁄16" Star is either Dash 3 or Dash 15, but the entries are the same so it doesn't matter

 • The Gold 5⁄16" Star is either Dash 4 or Dash 19, (Army is definately 19, other branch's could be either) but again, the entries are the same, so again it doesn't matter.

Going through those entries, in all cases both the Height and Overall width (star point to star point) are the same as the 3/16" or 5/16", respectively (only in the commercial versions do they vary - again see note 3). Gecko G (talk) 02:02, 29 June 2014 (UTC)

Alignment with FMFCOI and bronze service star

There appears to be an issue when the FMFCOI is combined with a bronze service star, as above. U.S. Navy regulation dictates that when these two devices are worn on the ribbon simultaneously, that the FMFCOI be centered, and that the star be off to its right (viewer's left). However, at the moment, the FMFCOI is off to the viewer's left, and the star is off to the viewer's right. May somebody fix this, please? Thank you! Illegitimate Barrister (talk) 15:38, 11 September 2013 (UTC)

@Illegitimate Barrister, this type of change cannot be at the template, this would be a change (create new) to the image file, I suggest contacting Wikipedia:Graphics Lab and request a new image be created. Mlpearc (open channel) 18:26, 14 December 2013 (UTC)

You can always do this:

EricSerge (talk) 01:55, 21 June 2014 (UTC)

I wonder about the exact requirement here. Is that sort of geometry required of any non-service-star devices for the Navy? For other branches? It's possible that we can get closer by putting those other devices to the right of service stars/clusters. Someone have links to the current regs? —[AlanM1(talk)]— 07:55, 24 June 2014 (UTC)

The "V" device when worn with stars has the V centered with the stars around it (for the sea services - oddly the latest DoD manual doesn't mention it anymore, but the one's from 1990 & 1996 do), but not when the "V" is with oak leaf clusters (then the "V" goes on the left - the wearer's right). As mentioned lower down this talk page, the Coast Guard's Operational Distinguishing Device uses that format. Off the top of my head I believe both the hourglass and "M" devices of the reserves does as well. Gecko G (talk) 22:09, 24 June 2014 (UTC)

Thanks, Serge. It's a bit complicated, but I guess it'll have to do. Illegitimate Barrister 16:14, 6 August 2014 (UTC)

The Hourglasses are always worn to the wearer's right, as is the "M". If you have both devices the hourglass comes first. If you have all 3 possible devices it ends up looking like this . — Sarge (talk) 14:03, 23 December 2019 (UTC)

Request: 1px border

Please add a parameter to be able to add a one pixel-wide border to the ribbon (that can be turned on or off). Thank you. Illegitimate Barrister (talk) 13:56, 10 November 2013 (UTC)

"This template must be followed by a complete and specific description of the request, that is, specify what text should be removed and a verbatim copy of the text that should replace it. "Please change X" is not acceptable and will be rejected; the request must be of the form "please change X to Y"." --  Gadget850 ^talk 21:58, 14 December 2013 (UTC)

Can someone make the template do this?

• 
• 
• 

EricSerge (talk) 04:27, 10 April 2014 (UTC)

I've been wondering if I could get the same thing, only using the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Operational Distinguishing Device. Check out User:Morriswa/My userboxes. Allen (Morriswa) (talk) 04:56, 10 April 2014 (UTC)

I'm having the same problem centering the "O" (see USCGC Basswood (WLB-388)). --Mox La Push (talk) 05:07, 17 August 2018 (UTC)

Verifiability?

Where is the verifiability for these ribbons? Is it cite-able? Example article Joseph C. McConnell. ―Mandruss ☎ 21:44, 18 June 2018 (UTC)

I would look to the individual Wikipedia article for each ribbon for verification and sources. --Mox La Push (talk) 02:57, 18 August 2018 (UTC)

Navy/USMC alignment

As mentioned by @DukeEgr93 a long time ago, the arrangement of devices, when used for Navy or USMC ribbons, is wrong, according to NAVPERS 15665I article 5316 et. seq.. I've put what I think is a correct implementation in the sandbox along with changes to the doc. It makes used of a moved Ribbon devices/device layout at RDDL/sandbox and a new template, RDDT/sandbox that replaces a piece of code that was being repeated many times, hopefully making the code easier to read/maintain. Test cases are at Ribbon devices/testcases. Any objections to the new names or other comments? —[AlanM1(talk)]— 02:11, 5 September 2018 (UTC)

P.S.: Are the "3" and "7" cases correct or do two devices go on the right side of the V? —[AlanM1(talk)]— 02:12, 5 September 2018 (UTC); edited by —[AlanM1(talk)]— 02:56, 5 September 2018 (UTC)

(pinging @Illegitimate Barrister, Gecko G, and EricSerge) —[AlanM1(talk)]— 00:53, 21 October 2018 (UTC)

@AlanM1: Spotted an error: The SWASM has gold stars when it should have bronze. – Illegitimate Barrister (talk • contribs), 12:26, 12 May 2019 (UTC)

@Illegitimate Barrister: Thanks – I'll look at it. I was kind of dragging my feet to try to get up the interest to fix the alignment problems (devices sometimes too low, not closely enough spaced horizontally, maybe using a Lua module), but I should probably just bite the bullet and release it so people can start adding the |branch=nmc params in articles for Navy/Marine Corps people to render them correctly. Maybe soon. —[AlanM1(talk)]— 15:39, 13 May 2019 (UTC)

2023

It's been a few years, is using span code still the only way to make this work? Span code is not always mobile friendly (and it's "clunky" to figure out) Gecko G (talk) 18:58, 1 March 2023 (UTC)

(also pinging @DukeEgr93: who seemed to be working on this previously) Gecko G (talk) 19:05, 1 March 2023 (UTC)

Howdy! It's been a minute since I have looked at this, and at the moment, my main ribbon checker is broken so I am working on fixing that first  :) DukeEGR93 19:00, 8 March 2023 (UTC)

Devices for Armed Forces Reserve Medal

I'm looking to add in the devices for the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

I've got the Svg's of them on commons:

However I ran into an issue working in the sandbox for the Ribbon Devices subtemplate's sandbox. All 4 of these are listed as "other_device" and the template only allows for one instance of this. There are situations where 3 would be required (Gold Hourglass, Bronze Hourglass, "M", plus a numeral).

a full ribbon looks like this

Is there a way to modify the template(s) to allow for multiple instances of "other_devce"?

thanks, — Sarge (talk) 15:08, 30 December 2019 (UTC)

Service star ribbon devices

I have created gold and bronze versions of the Silver service star ribbon device to give the stars more consistency. Unfortunately I was only able to create .png files of them but maybe someone can convert them into .svg ones and then use them to replace the lower quality bronze and gold service star ribbon devices currently in use.

EU-DE-NRW-SI (talk) 12:24, 27 April 2021 (UTC)

instead of

Creates lot of whitespace in lists

Apart from making lists take up up a lot of space on the page - much more than some articles have text on the recipients - the ribbon image overwhelms the text which is what most readers will recognize if at all rather than the ribbon. Reducing the default would be a good idea. For my mind, at around width = 60, the ribbon and normal size text seem in balance. GraemeLeggett (talk) 17:59, 23 October 2021 (UTC)

Coding

Anyone know how to code the string for multiple roman numerals on an Air Medal? I have tried several combinations using the roman numerals found in the template.Meyerj (talk) 19:19, 2 February 2012 (UTC)

Operational Distinguishing Device

Many high-ranking Coast Guard members lack the "O" device on their ribbon image displays (for example, Charles W. Bowen has six images lacking the device, although those ribbons show associated service stars). Is there an svg of the device that can be added to this template? 71.234.215.133 (talk) 12:48, 6 July 2010 (UTC)

I have been trying to get someone to put it on Wikipedia for the last few days or so. Allen (talk) 11:25, 7 March 2012 (UTC)

I found http://www.iragreen.com/images/upload/sized/074bb4adcd67e9e7dcf00a472a2ce650.jpg, http://64.20.46.230/images/OperationalDevice.gif, and http://militarywired.com/i/dir/Silver-Letter-O. Allen (talk) 21:25, 7 March 2012 (UTC)

I added the device for it. Did I do it correctly? Allen (talk) 23:17, 7 March 2012 (UTC)

I noticed that someone removed the device from the template. Why? How do I display the device on ribbons? Allen (Morriswa) (talk) 10:16, 27 April 2012 (UTC)

Instructions

Could someone put detailed instruction on how to use the template? For one, what do all the parts of the template string mean? Also, can it be used in conjuction with the ribbon templates? Thank you for increasing my knowledge of templates! Allen (talk) 11:33, 7 March 2012 (UTC)

Good Conduct loops

Is it possible to someway incorporate the Good Conduct Loop into this template? --RightCowLeftCoast (talk) 01:52, 31 March 2012 (UTC)

Gold award stars

Previously, File:Award-star-gold-3d.svg was used for gold award stars. At this time, though, the image does not render to PNG format correctly below about 100px, causing it to render either gray or white or not at all and without 3D effects, depending on size. I've replaced it with File:Award star-gold-3d.svg, which renders correctly at all sizes. —[AlanM1(talk)]— 11:03, 8 July 2013 (UTC)

Template-protected edit request on 10 May 2018

I wish to add File:Rosette.svg to devices. I created a scan of a relative's Canadian Forces Decoration, and traced the rosettes.

Rosette

Kingdom of Baustralia (talk)

 Not done: Currently {{Ribbon devices}} only supports United States military award devices (as mentioned at Template:Ribbon devices). Before adding a Canadian Forces decoration I recommend you start a discussion at Template talk:Ribbon devices about adding support for other forces. —RP88 ^(talk) 03:31, 11 May 2018 (UTC)

Template-protected edit request on 10 December 2018

Please replace:

BRONZE SERVICE STAR
-->|bs
|bss=[[Image:Bronze-service-star-3d.png|{{#switch:{{{4}}}|60=11|80=14|18}}px|alt=Bronze star|Bronze service star]]<!-- 

SILVER SERVICE STAR
-->|sss=[[Image:Silver-service-star-3d.png|{{#switch:{{{4}}}|60=11|80=14|18}}px|alt=Silver star|Silver service star]]<!-- 

with

BRONZE SERVICE STAR
-->|bs
|bss=[[Image:Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg|{{#switch:{{{4}}}|60=11|80=14|18}}px|alt=Bronze star|Bronze service star]]<!-- 

SILVER SERVICE STAR
-->|sss=[[Image:Silver-service-star-3d.svg|{{#switch:{{{4}}}|60=11|80=14|18}}px|alt=Silver star|Silver service star]]<!-- 

Jay D. Easy (talk) 21:17, 10 December 2018 (UTC)

 Done Izno (talk) 04:24, 11 December 2018 (UTC)

Template Protected edit request on 23 December 2019

Please add these to the template:

BRONZE HOURGLASS DEVICE
-->|bhg=[[Image:Hourglass Device Bronze.svg|{{#switch:{{{4}}}|60=12|80=16|20}}px|alt=Bronze Hourglass|Bronze Hourglass Device]]<!--

SILVER HOURGLASS DEVICE
-->|shg=[[Image:Hourglass Device Silver.svg|{{#switch:{{{4}}}|60=12|80=16|20}}px|alt=Silver Hourglass|Silver Hourglass Device]]<!--

GOLD HOURGLASS DEVICE
-->|ghg=[[Image:Hourglass Device Gold.svg|{{#switch:{{{4}}}|60=12|80=16|20}}px|alt=Gold Hourglass|Gold Hourglass Device]]<!--

M DEVICE
-->|m=[[Image:Bronze M Device.svg|{{#switch:{{{4}}}|60=12|80=16|28}}px|alt="M" Device|"M" Device]]<!--

and this to the documentation:

|[[Image:Hourglass Device Bronze.svg|20px|alt=Bronze Hourglass Device]]
|<code>bhg</code>
|Bronze [[Armed_Forces_Reserve_Medal#For_service_–_the_Hourglass_device|Hourglass Device]]
|-
|[[Image:Hourglass Device Silver.svg|20px|alt=Silver Hourglass Device]]
|<code>shg</code>
|Silver [[Armed_Forces_Reserve_Medal#For_service_–_the_Hourglass_device|Hourglass Device]]
|-
|[[Image:Hourglass Device Gold.svg|20px|alt=Gold Hourglass Device]]
|<code>ghg</code>
|Gold [[Armed_Forces_Reserve_Medal#For_service_–_the_Hourglass_device|Hourglass Device]]
|-
|[[Image:Bronze M Device.svg|28px|alt="M" Device]]
|<code>m</code>
|"M" [[Armed_Forces_Reserve_Medal#For_mobilization_–_the_"M"_device|Device]]

I may not have gotten the #switch parameters right as I'm not sure how to test that. Thanks! — Sarge (talk) 13:36, 23 December 2019 (UTC)

 Not done: please make your requested changes to the template's sandbox first; see WP:TESTCASES.

Wegates, that's what the template's sandbox and testcases pages are for. I've refreshed the sandbox so that it's a copy of the live template, ready for you to try your changes. Once they're ready to go, you reactivate the request (set edit template-protected's |answered=no) and you can do the changes to the documentation yourself, it's not protected. Cabayi (talk) 17:05, 23 December 2019 (UTC)

Cabayi the overall template would appear to only allow one instance of "other_device=" per ribbon. given that it's quite possible too have both the hourglass and the M (and if you've been in long enough two hourglasses!), as well as a numeral. I'm not sure this is going to be possible to make it work. thanks — Sarge (talk) 12:29, 30 December 2019 (UTC)

Wegates, the parent template has some projects listed. A request/discussion at Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Orders, decorations, and medals may be fruitful. Good luck. Cabayi (talk) 13:54, 30 December 2019 (UTC)

Template-Protected edit request 9/26/2020

In the Louisiana National Guard, there exists at least one ribbon device that is not available in this template, a silver Fleur de Lys. It is documented at this website.

I am happy to design the SVG image for this device and would love some help modifying the template. Since I'm a software engineer, I don't imagine the template syntax will be hard to pick up, but would appreciate any guidance. Thanks!

Samwinslow (talk) 00:31, 27 September 2020 (UTC)

Template-protected edit request on 3 September 2023

Greetings, please replace:

 Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg 

With:

  Ribbonstar-bronze.svg

Reason being the actual star is pretty dark but the star that's on there currently is very light. – Illegitimate Barrister (talk • contribs), 00:48, 4 September 2023 (UTC)

 Done — Martin (MSGJ · talk) 11:47, 4 September 2023 (UTC)